Marseille, a French port city, welcomes the Olympic torch with fanfare and tight security

The city of Marseille is buzzing with excitement as the Olympic torch makes its way to France for the Paris 2024 Games. The torch, carried by a majestic ship named Belem, arrived in Marseille to a grand celebration in the Old Port. Organizers have promised a “fantastic” event, with more than a thousand boats accompanying the ship’s parade around the bay.

Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet expressed his joy at the torch’s arrival, calling it a “fantastic celebration.” The torch, lit in Greece last month, will be carried by Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou, who has been chosen as the first carrier in France.

Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan expressed his pride in hosting the torch relay, stating that the city has a deep connection to sports and Olympism. Security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the event, with heavy police and military presence seen patrolling the city center.

The torch relay will continue through iconic locations across the country, including Mont Saint-Michel and the Versailles Palace, before culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The location of the cauldron lighting remains top-secret, with options such as the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens rumored to be under consideration.

The people of Marseille are ready to “dazzle the world” with their celebration of the Olympic spirit, showcasing their love for sports and the Games.