The eyes of the world will turn to France in July 2024, as the summer Olympic Games begins with a spectacular opening ceremony on the River Seine.
Before that, the Olympic torch embarks on a two-month journey around the country, after criss-crossing the globe on its way from Mount Olympus in Greece, to the French capital.
But this Olympic tradition is turning into a headache for organisers, with towns and cities saying a polite 'no merci' to a visit from the Olympic flame torch relay, citing the high costs involved.
Departments have been asked to fork out €150,000 - amounting to €180,000 with taxes included. At least 10 of France's 96 mainland departments - the administrative rung below the regional level - have formerly declared that they won't be hosting the torch.