Since Beijing 2008 and London 2012, the idea of opening ceremonies has been transformed with countries trying their hardest to show-off their art, culture, history and politics through inventive displays. The Paris Olympics promises to provide a show completely different to anything we have seen before.
For the first time in history, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games will not take place in a stadium. On 26 July 2024, exactly one year from now, thousands of athletes will parade in boats along the Seine, the river that flows through Paris, in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators. Here is what you need to know about the spectacular event.
Traditionally held in the Olympic Stadium, this ceremony will make history by taking place on the Seine, the river that flows through Paris, the City of Light.
Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt was on the boat of the French delegation on 25 July 2023, sailing on the Seine for the presentation of the Olympic and Paralympic torch for Paris 2024. He was impressed by the experience and talked about the thousands of spectators who would be there a year after.
The parade of athletes, which traditionally takes place within a stadium, will be held on the Seine, with boats for each national delegation equipped with cameras to allow viewers watching on TV and online to get a close-up view of all the action.
Winding their way from east to west, the 10,500 athletes will cross the centre of Paris - the main home of the Games, where they will showcase their sporting prowess over the following 16 days. Throughout the Opening Ceremony, athletes will appear on stage alongside performers in line with Paris 2024’s goal of hosting a Games that is created for and by the athletes.
The parade will end its 6 km route in front of the Trocadéro, where the final elements of the ceremony and the celebratory shows will take place.
OPENING CEREMONY AT PARIS 2024: THE PARADE ROUTE
The river parade will follow the course of the Seine, from east to west over a distance of 6 km. It will depart from the Austerlitz bridge, beside the Jardin des Plantes, making its way around the two islands at the centre of the city, the Île Saint Louis and the Île de la Cité, then passing under eight to ten bridges and gateways. On board, the athletes will get glimpses of some of the official Games venues such as the Place de la Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides, the Grand Palais, and lastly the Iéna bridge where the parade will come to a stop before the Trocadéro for the ceremony’s final.
Other Iconic monuments crossed during the parade route
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Louvre
- Pont des Arts
- Pont Neuf
- Pont Alexandre III
- Musée d’Orsay
There is no doubt that France is determined to put a show on like no other. and plans suggest Olympic fans will not be disappointed.
