During a press conference on Friday February 3, Tony Estanguet revealed the name of the city which will first host the Olympic flame.
Friday February 3, Tony Estanguet and the organizing committee announced that the Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympics will begin its long journey in the city of Marseille. The Marseille city, which will host the sailing events during the Olympic Games, was chosen for its close link with Greece. “Paris 2024 has chosen the city of Marseille for many historical, symbolic and geographical reasons. The central place that sport occupies in the city and in the hearts of its inhabitants has been decisive, as has the great involvement of the city in the Paris 2024 project, Marseille hosting the sailing events and football matches.”
The joy of the mayor of Marseille
Benoît Payan, the mayor of Marseille, expressed his great pride after this decision. “Marseille was founded by Greeks who came from Phocaea 2,600 years ago: by asking to welcome the flame to our shores, we wanted to reconnect with this great history of sharing, fraternity, diversity and solidarity, commented the elected official. This is why we will make this ceremony a great popular celebration, a great moment of conviviality and joy.”
What will be the route of the Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
In detail, a ceremony will first take place from the sanctuary of Olympia, Greece, in tribute to the Ancient Games. Then it is in the Old Port of Marseille that the Olympic flame will land, in order to reach Paris a few weeks later during the opening ceremony on Friday 26 July. The Olympic flame will travel across the Mediterranean Sea on the Belem, a majestic three-master. On the sidelines of this arrival, Marseille will offer a large popular festival on the quays of the city, intended in particular for young people. The details of the route will be unveiled next May.