Paris celebrates Olympic farewell with parade on Champs-Élysées

On September 14, France will host a grand parade on the Champs-Elysées to bid farewell to the Paris Olympics, culminating in a concert at the Arc de Triomphe. This event, organized at the request of President Emmanuel Macron, will honor the country's athletes, volunteers, and public sector workers, with around 4,000 police officers ensuring security. Approximately 70,000 people have requested free tickets to witness the celebration, which aims to encapsulate the spirit of the Games. The Paris Olympics, which began on July 26, saw the French team achieve a record medal count of 64, including 16 golds, placing fifth overall. The subsequent Paralympic Games were praised for their spectacular nature, contributing to a sense of national pride and unity that had been lacking prior to the events. Mayor Anne Hidalgo described the period as "enchanted," contrasting it with the political instability and gloom that preceded the Games. Analysts suggest that the Olympics provided a much-needed escape for the French populace, fostering a rare sense of harmony. Macron has expressed a desire to maintain this spirit by proposing an annual "national day of sport" on September 14, encouraging community engagement through sports activities in various public spaces. The concert following the parade will feature notable artists, including Chris and Amadou & Mariam, and will showcase around 300 athletes and parathletes. This celebration marks the end of a significant chapter in French sports history, leaving a legacy of national pride and unity that the government hopes to sustain moving forward.