Wowww! That's what comes to mind when we think of Paris Olympics!
The Games were truly amazing and a first in Olympic history as they took place not only in stadiums but in some of the most breathtaking settings right in the heart of the city.
Imagine watching world-class athletes compete in venues like the Stade Eiffel, the Grand Palais, the Invalides, or even Versailles—each one offering stunning views of Paris.
What could be better?
The Opening Ceremony Set the Tone!
From the very beginning, the Opening Ceremony showcased the beauty of Paris and the rich diversity of French culture.
There were so many unforgettable moments:
The Marseillaise sung from the top of the Grand Palais,
A powerful tribute to the French women who shaped History,
A wild horse galloping across the Seine,
The Olympic cauldron being lit by several athletes, one of whom was 100 years old!
And let's not forget Céline Dion, singing "L'hymne à l'amour" from the Eiffel Tower with such emotion that millions of us (including me) were moved to tears.
With an opening like that, we all knew we were in for an extraordinary six weeks!
An Endless Show!
What performances we witnessed!
From Simone Biles to Léon Marchand, even those who don't usually follow sports were captivated. (Confession time: I even found myself singing the Marseillaise alone in front of my TV screen.)
But the magic wasn't just on the surface. The behind-the-scenes efforts were equally remarkable.
Behind the Scenes
Behind this exceptional, six-week-long show (Yes, I include the Paralympics in that), there was a tremendous challenge: Organizing everything and ensuring everyone's safety.
Given what Paris has been through in recent years, we all knew the city could be a target for an attack. That’s why security measures were so tight, with special perimeters set up, and a thorough background check required for anyone entering certain areas.
The Police forces were diligent yet friendly, as you can see in numerous online videos, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
Paris' New Face
The Olympics also gave Paris a bit of a makeover.
Olympic rings appeared in many places, and Parisians now have something new to look forward to—swimming in the Seine! Starting in 2025, three swimming sites will open:
Bras Marie (on the right bank)
Bras de Grenelle (on the left bank near the Eiffel Tower)
Bercy (on the right bank at the east end side of the city)
It sounds great "sur le papier," as we say in French, but the current water color isn’t exactly inviting yet. Personally, I’ll pass on that one. ;-)
Another legacy of the Games is the beautiful Olympic cauldron, which will likely become a permanent attraction next to the Pyramide du Louvre.
The statues honoring French women along Pont Alexandre III might also stay—a wonderful initiative that finally acknowledges the role of women in History.
There’s even talk of keeping the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, though most Parisians (myself included) aren’t thrilled about that. We’ll see what the Mayor decides ;-)
The Real Magic of Paris Olympics
But for me, the true magic of the Paris Olympics goes beyond the flawless organization and magnificent venues.
These Games had the incredible power to unify the French people. We, the French, are known for being proud, quick to debate, and not shy about striking or demonstrating for our rights—so we don’t always see eye to eye.
Just a few weeks before the Games, France was deeply divided after a contentious election, and many of us (myself included) feared the worst: strikes and protests during the Olympics.
But instead, something extraordinary happened. The Games, starting with the Opening Ceremony, cast a spell over the nation, uniting us all behind our athletes and our beautiful capital. As Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organization Committee, said in his closing speech: "A people of irreductible grumblers transformed into wild supporters who don't want to stop singing."
The Games made us so proud to be French, showcasing our "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité/Sororité" values to the world.
That was the real magic of the Paris Olympics—sending a message of peace to our troubled world.
The Olympic Spirit
The Olympic spirit will linger a little longer in Paris with several exhibits dedicated to the Games, such as:
Around the 1900 Olympic Games: Sport and Ideal at the Musée d'Orsay until September 22, 2024.
Olympism at the Musée du Louvre until September 16, 2024.
The gowns worn by Lady Gaga, Céline Dion, Aya Nakamoura, and Axelle Saint-Cirel are displayed at the Galerie Dior until September 30, 2024.
But beyond these exhibits, I truly hope the spirit of the Games will linger even longer, keeping the magic of the Paris Olympics alive forever.
From Paris with love,
Nadège
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