PARIS – The flame-free Olympic balloon that became an emblem of the 2024 Paris Summer Games is set to make an annual return to the French capital until the next edition of the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Macron shared an image of the balloon soaring above Paris, describing it as “one of the unforgettable sights” of the 2024 Olympics. “It will return every summer… until the Los Angeles Games,” he stated.

The balloon, tethered to a cauldron in the Tuileries gardens near the Louvre Museum, will be reinstalled every year from June 21—coinciding with France’s annual music festival—until September 14, the date of a new sports festival that Macron aims to introduce.

This initiative is expected to serve as both a tribute to the Olympic spirit and a celebration of athleticism in France.

A Spectacle to Remember

During the 2024 Summer Olympics, the helium-filled balloon ascended 30 meters (98 feet) into the sky each evening, creating a breathtaking visual display that captivated thousands of spectators.

The balloon, illuminated by LED rays, produced a misty glow, simulating the effect of an Olympic flame in an eco-friendly manner.

It was initially ignited at the opening ceremony by French sporting icons—three-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner and legendary sprinter Marie-José Pérec.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a key advocate for the project, hailed the decision to bring back the attraction in an Instagram post, calling it “very, very good news.”

The balloon’s design and execution paid homage to France’s aviation heritage, drawing inspiration from the Montgolfier brothers, pioneers of hot air ballooning who launched their first flight from the same Tuileries gardens in 1783.

A Symbol of Unity and Legacy

Following the end of the Games, the balloon’s absence was felt by many Parisians and tourists who had gathered nightly to witness its ascension. Its return is seen as a way to keep the spirit of the 2024 Olympics alive and provide an enduring legacy for the Games.

The 2024 Olympics were widely celebrated as a success, offering a morale boost to France amid a challenging political and economic climate.

The Games not only showcased sporting excellence but also fostered national pride and international admiration for Paris as a host city.

With its annual reappearance, the Olympic balloon aims to rekindle those cherished memories while reinforcing Paris’ status as a center for major global events.

As anticipation builds for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, France’s decision to preserve this unique spectacle ensures that the Olympic legacy continues to shine over the City of Light.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members