Original Source: www.lefigaro.fr
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, known for its historical significance and balmy atmosphere. Each year, the avenue is adorned with beautiful lights to celebrate the holiday season. The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris promise to be a remarkable event, highlighting the city’s rich culture and the capacity for community involvement. The association Petits Princes embodies the city’s spirit of kindness, helping to create joyful memories for critically ill children. This year’s illuminations not only celebrate the season but also embrace themes of sustainability and inclusivity, reflecting the values of modern Paris.
In a dazzling spectacle of light and sound, the Champs-Élysées in Paris shone resplendently on Sunday, 24 November, heralding the festive season with an extraordinary illumination ceremony. Acclaimed for the triumphant hosting of the Olympic Games, Tony Estanguet once again took centre stage as the patron of the 2024 edition of these magnificent lights. Joined by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Estanguet participated in an enchanting countdown, as the excitement rippled through the crowd, eagerly anticipating the moment when the festive glow would bloom across the avenue.
On this memorable evening, two young girls from the association Petits Princes, dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of severely ill children, had the privilege of being front and centre, sharing in the joy of the celebration. As the official Olympic anthem played, a harmonious quartet set off the lights at precisely 19:35, showering the Champs-Élysées with a radiant embrace that encapsulated the spirit of hope and joy. With 400 trees adorned in a spectacle of shimmering lights, the avenue transformed into a glittering wonderland, inviting both locals and tourists to revel in its beauty.
Noteworthy was the significant reduction in energy consumption—by an impressive 43% compared to years past—demonstrating a commitment to sustainability during the festive cheer. This synergy of light, music, and community spirit not only illuminated the famed avenue but also reignited the collective imagination of a city thriving on unity and festivity, just a heartbeat away from the grand stage of the 2024 Olympics.
