The Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay form two separate chapters of a single story. The first instalment took place from April 2024 with the Olympic Torch Relay and the second occurred after the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games with the Paralympic Torch Relay.

A symbol of unity and peace, the torch spreads the spirit of the Games as it travels around the country, marking the start of celebrations. For the Paris 2024 Games, the Olympic Torch Relay took place over a three-month period, but the process to select the participants began in September 2023.

THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY

Before each edition of the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame is lit by the sun’s rays within the ruins of old Olympia in a ceremony that builds a bridge to the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games. For Paris 2024, the flame traveled from Greece to France by boat in line with the principle of sustainability that guides everything the Paris Organising Committee does, especially concerning the Olympic Torch Relay.

To reach as many different French communities as possible, the Olympic Torch Relay traveled through numerous regions and at least one overseas territory. Who hasn’t dreamt of carrying the Olympic torch once in their life? You don’t have to be well known to apply to carry the torch as the selection criteria seeks to identify people who have done something inspirational. Furthermore, the selection criteria is designed to be inclusive, with a particular focus on gender equality and people with disabilities.

The Olympic Torch Relay also offered a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the provinces of France, their heritage and savoir-faire. These towns, villages and iconic locations benefited from the attention the Games generate to reveal themselves to the world. The Olympic Torch Relay also sought to celebrate the role of sport in society. Sports clubs were involved during group relays, as were host towns bearing the “Terre de Jeux 2024” label that are heavily involved in promoting the role of sport in people’s lives.

THE PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY

Following the conclusion of the Closing Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the flame burned brightly once more during the Paralympic Games. It was lit in the village of Stoke Mandeville in the United Kingdom, widely considered to be the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, before crossing the Channel to reach Paris. This flame, which brought the spirit of the Games to France, lit the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on 28 August 2024.