Paris Says Farewell to ‘Feel Good’ Summer Games in Grand Parade

The Parade of Champions in Paris: A Spectacular Celebration of French Athletes

The city of Paris bid farewell to a summer of sporting excellence with a grand parade of French athletes on the iconic Champs Elysées. The Parade of Champions marked the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 460 athletes, including 120 Paris medalists, participating.

The parade route, lined with 70,000 spectators, culminated at the Arc de Triomphe monument where athletes were celebrated on a ring-shaped stage. The event featured volunteers, officials, and representatives from both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The director of ceremonies likened the parade to a “5th ceremony,” embodying the same spirit of surprise, emotion, and sharing as the earlier Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier honored French athletes, with 187 athletes receiving state honors.

Despite political tensions and a hung parliament, Macron’s celebration of unity through sport resonated with many. Barnier’s upcoming government formation has sparked controversy, underscoring the country’s political divide.