Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection — Attraction in Paris

Homeless tent spotted in front of the Bourse de Commerce in Paris.

Homeless Tents in Central Paris

Over the past two years, numerous makeshift tent camps—often occupied by undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, and vulnerable individuals—have appeared under bridges, along the Seine banks, and in public squares throughout central Paris .

Authorities have conducted frequent sweeping operations, evicting inhabitants from these camps, claiming health and safety concerns (such as flood risk) or proximity to schools and tourist sites .

From April 2023 to mid‑2024, an estimated over 12,500 people were relocated from Paris to temporary reception centres in other regions, a 38 % rise versus 2021‑2022 .

🎭 “Social Cleansing” Allegations Ahead of the Olympics

Critics, including Médecins du Monde and the activist group Le Revers de la Médaille, have accused authorities of “social cleansing”, alleging these operations aim to remove visible poverty before the 2024 Olympic Games and present a sanitized city .

Although temporary accommodation was provided, many displaced individuals declined relocation due to the distance from Paris, the temporary nature of housing, and the loss of informal support networks .

Essential services like meals and outreach camps were moved or made less accessible, further marginalizing the displaced populations .

🔄 Impact on Those Affected

Many who declined or failed to qualify for temporary reception either returned to Paris or remained street‑homeless, often subjected to repeated evictions in a cycle with little stability .

Tents are regularly removed under prefectural orders citing illegality, public health, or disturbance to order; in some cases more than 400 people were cleared at once along the Seine .

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Topic

Locations Tents commonly found under bridges, riverbanks (Seine), near docks, parks and squares in downtown Paris Authorities' Justifications Safety (flooding), public order, school proximity, tourism image, prevention of tent villages NGO & Activist Criticism Calls operations “social cleansing”; highlight loss of services and support, forced dispersal rather than long‑term solutions Numbers & Scale 12,500+ people relocated in 13 months (2023‑24); weekly camp clearances across key central sites Long-Term Consequences Repeated displacement, reduced access to aid, fragmentation of community, mental and physical hardship

Summary: Homeless tent encampments in central Paris—often by migrants and vulnerable people—have been repeatedly evicted, especially ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. Authorities cite safety and city image concerns, while aid groups denounce the measures as social cleansing. Though temporary relocation offered, many face instability as support networks...

I was shocked by the attitude of this staff member. He knew that I was with my friend, but he stopped me at the entrance and waited. I called my friend to tell her that I was at the gate waiting. When I was about to go in, he told me that I was using my mobile phone and that I could not make calls inside. I found this staff member when I wanted to come out and told him that his attitude was problematic and wanted to ask his name because I saw someone else on the phone inside. His attitude was extremely bad. He had his back to me and could not hear me. He told me that I could only see what I saw and not make calls. Although his manager apologized for the incident later, his attitude was also extremely bad at the beginning. I was crying. I said this was discrimination, and he said it was not. I respect this staff member. He may be unhappy about other things in his heart, but he cannot vent it on others.

He clearly knew that I was with my friend, but he stopped me and turned his back to me without any explanation. At first I didn't think it was discrimination, but when I came out, I really wanted to explain why we were separated on purpose? But he warned me not to use my phone. I made a call while waiting in line at the door, but my friend with didn't answer me，so I didn't talk on the phone. He was crazy. I explained the problem, and he was really crazy. He didn't listen and had a disdainful attitude, including his manager. His manager apologized after knowing the whole problem, but this staff didn't. After I sorted out my emotions, I went in for a second visit. The woman staff afterwards were very friendly and explained very clearly, so I can be sure that this man staff was not professional enough. It was really a very bad attitude.

Finally, I received the email and I accepted what happened and the current situation. I hope this staff member can take his life happy and keep a happy mood. Be kind to everyone...

⭐ Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection ⭐ 🎨🏛️ A must-visit for contemporary art lovers in Paris! 🇫🇷✨

🕙 Tickets & Entry ⏰ Around 10:00–10:15 the two automatic ticket machines 🎫 opposite the entrance open. You can buy tickets 💳 with a bank card or get a free ticket if you meet certain conditions (students, under a certain age, etc.). 📅 Your ticket time matters! Entry is guaranteed within 30 minutes of your booking slot. Make sure you join the correct queue 🚶 according to your time slot. 🚪 Every exit is final, so don’t leave unless you’re done exploring!

🖼️ Inside the Museum Once inside, you can:

🎧 Join a guided tour (a few are available in English — check the schedule).

💜 Ask questions to the friendly "Parlons d’art" team — they carry violet bags 👜 and love sharing insights about the artworks!

🏛️ What to Expect The building itself is a masterpiece — a 19th-century commodities exchange redesigned by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando 🏗️. The circular space is crowned by a stunning glass dome 🌞 and frescoes that tell stories of global trade 🌍.

🖌️ The Pinault Collection features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art 🖼️, from big names like Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman to emerging talents. Every visit is different because exhibitions change several times a year 🔄.

💡 Tips

📷 Photography is allowed (without flash) — perfect for art & architecture lovers 📸.

🪑 There are seating spots if you want to take a break and soak in the space.

📍 Centrally located — just minutes from the Louvre and Les Halles 🚇.

💖 Whether you’re here for the art, the architecture, or both, the Bourse de Commerce is a gem in the heart of...