The iconic Paris Olympic flame has been given a revolutionary twist for the 2024 Games, paying homage to the Montgolfier brothers with a design that has never been seen in Olympic history. The cauldron, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, stands 30 meters high with a 7-meter-diameter ring symbolizing fraternity. Unlike traditional Olympic cauldrons, the Paris cauldron remains static during the day in Tuilleries Gardens but is raised 30 meters into the air at night, with the flame itself being powered by electricity and water, creating a flickering and smoke effect using LED lights and high-pressure misting nozzles.
The unique design of the Paris 2024 Olympic flame marks a shift towards sustainability, as it is fueled by electricity rather than fossil fuels, thanks to an innovation by EDF. Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF, stated that the Paris 2024 cauldron shines with a 100% electric flame, made possible through the creativity and innovative strength of the teams involved.
The lighting of the Olympic cauldron was a highlight of the opening ceremony, with former French Olympians Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner igniting the flame, which then gently soared into the night sky, reminiscent of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon. The unique and sustainable design of the Paris Olympic flame symbolizes unity, innovation, and the spirit of the Games.
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