"We feel like we're being locked in," is the first thing Aissa Yago, a resident of the Île Saint-Louis, one of the three islets in the Seine River, exclaims. "It's going to be like Planet of the Apes, all that's left is for them to throw peanuts at us," another man remarked during a conversation with AFP and the neighbours.

Moving to the Quai de Bethune, more people eager to share their concerns appeared. An irritated driver nervously asked a gendarme where she could access the area. Immediately after, a melody of honking erupted from nowhere, right on the street. "The city is blocked everywhere," explained another resident, Rodolphe, "it's frustrating," he concluded.

However, amidst all the frustration, there are always some more relaxed, softer voices. Others view this urban reorganisation with a different perspective. A resident of the historic Saint-Paul neighbourhood clarifies, "It's normal to do something like this for the Olympic Games, it's something that happens once every 100 years."

Many also adhere to this view, preferring a month of 'chaos' but with a "different and entertaining atmosphere" over the "normalcy" of Paris. Back on the island, Simon, a shopkeeper, also understands the need for security measures and protocols, even though they are hurting his business.

Instead of the "party," a young customer at the bar where Simon works laments that "all we see so far is a loss of business volume." According to him, the historic and distinguished neighbourhood of the French capital is suffering. "We haven't worked at all in July, it's a disaster," comments the manager of another nearby café, in front of her empty terrace. "The island's residents told me, 'we're leaving because we don't want to be here for the Games,'" the businesswoman stated.

On Thursday, security perimeters will be activated, and to enter the Ile Saint-Louis, it will be mandatory to have a QR code, available only to residents who need access to their workplace or home. Most residents obtained their code, but Aissa Yago complains that she hasn't received hers despite applying for it.

Adding to the problem of empty businesses and access issues, another phenomenon has sparked the anger of many Parisians. It's the "social cleansing" as described by Marie-Christine Goux, a resident of the 15th arrondissement.

Marie loves to admire the Seine from her favorite bench while chatting with a friend. However, her friend, a homeless person who lives near her usual relaxation spot, has disappeared. Several associations have already raised complaints about the expulsion of homeless people from Paris.