After months and months of meticulous planning, Paris is ready for the grand opening of the 33rd Olympic Games. In what promises to be a one-of-a-kind parade on the Seine River, 600,000 spectators will witness one of the most grandiose water events, offering a spectacular view and a grand parade of ships.
The river is the perfect vessel to highlight Paris’s iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. This story is not about Paris’s prowess but about resilience and determination, like the Olympics. A year and a half after officials announced Paris as the 2024 Olympic host, a devastating fire struck Notre Dame.The fire severely damaged the cathedral, collapsing its 19th-century spire and causing significant roof damage. However, firefighters’ swift action preserved the main structure. They saved the twin towers and valuable artifacts like the Crown of Thorns.
The global response to the disaster was immediate and generous. President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to restore Notre Dame within five years spurred worldwide support and fundraising. The cathedral’s intricate carvings and stained-glass windows underwent meticulous reconstruction using advanced technologies like 3D laser scanning and digital modelling. Craftsmen from around the world combined traditional techniques with modern tools to ensure the restoration was accurate and true to its original artistry.
Workers are still renovating the cathedral’s internal architecture, but they have prepared the external façade for unveiling. This proves that when faced with adversity, all you need is a clear vision and a goal. People can accomplish anything.
Tonight, the world’s eyes will be on Paris. Notre Dame, standing in the middle of the river, will take centre stage. Our trusted DMC partner in France, Lafayette DMC, has been working tirelessly on amazing Olympic projects. They are doing their part to bring Paris to the forefront of the world.