Paris commemorates this Saturday the one-year anniversary of the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games, a historic event that transformed the city and left lasting memories around the globe. With a full day of celebrations, the French capital pays tribute to a sporting spectacle that deeply impacted its people and the world.

A Spectacular Ceremony Remembered

Festivities began with a symbolic kayak and canoe parade along the Seine River, recalling the opening ceremony where national delegations sailed through the city to the delight of thousands. The event was led by Tony Estanguet, president of the organizing committee, alongside Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, both expressing heartfelt emotion about the occasion's significance.

Also in attendance were International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and her predecessor Thomas Bach, who visited the two main venues built specifically for the Games: the Saint-Denis Aquatic Center and the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, a previously neglected area now revitalized thanks to the Olympic project.

One of the day’s most symbolic moments will come tonight, when the Eiffel Tower lights up with the Olympic rings — for now, represented by a flag — as part of the ongoing tribute. Permanent installation of the rings is pending a legal amendment regarding national monuments.

A Lasting Legacy in the City

The Olympic spirit continues into Sunday during the final stage of the Tour de France, which will revisit iconic locations such as Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, just like the cycling road race did during last year’s Games.

Another tangible legacy lies in the restored Seine River, where, after extensive work to improve water quality, three swimming areas have officially opened. The IOC delegation visited the Bras Marie site, across from the Île Saint-Louis, where thousands have already enjoyed this new urban experience.

The Tuileries Garden also plays a part in the celebrations, where every night the Olympic cauldron — shaped like an old hot air balloon — rises into the sky, honoring the first hydrogen balloon flight launched from the same spot in 1783.

From temporary stadiums at the Place de la Concorde and the base of the Eiffel Tower, to events held at landmarks such as the Grand Palais, Les Invalides, Versailles, and the Sacré-Cœur, Paris offered an unforgettable visual identity. The combination of historical beauty and sporting excellence gave the world a truly unmatched Olympic image.