If you're one of those Parisians who decided to flee the capital during the Olympic Games, one of those tourists who chose to visit once the Games were over, or one of those who haven't yet had time to come and see it in the evening, and you're wondering whether the famous Olympic cauldron will still be present in the heart of the Jardin des Tuileries after August 11, the closing date of the Olympic Games, we've got the answer. It's true that since it was lit up, many people have been coming to admire it in the Paris skies.
Many of you asked us whether we'd be able to see it after Sunday, so we decided to shed some light on the subject. Historically, at every closing ceremony, protocol and tradition dictate that the flame is extinguished to mark the end of the Olympiad. So, this Sunday, we'll be treated to a lovely spectacle that will end with the flame being extinguished. After that, "any torch, cauldron or other device whatsoever used to burn the Olympic flame may only be used with the approval of the IOC", according to the Olympic Charter.
However, the Games are not over until August 11 in Paris. Yes, after a rest period from August 12 to 27, it's time for the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. Since the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, a torch relay has always been organized, with a new route, new torchbearers and a new lighting of the cauldron for each edition. The Tuileries balloon, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, will once again take to the skies over Paris during this period.
The flame, made up of LEDs and water vapor, was extinguished by Léon Marchand at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games on August 11 at the Stade de France, along with the "real" flame, which was contained in a lantern located a few meters from the ring-vase and visible to all. However, the cauldron, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, remained in the Tuileries Gardens without any ascents or visits from August 12 to 27. It will then be back in action for the Paralympic Games, which begin on August 28 after the opening ceremony, under the same conditions as the Olympic Games.
And if you're around on August 28, Thomas Jolly has a fantastic opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in store. The ceremony will take place right next to the famous cauldron, from the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde.
" While the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is a historic first, its monumental and popular concept is above all a tremendous source of inspiration for me. From the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde, I can't wait to imagine the spectacle that will transform the heart of Paris, with performances never seen before. A show that will highlight Paralympic athletes and the values they embody. A show that will unite spectators and television viewers from all over the world around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games, " he declares!
It's not yet known what Thierry Reboul, Creative Director of Paris 2024, and Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director of the Ceremonies, have planned for the lighting of the cauldron at the first off-stadium ceremony of the Paralympics. However, the flame will be visible from Thursday August 29 in the Jardin des Tuileries, where thousands of visitors and Parisians have been contemplating it since July 27.
To admire it up close, you need to register on the official website. A victim of its own success, all the slots were quickly filled, but new ones are due to open soon. It can also be seen from afar, especially in the evening, when it soars above the large round pool at the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens. But this flight is subject to the weather. To find out the actual flight time, visit the dedicated page.
The idea of keeping the Olympic cauldron as a monument after the Games is unanimously supported by tourists, French citizens and Parisians alike. President Emmanuel Macron, Anne Hidalgo and Valérie Pécresse are all in favor of keeping it, but no decision has yet been taken.
In any case, it looks like she'll be staying in Paris, whether in the Tuileries Gardens or at La Villette, as Valérie Pécresse suggested on France Inter, although Anne Hidalgo sees her staying in the Tuileries Gardens above all, otherwise it wouldn't have the same flavor, she said on the 8 o'clock news. In any case, we can't get enough of seeing her appear on all the social networks, with Céline Dion's Hymne à l'Amour playing in the background.
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