Tauranga woman now 'safe' in Paris

Candles for remembrance of Paris terrorist attack victims at the memorial site outside French Embassy in Helsinki. Inset Kelsey O'Dea.

Tauranga's Kelsey O'Dea has paid her respects to those killed in the terrorists attacks in Paris over night.

The 21-year-old was in the French national football stadium when one set of the attacks happened and described the sound that followed "like a cannon going off."

She told the Bay of Plenty Times this morning described the night "crazy and really scary".

"We didn't know if we were running for our lives or... it was the scariest feeling."

Ms O'Dea said she had gone to the Stade de France with a Canadian friend.

It was very emotional. It was quite touching to see the amount of people who were there showing their support and everyone coming together which was nice to see.

Kelsey O'Dea

In the 24 hours since the attacks she had paid respects with flower to those who had lost their lives in the events in Paris on Saturday.

"It was very emotional. It was quite touching to see the amount of people who were there showing their support and everyone coming together which was nice to see. It was quite hard to go there to go there and do that but my friends and I are quite glad we did."

Ms O'Dea said the Paris city seemed quieter but people were going about their usual business.

"I think it's a sign of strength and solidarity to carry on as you normally would."

Living about five kilometres from where the attacks centered, Ms O'Dea said she felt safe.

"I don't feel unsafe, I think everyone feels a little anxious but I feel ok."

A minute of silence would be held at her university, Paris Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po, tomorrow at midday (EU time).

Ms O'Dea has been in France since the end of August and will finish her exchange from Victoria University mid December.