Fancy seeing the Paralympic cauldron rise into the sky before the Games are over? During the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games , all eyes were riveted on the group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, running the final meters separating the flame from the cauldron, first in front of the Louvre, then in the Jardin des Tuileries... All the way to this enormous, intriguing silver ball.
Then Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Rinner stepped forward, flame in hand, to light the cauldron... And then, surprise! The cauldron took to the skies in a hot-air balloon, illuminating the city like a beacon in the night. And for the Paralympic Games, it's the same old story! The cauldron flies again during the period, to the delight of Parisians and tourists alike.
During the Paralympic Games, visitors can once again admire the vasque during the day, on the ground, by reserving a slot on the Paris 2024 website. And although the Garden is not accessible at night, we're also looking for a spot to see the cauldron take flight every evening. We're taking advantage of the last days of the games to go and see it!
Paris 2024 Olympics: where to see the Olympic cauldron by night, ideas for spots to admire it
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Olympic cauldron soars into the sky aboard its hot-air balloon at dusk. An opportunity for Parisians of all ages to admire it from a variety of vantage points. Here are some ideas for night-time spots to see the flame levitating above the capital. [Read more]
How can I see the Vasque take to the skies? The Paris 2024 website states that"the Vasque is on the ground from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., then rises from sunset". And the Vasque website adds that"the time at which the Vasque takes to the air depends on weather conditions". You can also follow the exact flight schedule here.
As far as taking off at sunset is concerned, note that this is not always the case, if ever: in any case, this is what a reader reported to us, who saw the vase take off last Monday July 29... at 10pm, when the Eiffel Tower wasilluminated, and not at 9:33pm, if we refer to the time of sunset that day.
We also tried the experiment on July 31... The result? The basin rose... at 10.50pm! A rather random rise, in short, depending on the wind and the weather. If you still want to see it, a word of advice: come a little before sunset, and wait and see. If the basin doesn't rise at the indicated time, wait a little longer. Eventually, it will rise... (unless weather conditions prevent it). And don't miss the moment! But one thing's for sure: if the raising is cancelled for weather reasons, Paris 2024 usually gives advance warning.
Please note that times are subject to change depending on wind, weather and other factors. So take it easy, and admire this fine piece of engineering paying tribute to the Montgolfier brothers' first manned flight. We've also included the sunset times to give you an idea of when you can expect to arrive:
So we scan the schedule to make sure we're on time and find the right spot. And a very happy end to the Paralympic Games!
Dates and Opening Time
From August 28, 2024 to September 8, 2024
Location
Tuileries Gardens
Jardin des Tuileries
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Free
Paris 2024 Olympics: where to see the Olympic cauldron by night, ideas for spots to admire it
