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Rendering of the Paris 2024 opening ceremony on the Seine river.


The river Seine will host one of the most innovative Opening Ceremonies to date for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in what promises to be a stunning event to kick off the Games in the French capital.



Making history

As part of a historic move, instead of the traditional stadium setting, Paris 2024’s Opening Ceremony will be set against the backdrop of the French capital. More than 160 boats will carry delegations down a six-kilometre route from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Trocadéro, passing many famous Parisian monuments, bridges and cultural institutions, such as Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

With free public access to part of the riverbanks, as well as viewing areas on the many bridges and quays along the route, more than 600,000 spectators are expected to welcome you and your fellow athletes from across the world for the Parade of Nations.

Speaking about the concept, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Organising the Opening Ceremony along the Seine, the emblematic river in the very heart of the city, perfectly aligns with Paris 2024’s ambition to reinvent the Games model by opening up participation to as many people as possible.

“This Ceremony will be an exceptional experience for all the athletes taking part, but also, and above all, for the people of Paris, for France and for the whole world.”

Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet added: “Rest assured, the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony will be nothing short of magical. Its staging will be ground-breaking. It will be a ceremony for the people, open to one and all. It will show the world the very best of France. A party like no other – and the world is invited!”