This year, 2024, is a milestone. Paris was the talk of the world. In addition to the Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame, other large-scale events, some of them unusual and original, took place in the capital. To make sure you don't forget any of the highlights of this special year, here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments.
Starting with the festivities that took place on New Year's Eve, the Champs-Élysées were transformed into a grandiose party scene to celebrate the arrival of the year 2024. Thousands of spectators gathered on the famous Parisian avenue, which was entirely pedestrianized for the occasion, to enjoy a unique moment. The majestically illuminatedArc de Triomphe served as the backdrop for a spectacular video-mapping, combining artistic images and retrospectives marking the past year. At midnight, a dazzling fireworks display set the Parisian sky ablaze, accompanied by a festive countdown that brought residents and visitors together in a joyous and convivial atmosphere. This celebration once again confirmed Paris as an essential destination for welcoming in the New Year with style and emotion. The event is set to be even more festive this year, so don't miss the program.
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, the Champs-Élysées were transformed into a huge picnic area, welcoming around 4,000 participants for an unprecedented open-air lunch. A giant gingham tablecloth, 216 metres long and covering an area of 4,212 square metres, stretched from theArc de Triomphe to the Avenue George V, offering a convivial and unusual setting for guests. Musical and playful entertainment punctuated this exceptional day, leaving a lasting impression thanks to its unique and festive character.
On the night of June 6-7, 2024, less than 50 days before the start of the Paris Olympic Games, the Eiffel Tower was adorned with the five Olympic rings between its first and second floors. The installation, the result of a collaboration between Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) and ArcelorMittal, represents a significant technical feat. The rings, measuring 29 metres wide and 13 metres high, were made from recycled steel produced in France. Their installation, more than 60 metres above the ground, required the use of imposing cranes and the intervention of some thirty people. This symbolic decoration will remain in place until the end of the Paralympic Games, illuminating the capital and reminding us of the universal spirit of sport.
The Olympic torch relay in the Île-de-France region, and Paris in particular, left a memorable mark on the history of the 2024 Games. After a 68-day journey across France, the flame, carried by numerous athletes as well as beautiful celebrities, lit up the capital on July 14 and 15, 2024, coinciding with the National Day celebrations.
On July 14, 2024, Paris celebrated its national holiday with a groundbreaking fireworks display, incorporating for the first time a choreography of luminous drones. The show, a preamble to the imminent Olympic Games, lit up the Paris skies, blending tradition and innovation. The drones drew emblematic figures, symbolizing the Olympic spirit and national unity, offering spectators a captivating visual experience. This fusion of classic pyrotechnics and modern technology marked a significant milestone in the July 14th celebrations, reflecting Paris' commitment to embracing the future while honoring its traditions.
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games offered an unprecedented spectacle on the Seine, despite persistent rain. Delegations from the 206 participating countries paraded aboard boats, illustrating Olympic unity and diversity. Incredible performances punctuated the evening, from special effects to appearances by Lady Gaga, Gojira, Aya Nakamura and Céline Dion. The evening ended with a spectacular lighting of the Olympic cauldron by Teddy Rinner and Marie-José Pérec.
The Marathon Pour Tous, held on August 10, 2024, made its mark by allowing 20,024 amateur runners to cover the same route as the Olympic athletes, linking Paris to Versailles over 42.195 km. Run at night, this unprecedented event offered an immersive experience, with light and sound animations along the route, highlighting iconic monuments such as the Louvre, the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. A 10 km race, also held at night, attracted the same number of participants, offering a more accessible alternative. This initiative, hailed for its inclusive and festive nature, enabled the general public to experience the Olympic spirit in an unprecedented way, transforming the streets of Paris into a sporting and popular theater.
The Carnaval Tropical de Paris, usually scheduled in July, exceptionally took place on the Champs-Élysées on October 6, 2024, due to the Olympic Games. This 22ᵉ edition, under the theme "Overseas united by Olympism", brought together some twenty troupes from Paris, Île-de-France, overseas France, as well as countries such as Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. Despite the rainy autumn weather, participants marched enthusiastically in colorful costumes and rhythmic choreography, celebrating cultural diversity and the Olympic spirit.
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, long-awaited since the fire in 2019, took place in December 2024 in an emotional atmosphere. In addition to religious ceremonies, the restored cathedral also welcomed numerous heads of state, and an exceptional cultural program featuring classical concerts, popular music and sound and light shows.
The Grand Palais, partially reopened after three years of renovation, shone during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by hosting the fencing and taekwondo events in its legendary nave, offered a spectacular setting blending history and modernity. This gradual reopening, pending completion of the works scheduled for June 2025, is accompanied by key cultural events, including the return of the Grand Palais des Glaces. From December 14, 2024 to January 8, 2025, this immense ephemeral ice rink, installed under the restored glass roof, will offer a magical experience, making this emblematic venue a must-see destination for Parisian winter festivities.
For the first time, the Marché de Noël de la Ville de Paris has moved to the Place de la Concorde, until January 5, 2025. The move, from the renovated Hôtel de Ville forecourt, offers a prestigious setting between the Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs-Élysées. An unprecedented image to mark the end of the year in style.
In short, it's a year that we won't soon forget. Long live 2024, and welcome to 2025, which we hope will be full of discoveries and surprises.
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