Paris 2024 Olympics: in the Olympic Vasque, a fuel-free, greener flame

The Olympic flame finished its long journey this Friday, July 26, 2024, finally arriving in Paris, and more precisely at the Jardin des Tuileries, home to the Olympic Vasque. The latter was lit by Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner, as the highlight of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, this cauldron has an interesting little feature...

When we talk about the Olympic flame, a clear-cut image comes to mind: a symbolic fire carried by those who deserve it. A very natural fire... Or almost. During the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, we already saw how the flame withstood the Paris rain. But when the flame ignited the floating cauldron, many spectators expressed doubts: wouldn't it be a little dangerous to fly a giant, flaming structure over the heart of Paris?

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The Games organizing committee reassures us that the cauldron contains no fuel, and that the flame cannot spread! In fact, it's not a real fire that burns in the cauldron, but an illusion of flame. Designed by EDF, this subterfuge uses a cloud of mist and beams of light to give the impression of fire.

As a partner of the Olympic Games, EDF is offering an impressive spectacle, powered by electricity " 100% renewable and produced in France ", says the energy supplier. In concrete terms, the monumental Vasque is adorned with " 40 LED spotlights to illuminate the cloud created by 200 high-pressure misting nozzles."

The Olympic Vasque is open to the public free of charge during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: so take a closer look at this original invention!

Paris 2024 Olympics: here's how to see the Olympic cauldron lit up close at the Tuileries Gardens
The Olympic flame is finally burning in Paris, and will be for the duration of the 2024 Olympic Games. To see the lit cauldron up close in the Tuileries Gardens, you can register for free. Explanations. [Read more]