The Olympic torch has embarked on a historic journey through various destinations in France before making its way to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26. The torch was lit in Ancient Olympia on April 16 and has been carried across Greece before reaching Marseille on a three-mast ship named Belem. The torch will be carried around the Bay of Marseille and arrive at the Vieux-Port where it will dock on a pontoon resembling an athletics track. Torch bearers will carry the flame across Marseille, including a stretch on the roof of the Stade Vélodrome, before continuing on a vast relay route across the country.
The torch will visit the iconic site of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, a visually stunning island fortress that has a rich history dating back to the Hundred Years’ War. The torch will also travel through France’s overseas territories in the Relais des Océans, crossing the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean before returning to France. It will visit destinations such as French Guiana, New Caledonia, Réunion, Tahiti, Gaudeloupe, and Martinique, showcasing the diversity of France’s territories.
From the sea breeze of Nice to the heavy cheese of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the torch will pass through various regions of France, including the Haute-Savoie known for its ski resorts and cheese production. The torch will then head to the Doubs region and visit the Alsace city of Strasbourg before reaching Verdun, the site of a significant World War I battle. The torch will arrive in Paris on Bastille Day, where it will remain for a day before continuing its journey through Versailles, Nanterre, and Seine Saint-Denis.
The torch will finally reach its destination in Paris on July 26 for the grand opening ceremony of the Games. The location of the cauldron lighting remains top secret, with iconic spots such as the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens rumored to be potential options. Approximately 10,000 people will carry the torch along its route, with local police forces providing security to ensure the safety of the torch and its carrier. The torches used for the Games are environmentally friendly, burning biogas instead of propane and made with recycled steel to reduce the environmental impact.
With a total of 2,000 torches being used, compared to more than 10,000 in previous Games, the Paris 2024 Olympics are prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendliness in their torch design. Georgina Grenon, the director of environmental excellence at Paris 2024, highlighted the reduced environmental impact of the torches and the efforts to make them more sustainable. As the torch continues its journey through France, it symbolizes the spirit of the Olympics and the unity of nations coming together to celebrate the athletic achievements of their athletes.
