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Despite the inclement weather, an impressive and cosmopolitan crowd had gathered at the various festivities sites around Paris to watch the opening ceremony. Here is our report from two of the capital's venues: Parc de Choisy (13th arrondissement) and Stade Louis-Lumière (20th arrondissement).
In the 13th, a sample of humanity
"The park's already full, but go on then". At around 7 p.m. on this Friday, July 26, the Parc de Choisy is practically packed. And with good reason: the crowds had arrived early to take advantage of the various activities hosted by the town hall during the day. But above all, to attend the live broadcast of the highly anticipated Olympic opening ceremony.
Even with the skies looking ominous, nearly a hundred people were scattered across the central lawn, with an equal number milling about, searching for a seat or lining up at the food trucks arranged for the event. The atmosphere is cheerful and good-natured. Families, couples and groups of friends made up a cosmopolitan crowd, from surrounding neighborhoods to the other side of the world.
At the back of the pitch, Junko and Mana, two Japanese expats, are here with their little daughters. They "can't wait for it to start" and praise the atmosphere and "excellent organization" of the event. "It's great to be able to watch the ceremony here with our children," says Junko.
Young Japan fans at Choisy Park (13th arrondissement) for the ceremony
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
From Bolivia to the Netherlands, from Brazil to Mali
As the clock struck 7:30 p.m, the show finally started. Comedian Jamel Debbouze appeared on screen with the Olympic torch, handing it to legendary soccer star Zinedine Zidane. "Zizou! Zizou!" exclaimed a teenager standing by a tree. He's not the only one, a huge cheer goes up in the park.
Throughout the evening, each artistic performance was acclaimed. During Aya Nakamura's remarkable performance on the Pont des Arts, even some of the quieter fans joined in to sing "Djadja" in unison with her. But when it comes to applause, the parade is the clear winner. With each new boat, spectators shout, applaud and proudly wave flags, giving the lawn a giant, colorful patchwork effect.
This evening, a diverse slice of humanity appears to be gathered in the park in southeast Paris. Bolivians rub shoulders with the Dutch, Brits sip a beer with Brazilians, Malians chat with Japanese… Everyone is enjoying this timeless moment, which the capricious weather will not have disturbed.
A Brazilian fan at the Parc de Choisy for the Games ceremony.
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
The rain did not dampen the spirits of the crowd who had come to celebrate the Games, peace and love.
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Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
In the 20th, happy children, delighted parents
At the Louis Lumière stadium (20th arrondissement), the atmosphere was very family-oriented. Some 800 spectators have come to enjoy the broadcast on a giant screen set up in front of covered stands. Camille and Martin had a front-row seat on deckchairs: "I work on the Ile de la Cité, so I saw the sets being built and wanted to see what it was like! We're expecting rain around 9:30 p.m., but we're not afraid of getting wet".
Camille and Martin wouldn't have missed the opening ceremony for the world.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Some people have already been here for a while, as the venue opens in the afternoon to offer sporting activities for the younger ones. Mirina, 11, Imrane and Sarah, 6, all local children, are having fun on the running track while waiting for the ceremony to begin. They were able to try their hand at archery and Power 4 XXL a few hours beforehand. " Now we can't wait to see the show, especially Aya," says Sarah.
Sarah, Mirina and Imrane had a great time all afternoon waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
In the afternoon, children were able to take advantage of the entertainment set up at the Louis Lumière stadium.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Children enjoyed archery practice in the afternoon.
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Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
We were among the first to be drawn in February 2023, so we bought tickets, got hooked and ended up staying for eight days!
Further on, a family dressed in red, white and blue arrived at the top of the steps, looking for a place to sit in the dry, just in case. Maud, André and their daughters Anna and Apolline come from Chatte, not far from Grenoble, in Isère. "We were among the first to be drawn in February 2023, so we bought tickets, got hooked and ended up staying for eight days in a hotel not far from here," explains Maud, " but we still wanted to experience the moment with other people! We're really happy to be here, it's a great place," adds André. Many foreigners have ventured to the 20th arrondissement, among them Holly and Julie from London, easily spotted in their bucket hats.
Anna, Appoline and Maud came from Isère and take the opportunity to dress accordingly.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Holly and July, proud to represent their country, were delighted to attend the ceremony in the 20th arrondissement.
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Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
However, it's primarily the local residents who fill the stadium, a place they are familiar with. Among them is young Léna, just 5 years old, resolute in her intention to witness the entire ceremony. "I can't wait to see who's going to carry the Olympic flame! I think it will be a boy".
Who will be part of the show? Who will light the Olympic cauldron? Everyone has made their predictions. On site, we met Benjamin Axus, a top-level judoka and last torchbearer of the afternoon on the Canal Saint-Martin. "You're going to say I'm very biased, but I'm hoping it'll be Teddy Rinner, as a multi-Olympic medalist, and Marie-Jo Perec". A safe bet!
Judoka Benjamin Axus, torchbearer, was on hand at Louis Lumière for the ceremony.
Credit
Guillaume Bontemps / Ville de Paris
Zidane received a standing ovation, while Lady Gaga was met with admiration
Time seems to stand still for a few seconds as the first notes of the ceremony ring out. The crowd applauded Zidane's arrival on screen, and laughed at comedian Jamel Debbouze's expressions. As the boat parade commenced on the Seine, a spectator named Lucile couldn't contain her excitement, exclaiming, "She's beautiful! She's beautiful!" as Lady Gaga led the procession of eagerly awaited stars.
Lady Gaga's performance on the giant-screen ceremony at the Louis Lumière stadium.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Some 800 people turned out at the Louis Lumière stadium for the opening ceremony.
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Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Initially timid, the audience slowly warmed up, bobbing their heads to the wild drums of Gojira on the façade of the Conciergerie, getting swept up in Armanet's solo, admiring Diop's ballet, and bursting into laughter at the minions' chatty antics and Philippe Katerine's interlude in blue.
Aya deserves to be here, it's a fine foil to all those who were grumbling!
The evening's highlight was the arrival of Aya Nakamura, clad in gold, on the Pont des Arts. Singing and dancing, Sarah couldn't believe she'd seen her idol on the big screen. "She deserves to be here, it's a fine foil to all those who were grumbling!" exclaims Valentina, swaying to the beat.
Aya Nakamura's performance on the big screen at the Louis Lumière stadium.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
Cécile, who came from Bagnolet with her friends, was particularly moved when the golden statues were unveiled. "It's great to see sorority celebrated alongside fraternity, and to see women celebrated for fighting for their rights! This moment is deeply moving for me because one of the individuals who emerged from the water is a member of my family, Paulette Nardal. Our family has long been dedicated to preserving her legacy. Today, her influence is recognized globally".
Several statues of famous women were immersed in the Seine during the ceremony. Here, Simone Veil.
Credit
Joséphine Brueder / Ville de Paris
The rain almost adds a romantic touch to the show…
Even as the rain fell, the gathered crowd were not perturbed. Camille and Martin, whom we met earlier, were still smiling despite their soaked clothes. "We're having a great time, we're a bit wet, but it doesn't matter, it's great fun to be here". Thanks to the stands, most spectators stayed dry. "The rain almost adds a romantic touch to the show", whispers an optimistic Martin.
It was almost the end of the show. The silver horse had been racing down the Seine, captivating the audience, while the masked torchbearer, who had appeared throughout the ceremony, aroused curiosity. "We realized that he was the main character of the evening, perhaps even the one who will light the flame," says Olivier.
The last torchbearers made their way to the cauldron putting an end to months of speculation; the suspense is over. Teddy Riner and Marie-Jo Pérec stood together to light the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens. Little Léna, wide-eyed and awake, didn't miss a second of the spectacle. Then, Céline Dion, singing from atop the Eiffel Tower, drew fresh tears of emotion from the audience.
As the screen went blank and the stadium emptied, each person left taking a little piece of history and happy memories with them.
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