Ambitious, historic, and stunning—these are some of the words used to describe the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 since the initial plans were revealed three years ago. The French capital will unveil the Olympics on the evening of Friday, July 26, with a unique opening ceremony that may be the strangest in the long history of the Games.
What is different from previous celebrations? This will be the first Olympic opening ceremony held outside a stadium, as the event transforms the French capital into a stage, featuring the traditional athletes' parade in boats along the River Seine, passing by the most famous Parisian landmarks. Typically, a main stadium in the host city hosts the ceremony and the athletes' entry segment, but Paris will use its famous river this time for the ceremony.
Everything you need to know about the anticipated opening ceremony: Instead of the familiar images of athletes walking along a track, guests and viewers will enjoy a colorful river spectacle in the heart of Paris. The River Seine, the main waterway of the city, will replace the traditional track, while the quays will serve as spectator platforms, providing a backdrop of the sunset reflecting on the famous Parisian landmarks. This outdoor concept also makes Paris 2024 the largest opening ceremony in terms of audience and geographic coverage.
What is the route of the ceremony? The route along the River Seine serves as a visual journey through Parisian history and architecture. The ceremony fleet will start from the Austerlitz Bridge next to the Botanical Garden, continuing westward for 6 kilometers along the Seine, passing under historical bridges and famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame and the Louvre, along with some of the Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais. Athletes, gathered on board their national teams’ boats, will eventually arrive at Trocadéro— the square facing the Eiffel Tower— where the official protocols will be carried out, the Olympic flame will be lit, and the opening of Paris 2024 will be officially announced.
How many athletes will participate? Approximately 100 boats will carry an estimated 10,500 athletes along the River Seine during the display. Camera equipment mounted on the boats will allow viewers to see the athletes up close and witness their emotions.
