The 33rd Summer Olympic Games are taking place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. This marks the return of the Summer Olympics to France after a gap of 100 years.
The opening ceremony, held on Friday evening, as described by French President Macron as “unique,” was not held in a stadium but took place on water for the first time. 180 boats sailed along the Seine River, with 94 boats carrying athletes.
The boats carrying athletes set off from the Ostritz Bridge, following the most iconic water sightseeing route in Paris, passing by famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, the Royal Palace, and culminating at the Eiffel Tower, sailing 6 kilometers from east to west, finally reaching the Yenna Bridge.
Each bridge along the athletes’ parade route will feature stage performances. It is estimated that 300,000 people will gather along the Seine River to watch.
At the Trocadero plaza, opposite the Eiffel Tower at the endpoint, official ceremonies will take place, and the Olympic torch will be lit here.
The organizers aim to deepen the world’s impression of Paris as the “City of Light.” The chairman of the Olympic Committee has promised that this will make the program “more sublime, with a truly poetic dimension.”