Paris, The upcoming 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, culminating in Paris on July 26, will incorporate a route through 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, marking a historical first by holding the opening ceremony within a heritage site. The relay will commence with the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia, Greece, on April 16 and proceed through significant French cultural and natural landmarks.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the torch will be lit at the Archaeological Site of Olympia and then make its way to Marseille by May 8, journeying across several French regions. Notable stops include Arles, known for its Roman and Romanesque monuments, and the fortified city of Carcassonne. The relay will also pass through locations on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and explore areas like the Pyrenees and Mont Perdu, capturing the essence of varied historical and geographical settings.

Throughout June, the relay will visit iconic sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel, the historic spa town of Vichy, and the vineyard landscapes of Champagne. It will also highlight modern and post-war architectural marvels like Le Havre and the Palace and Park of Versailles, reflecting the broad spectrum of French heritage from medieval times to the 20th century.

As the torch reaches Paris, it will light up the Banks of the Seine, where the Olympic festivities will unfold against a backdrop of landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. This opening ceremony will not only celebrate athletic prowess but also emphasize global cultural heritage, underscoring the Olympics’ role in fostering unity and appreciation across diverse cultures.