The Olympic flame will shine brightly in the streets of Paris on July 14 and 15, on the occasion of the 2024 Olympic Games. For 48 hours, this symbol of peace and fraternity will be carried by 10,000 torchbearers through emblematic places of the capital. Enough to experience a taste of Olympic magic a year before the Games kick off. Here are the 10 unmissable spots to admire the flame.
1. The Champs-Élysées: kick-off with great fanfare on the most beautiful avenue in the world
What could be more majestic than the Champs-Élysées to launch the flame journey in Paris?
The most famous artery of the capital will serve as a showcase for this Olympic symbol during a memorable descent. The opportunity to discover the “most beautiful avenue in the world” in a new light, adorned with the Olympic rings. A must !
2. The Luxembourg Gardens: a bucolic stopover in Parisians’ favorite green setting
After the excitement of the Champs-Élysées, the flame will take advantage of a nature break in the green lung of Paris.
Voted the most beautiful garden in Europe, the Luxembourg Gardens and its 22 hectares constitute an ideal spot for a rural stopover. Between the century-old plane trees, the flower beds and the Parisians who come to picnic, the flame will love it!
3. The Sorbonne: in the footsteps of the greatest French thinkers
High place of knowledge and knowledge, the Sorbonne will also host the passage of the Olympic flame.
An unexpected hook for this symbol which pays tribute to the excellence of French education. Enough to impress the generations of students and professors who have walked the streets of this institution created in the 13th century!
4. Canal Saint-Martin: the Olympic flame takes a trendy summer break
Head to the Saint-Martin canal for a more summery and relaxed atmosphere. The flame will follow this popular spot for Parisians who come to stroll, picnic and sip a drink on the terrace.
The icing on the cake if it passes during Paris Plages: bathers and pétanque players will be able to admire it between two games.
5. Town Hall: a historic ceremony to launch the festivities
Impossible to imagine a torch relay in Paris without a stop at the Hôtel de Ville!
An official ceremony will be organized on the square in front of this place full of history to celebrate the start of the Olympic festivities. After the passing of the flame, the celebrations will continue all night in an atmosphere worthy of the greatest popular festivals.
6. Montmartre: an Olympic awakening with a view of the rooftops of Paris
On July 15, to get the second day off to a good start, what could be better than gaining some height?
Head to the Butte Montmartre and its height difference for a sporting awakening with the flame. After climbing Rue Foyatier and its 300 steps, the reward will be worthy: a breathtaking panorama of the capital from the Sacré-Cœur square. Magic !
7. Bir-Hakeim metro: the flame takes the most beautiful metro Line in the world
Like a perfect Parisian, the Olympic flame will then descend into the metro, and not just any metro.
Line 6 and its aerial route indeed offer a splendid view of the Eiffel Tower, particularly at Bir-Hakeim station. Enough to feel like you’re in a movie while admiring the Iron Lady illuminated with the Olympic rings.
8. Butte-aux-Cailles: the flame sets street culture on fire
After the trendy stations, head for the temple of Parisian urban art : Butte-aux-Cailles.
This district of the 13th arrondissement is full of spectacular murals created by artists from around the world. There is no doubt that the flame will love this open-air street art museum, which fits perfectly with the Olympic spirit: creativity, daring and performance.
9. Belleville: monumental sunset over the capital
To end this Parisian marathon in style, the flame will head towards rue de Belleville.
This cosmopolitan artery has just been elected “coolest street in the world” And we understand why. Authentic shops, popular atmosphere, street art… All with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Ideal for a magical sunset!
10. La Villette: the Olympic apotheosis in blue-white-red
After these intense 48 hours, the flame will experience its apotheosis during the opening ceremony on July 26.
But before this final bouquet, she will make one last stopover in the heart of the tricolor fan zone, at Parc de la Villette. The opportunity to commune with thousands of supporters before the kick-off of this Olympic dream. Come to the Ourcq canal for this great blue-white-red crowd!
