Finally, the olympic cauldron will not have been installed at the Eiffel Tower but in the Tuileries Gardens. From July 26 to August 11, the flame will shine brightly during these unique games, in a place accessible and visible to all. At the opening ceremony, the latter rose to the heavens. But will she fly every night? We’ll explain.
The Olympic flame in the Tuileries Gardens: a question of accessibility
Although the Eiffel Tower had been approached for several months to host the olympic flame in the end, the Tuileries garden was chosen. The site, which is very central, is much more accessible to local residents wishing to get closer to this powerful symbol of the Games. What’s more, the site is easier to secure.
In fact, access to the Olympic flame would have represented far too great a technical challenge to be able to welcome it in good conditions at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. By choosing the Tuileries Gardens, the official Olympic Games committee has opted for a strong geographical location in the heart of charming, historic Paris.
The Olympic cauldron is located on the side of the main pool, opposite the louvre Pyramid and close to the Place de la Concorde. It’s an ideal location for sporting competitions such as BMX and skateboarding.
Yes, the flame will light up the skies of Paris every evening until the end of the Olympic Games
At the opening ceremony on July 26, the Olympic flame lit up the skies over Paris. After months of suspense, it was finally Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner who were the last two torchbearers.
Did you miss it? You can be sure that the hot-air balloon will be floating high above the garden every night during the games, from sunset onwards. During the day, you can also approach it from the ground,from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., free of charge.
To get close to it, you’ll still need to register for a free ticket on the vasque’s official website.