Eeshna Dashottar, Pune
On July 14, 2024, the Olympic torch relay, a prelude to the Olympics, is set to arrive at this year’s host city – Paris. The arrival of the Olympic flame from Greece to the host city Paris is a much-awaited moment, preparations are in full swing as the town awaits to begin the Olympics. After travelling across various locations in France since May 8, 2024, the final stage of the relay will start in Paris and end at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024.
The relay, which will begin on July 14, also coincides with the national day of France known as Bastille Day. The festivities of Bastille Day this year are expected to become historic with the torch relay adding on to the fervour.
The route for the Olympic Torch Relay in Paris will cover some of the most prominent places in the city. The relay will commence from the Grand Palais and cover iconic landmarks. The Olympic flame will travel on the route of the Bastille Day military parade at Champs-Élysées. Heading to Grand Palais and Petit Palais next, the relay will then cross through popular locations such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, L’Olympia, Place Vendôme, Musée du Louvre and Centre Pompidou. The relay will end for the first day at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.
On 15 July, the torch will be heading to the peripheral districts of Paris to showcase other historical gems of the city. Locations that will be covered on the second day include Arena Porte de La Chapelle, Place de La République, Louis Vuitton Foundation, etc. With a special focus on the sporting legacy of the city, locations such as Stade de Roland Garros and INSEP, ( National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance) are also included on the route. The relay will end at the Place de la République.
Eminent personalities have taken part as torchbearers in the Olympic Torch Relay this year. From May 8, 10,000 Olympic Torchbearers have participated in spreading the light of the Olympic flame this year. Many anticipate watching the celebrities nominated as the torchbearers such as Kim Seok Jin of the renowned K-Pop group BTS.
As the city expects to welcome a huge crowd of guests for the torch relay and the main event, heightened security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all. French authorities have planned to implement a comprehensive security place which includes tight security at tourist landmarks, sensitive locations, road closures, security zones etc.