- Athletes will parade on more than 90 boats along the Seine River
- Along the route, athletes will get glimpses of several Olympic venues
- French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remark
Athletes will parade on more than 90 boats along the Seine River
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, set for this Friday, promises to be a breathtaking departure from tradition. Instead of the customary march into a stadium, approximately 10,500 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats along the Seine River, creating a unique and picturesque start to the Games. [1]
In a bold move that breaks away from the conventional, the opening ceremony will commence with a grand parade on the Seine River. Athletes will travel a distance of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) on boats, showcasing the beauty of Paris while celebrating the spirit of the Olympics. This innovative approach not only highlights the city's iconic landmarks but also sets a festive tone for the Games.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT (7:30 p.m. CEST) and is expected to last more than three hours. This extended duration will allow ample time for the various elements of the ceremony, including the parade, performances, and speeches, to unfold in a memorable fashion.
Along the route, athletes will get glimpses of several Olympic venues
The parade will start at the Austerlitz Bridge, located beside the Jardin des Plantes. From there, it will follow the course of the Seine from east to west, passing around two islands in the heart of the city. As the athletes make their way along the river, they will pass under several bridges and gateways, offering them and the spectators stunning views of Paris.
Along the route, athletes will get glimpses of several Olympic venues, including:
La Concorde Urban Park: Hosting events such as 3X3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle cycling, and skateboarding.
Invalides: The site for archery, the marathon finish for athletics, and the start of road cycling's time trial.
Grand Palais: The venue for fencing and taekwondo.
The parade will culminate at the Iena Bridge, which connects the Eiffel Tower on the left bank of the Seine to the Trocadéro district on the right bank. This final stretch will be particularly spectacular, with the Eiffel Tower serving as a majestic backdrop.
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remark
The ceremony's finale will take place at the Trocadéro, a historic and symbolic location in Paris. Here, amid a series of ceremonial procedures, French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remarks, officially inaugurating the Paris Olympics. This moment will be a significant highlight, marking the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic Games.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is set to be a grand spectacle that blends tradition with innovation. By parading athletes on the Seine River, the organizers are not only celebrating the Olympic spirit but also showcasing the beauty and culture of Paris. With the ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT/7:30 p.m. CEST and lasting over three hours, spectators around the world can look forward to a mesmerizing and historic event. As the athletes embark on their journey down the Seine, the world will witness the dawn of a new era in Olympic history, where the grandeur of Paris meets the timeless spirit of the Games.
