The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be held on the River Seine.

Instead of the traditional stadium setting, Paris 2024’s Opening Ceremony will be set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. More than 160 boats will carry delegations down a six-kilometre route from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Trocadéro, passing many famous Parisian monuments, bridges and cultural institutions, such as Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

With free public access to part of the river banks, as well as viewing areas on the many bridges and quays along the route, more than 600,000 spectators are expected to welcome the athletes from across the world for the Parade of Nations.

Speaking about the concept, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Organising the Opening Ceremony along the Seine, the emblematic river in the very heart of the city, perfectly aligns with Paris 2024’s ambition to reinvent the Games model by opening up participation to as many people as possible.”

He continued: “This Ceremony will be an exceptional experience for all the athletes taking part, but also, and above all, for the people of Paris, for France and for the whole world.”

In addition to the Opening Ceremony decision, Paris 2024’s Board of Directors approved a number of competition venue changes.

The purpose of these adjustments is to allow for better shared use of the existing sites, whilst continuing to provide an exceptional backdrop for the Olympic and Paralympic competitions, in the very heart of the French capital.

 

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• 1400/09/24
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