Original Source: www.leparisien.fr
This article covers the festive inauguration of the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, led by Tony Estanguet, who is also the president of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event served as a bridge between the recent success of the Olympic Games and the enchanting spirit of the holiday season. With the illumination of 400 trees, the event attracted around 130,000 spectators, showcasing Paris’s love for celebration and unity. Key figures, including city officials and local children from a charity, honoured the occasion, contributing to the evening’s vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the article hints at an upcoming surprise in December, fueling excitement within the community.
On a chilly Parisian evening, glimmers of hope and joy erupted as Tony Estanguet, the emblematic leader of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, illuminated the famed Champs-Élysées with festive lights. Around 130,000 eager spectators thronged the iconic avenue, their breaths visible in the crisp air, ready to witness a spectacular celebration that bridged the summer’s Olympic magic with the enchanting cheer of Christmas. The 400 trees, dressed in twinkling splendour, promised to sparkle every night until the year’s close, painting a radiant scene through the city’s heart.
As the countdown echoed—five, four, three, two, one—the joyful strains of the Olympic anthem vibrated through the air, mingling with the excited gasps of the crowd. Joined by Anne Hidalgo, the spirited mayor of Paris, and other local dignitaries, Estanguet pressed the ceremonial buzzer to cue the display. The trees came alive, and a feeling of jubilation washed over the spectators, symbolising the success of the summer Games and the city’s enduring spirit. Estanguet expressed heartfelt gratitude for those involved in crafting an unforgettable Olympic experience, asserting that tonight’s illumination signifies a closer connection to that joyous moment, echoing a sentiment of unity and celebration.
The evening also highlighted remarkable young hearts from the association Petits Princes, their smiles radiating the same joy as the bright lights overhead. Meanwhile, Hidalgo painted an inspiring picture, reminding crowds of the historical fiesta Paris had curated through the Olympics. This gathering reflected a melting pot of cultures, with residents and tourists alike embracing the festive atmosphere, embodying the essence of togetherness.
As if in a dramatic flourish, an artistic collaboration unveiled by the company Blachère highlighted the magical fusion of the Holiday season with the Olympic spirit. Marc-Antoine Jamet, president of the Champs-Élysées committee, hinted at an extraordinary surprise set for December 1st, keeping the excitement palpable and the community buzzing with anticipation. A lively DJ and a vibrant band entertained the crowd, sending them into a state of joyous reverie, further amplifying the evening’s celebratory nature.
The illuminations would persevere nightly until the stroke of midnight, extending late into the weekends, ensuring the radiance of the Champs-Élysées remains a cherished staple throughout the festive period. Testament to its allure, the newly lit trees embody the very essence of Paris in winter—luminous, warm, and unmistakably magical. Through the laughter, awe, and delight that filled the air, the night unveiled the heart of Paris, reminding every attendee of the unparalleled beauty found in moments shared amidst glowing lights and festive cheer.
