The year 2024 in Paris will undoubtedly go down in history. It must be said that with the passing of the flame, the Olympic Games, the reopening of Notre-Dame, the capital will never have shone so brightly. We offer you a little recap in images of the events that marked our memory in Paris this year, where, let’s admit it, the rain was a special guest. Back in photos!
This year 2024 is to be marked with a white stone. Paris has been talked about around the world. In addition to the Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre Dame, other major events, sometimes unusual and original, have taken over the capital. So as not to forget anything about this special year, we offer you a look back at some key moments that have marked our memories.
The transition to January 1, 2024
We start with the festivities that took place for the New Year, the Champs-Élysées transformed into a grandiose party scene to celebrate the arrival of the year 2024. Thousands of spectators gathered on the famous Parisian avenue, entirely pedestrian for the occasion, to enjoy a unique moment. L’Triumphal archmajestically illuminated, served as a canvas for a spectacular video mappingmixing artistic images and retrospectives marking the past year. At midnight, a bursting fireworks set the Parisian sky ablaze, accompanied by a festive countdown which brought together residents and visitors in a joyful and friendly atmosphere. This celebration has once again confirmed Paris as an essential destination to welcome the new year with style and emotion. An event that plans to be even more festive this year, don’t miss the program.
The Great Picnic on the Champs Élysées
The Sunday May 26, 2024THE Champs-Élysées have transformed into a huge picnic area, welcoming approximately 4 000 participants for a unique outdoor lunch. A giant gingham tablecloth, long 216 meters and covering an area of 4,212 square metersextended from theTriumphal arch to Avenue George V, offering a friendly and unusual setting to guests. Musical and fun activities punctuated this exceptional day, marking the spirits with its unique and festive character.
The installation of the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower
On the night of June 6 to 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. This installation, the result of a collaboration between the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) and the company ArcelorMittal, represents a notable technical feat. The rings, measuring 29 meters wide and 13 meters high, were made from recycled steel produced in France. Their installation, more than 60 meters from the ground, required the use of imposing cranes and the intervention of around thirty people. This symbolic decoration will remain in place until the end of the Paralympic Games, illuminating the capital and recalling the universal spirit of sport.
The Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic torch relay in Île-de-France, and particularly in Paris, left a memorable mark in the history of the 2024 Games. After a 68-day journey across France, the flame, carried by many sportsmen, but also beautiful celebrities, lit up the capital on July 14 and 15, 2024, coinciding with the National Day celebrations.
Bastille Day Fireworks in Olympic Games mode
On July 14, 2024, Paris celebrated its National Day with a fireworks new, integrating for the first time a choreography of light drones. This show, as a preamble to Olympic Games imminent, lit up the Parisian sky, mixing tradition and innovation. The drones drew iconic figures, symbolizing the Olympic spirit and national unity, providing spectators with a captivating visual experience. This fusion of classic pyrotechnics and modern technology marked a significant milestone in Bastille Day celebrations, reflecting Paris’ commitment to embracing the future while honoring its traditions.
The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games
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 on boats, illustrating Olympic unity and diversity. Incredible performances punctuated the evening of special effects with interventions from Lady Gaga, Gojira, Aya Nakamura and even Céline Dion. All ending with a spectacular lighting of the Olympic cauldron by Teddy Rinner and Marie-José Pérec.
The Marathon for all
The Marathon For Allorganized on August 10, 2024, made an impression by allowing 20,024 amateur runners to cover the same route as the Olympic athletes, linking Paris to Versailles over 42.195 km. Contested at night, this unique event offered an immersive experience, with light and sound animations throughout the course, highlighting emblematic monuments such as the Louvre, the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. A 10 km race, also at night, brought together the same number of participants, offering a more accessible alternative. This initiative, hailed for its inclusive and festive character, allowed the general public to experience the Olympic spirit in a new way, transforming the streets of Paris into a sporting and popular theater.
An offbeat Tropical Carnival
The Paris Tropical Carnivalusually scheduled in July, exceptionally took place on October 6, 2024 on the Champs-Élyséesdue to Olympic Games. This 22nd edition, placed under the theme “Overseas united by Olympism”, brought together around twenty troops from Paris, Île-de-France, Overseas, as well as countries such as Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. Despite fall weather marked by rain, participants paraded with enthusiasm, showcasing colorful costumes and rhythmic choreography, celebrating cultural diversity and the Olympic spirit.
The reopening of Notre Dame
The reopening of Notre-Dame of Parislong-awaited since the fire of 2019, took place in December 2024 in an atmosphere full of emotion. In addition to religious ceremonies, the restored cathedral has also hosted numerous heads of state, and an exceptional cultural program including classical and popular concerts and sound and light shows.
The return of the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais, partially reopened after three years of renovation, shone during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by hosting the fencing and taekwondo events under its legendary nave, offered a spectacular setting combining history and modernity. This gradual reopening, while awaiting the end of the work scheduled for June 2025, is accompanied by significant 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, offers us a magical experience, making this emblematic place an essential destination for Parisian winter festivities.
The first Christmas Market in Paris on Place de la Concorde
For the first time, the City of Paris Christmas Market has been set up on Place de la Concorde, until January 5, 2025. This move, from the square in front of the City Hall under renovation, offers a prestigious between the Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs-Élysées. A unique image that marks the end of the year in style.
In short, this is a year that should not leave our memories anytime soon. Long live the year 2024 and welcome to the year 2025 that we hope for, rich in discoveries and surprises.
