Olympic Torch Arrives in Paris, Welcomed with Cheer
The Olympic torch arrived in the French capital, Paris, on Sunday to a sea of cheers and applause from tourists and locals alike. The flame made its way through the city, visiting iconic landmarks and cultural institutions.
On its first day in Paris, the torch was welcomed by dancers from the famous Le Moulin Rouge cabaret, who performed a lively rendition of the iconic Cancan dance on Place Blanche. This marked a triumphant return to form for the cabaret, which had suffered a setback when its new windmill wings inexplicably collapsed earlier this year.
Over the next two days, the torch made appearances at the Bastille Day military parade, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sorbonne University, and the Louvre. On Monday, Olympic torch bearers took to the Champs Elysées, running a leg of the relay that has seen the flame travel across France.
Singer Amir Haddad and pastry chef Nina Metayer also got in on the action, participating in a symbolic "torch kiss" ceremony with the Arc de Triomphe serving as the backdrop. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the duo stood behind barriers along the pavement, their faces beaming with excitement.
With just 11 days to go until the opening ceremony on July 26th, the focus is now on the finishing touches at the Olympic sites scattered across the city. The Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and Concorde square are just a few of the many iconic landmarks being readied for the big event.
The Olympic flame will return to Paris on July 26th for the highly anticipated opening ceremony, capping off a week of excitement and anticipation in the French capital.
