Paris bid farewell to its 2024 Olympic Games with a stunning closing ceremony that combined tradition and technology, turning the city into a grand open-air stadium. This event, which concluded on July 26, reflected France's ambition by transforming its iconic landmarks into spectacular stages for sporting competition. With a blend of pride in its history and a forward-looking vision, Paris delivered an unforgettable finale to these Games.

The ceremony began in the Tuileries Gardens, beneath the Olympic cauldron, with an emotional rendition of "Sous le ciel de Paris" by singer Zaho de Sagazan, a song symbolic of the Parisian spirit, immortalized by legends like Édith Piaf and Yves Montand. The highlight was the entry of swimmer Léon Marchand, the French hero of these Games with four golds and one bronze, who symbolically carried the Olympic flame to the Stade de France in Saint Denis, in front of 71,500 spectators.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electrified by a musical selection that resonated deeply with the French people, featuring classics like "Emmenez-moi" by Charles Aznavour and "Champs Elysées" by Joe Dassin, alongside contemporary hits like "Freed from Desire" by Gala Rizzatto and the iconic "We Are the Champions" by Queen. The ceremony also paid tribute to the 45,000 volunteers who made the Games possible, emphasizing the vital role of community in the event's success.

Thomas Jolly, who directed the opening ceremony on the Seine, once again impressed with a piece titled "Records," which recreated the five continents and paid homage to ancient Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic movement. The appearance of the Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture, the display of suspended Olympic rings, and a vibrant contemporary dance performance provided a visually striking conclusion, true to the French tradition of blending dance and contemporary theater.

The ceremony then transitioned to a musical celebration, setting the stage for the handover to Los Angeles 2028, with performances by modern French artists like Phoenix, Kavinsky, and Belgian star Angèle. With this vibrant farewell, Paris passed the torch to Los Angeles, promising a new era of Olympic excellence at the next Games.