Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, centre, alongside bid leaders Tony Estanguet and Bernard Lapasset when meeting IOC inspectors ©Paris 2024

Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission were met at Charles de Gaulle Airport by a high-level Paris 2024 delegation led by city Mayor Anne Hidalgo to begin a three-day visit to the French capital.

The panel headed by Switzerland's Patrick Baumann flew here straight from only rival Los Angeles after completing there inspection tour there yesterday.

They are expected to meet with new French President Emmanuel Macron soon after his inauguration over the next three days before a mixture of meetings and site visits.

"We are delighted to welcome Patrick Baumann and the IOC Evaluation Commission to Paris," said Paris 2024 co-bid leader Tony Estanguet.

"We are ready to share with them everything that Paris has to offer and demonstrate why Paris is the perfect partner and ideal host of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The people, the city and the whole of France are fully supportive of our bid which offers a Games of real passion and purpose for 2024. 

"We, along with all our partners, look forward to showcasing Paris, an Olympic city that lives and breathes sport, to the IOC over the coming days."

Paris 2024 branding outside the Eiffel Tower in the heart of the capital city ©Twitter
Paris 2024 branding outside the Eiffel Tower in the heart of the capital city ©Twitter

Paris are likely to present their compact venues and firm legacy plans to boost opportunities across the country as a key part of their appeal.

Convincing the IOC that their bid is a safe choice and not susceptible to a rising budget will be key after Baumann revealed the panel found "no major risks" in Los Angeles.

This includes construction projects including the Athletes' Village site at Saint Denis. 

Their security plans are also set to be rigorously inspected.

Another area will be public support after a group opposed to the bid held a demonstration today in Châtelet close to the River Seine.

At this stage, though, these groups are still in the minority and there appears strong political and public support for the bid.

This is similar to Los Angeles, where a "NOlympicsLA" group set up earlier this week to oppose the American bid is so far only appearing to have a minimal effect.

"We are ready for this decisive stage in our bid, just as we are ready to host the Games in 2024," added Paris 2024 co-bid chairman Bernard Lapasset. 

"We want to show the IOC that they can rely on the Paris 2024 team to deliver great Games and we know they will feel the passion and enthusiasm of the French public for this bid."