Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, was celebrated with an added touch of grandeur this year as it coincided with the arrival of the Olympic torch in the French capital. From the iconic Champs-Élysées to the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville (City Hall Square), the streets of Paris were filled with emotion, excitement, and pride.
The Start of a Historic Day
The day began on the Champs-Élysées, one of the most iconic avenues in the world, where the Olympic torch commenced its journey through several historic Parisian sites. The torch was passed from hand to hand by proud participants, each experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Among them was 17-year-old Mathieu Bellemin, a student at the National Institute for Blind Youth. Bellemin, who described the experience as unforgettable, highlighted the significance of raising awareness for people with disabilities.
“It’s an unforgettable moment which also raises awareness surrounding people with disabilities,” Bellemin said. “It was also an honor to meet celebrities and the public. I really didn’t expect that, it was beyond my expectations. It was an event that I will never forget.” Bellemin’s Olympic journey is just beginning as he will also participate in the Marathon Pour Tous on August 10.
A Day of Symbols and Emotions
The Olympic torch’s journey through Paris was a day of powerful symbols and deep emotions. Claudine Laslaz, an anesthetist and nurse, was particularly moved by the opportunity to carry the torch at the Pantheon, a monument of great historical significance for France.
“When I found out that it was at the Pantheon, I was even more moved because it is a monument which represents a lot for France and the Republic, a great place of history,” Laslaz said.
The torch continued its journey from the Pantheon to the Louvre Museum, where hundreds of enthusiasts gathered to catch a glimpse of their idols. Among the public figures accompanying the torch were K-Pop star Kim Seok-jin, artist JR, and NBA star Rudy Gobert. Dressed in their white uniforms, the torchbearers moved along the main streets of Paris, cheered on by large crowds.
The Grand Finale: Lighting the Cauldron
The culmination of the day’s events took place at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, where the traditional Bastille Day concert was held. The concert, a blend of classical music and sports, ended with a spectacular finale. French basketball player Nicolas Batum handed over the flame to former tennis star Yannick Noah, who now captains the French wheelchair tennis team. Noah then lit the cauldron amid a countdown from the crowd.
As the crowd’s countdown hit zero, the Marseillaise was performed by choristers and a big orchestra, followed by the traditional Bastille Day fireworks show from the Eiffel Tower. This year, the fireworks were accompanied by a breathtaking display of 1,000 drones, which represented various Olympic and Paralympic disciplines in vibrant colors and movements.
A Celebration of Unity and Preparation for Paris 2024
The Bastille Day celebration in Paris was not just a national holiday but a demonstration of unity and readiness for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. The Olympic flame’s journey through the city, from Notre Dame Cathedral to the historic Sorbonne University and the Louvre, was a prelude to the Games, weaving a narrative of heritage and modernity.
This year’s Bastille Day offered President Emmanuel Macron a brief respite from the political challenges facing his administration. With a deadlocked parliament and uncertainty about the prime minister’s future, the celebration provided a moment of national pride and unity.
Looking Ahead to the Paris 2024 Summer Games
The excitement for the Paris 2024 Summer Games is reaching new heights as the city prepares to host this major international event. The meticulous organization of the Bastille Day parade and the Olympic torch relay showcased France’s readiness to welcome the world. The torch’s journey through Paris was a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Olympics.
The anticipation for the Games is palpable, and everything has been done to ensure that the world is starry-eyed as Paris opens its doors to athletes and spectators from around the globe. The Paris 2024 Summer Games promise to be an extraordinary event, filled with moments of triumph, inspiration, and global unity.
