The head of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which euphorized the capital this summer, made the legendary Parisian avenue shine this Sunday for the launch of the holiday illuminations.
By mid-afternoon, the arteries of the avenue are already full. Making your way through them is an obstacle course. Some have been there for hours to have a chance to catch a glimpse of the personalities expected for this evening. With one name that is on everyone’s lips: Tony Estanguet. The president of Paris 2024 is indeed the patron of this new edition after Tahar Rahim in 2022 and Gilles Lelouche in 2023.
In his speech, the native of Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) confided his « honor » of having been chosen and recalled having fallen « in love with Paris » for several years. The one who will have marked the year 2024 does not resist long before mentioning the Olympic Games.
The 400 trees lining the Avenue des Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement) put on their lights in front of tens of thousands of people, gathered this Sunday evening on the legendary pedestrianized artery for the occasion. The kick-off for these 2024 illuminations was given by Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The three-time Olympic champion and the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, accompanied by the Mayor of the 8th arrondissement Jeanne d’Hauteserre, and elected Parisians, pressed the buzzer to launch the illuminations. “Paris has offered the most beautiful Games in history and I thank those who contributed to these Games,” declared Tony Estanguet, “very honored to be the sponsor of these illuminations.” Also standing alongside them were two little girls from the Petits Princes association, which makes dreams come true for children with serious illnesses. Sixteen of them had carried the Olympic flame during the summer.
For this new edition, the LEDs used in the 400 trees on the avenue are once again “golden,” a color in perfect harmony with the Eiffel Tower. For those who were not there, the illuminations will remain on the Champs-Élysées until January 5.
They will be visible every day from 5 p.m. to midnight and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On December 24 and 31, the lights and the “tallest Christmas tree in Paris” at 13.5 m high, will remain illuminated all night.
©2024 – IMPACT EUROPEAN
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