The Paris 2024 Olympics: LVMH Welcomes the Olympic Flame at the heart of Paris

"The Olympic Games in Paris happen once in a lifetime," says Germain Louvet, the Étoile Dancer of Opéra de Paris. Louvet had the privilege to become one of the 10,000 Olympic flame runners, who participated in the rally that took place in Paris over the course of two days, July 14 and 15. This beautiful tradition was also celebrated by the LVMH group, one of the main partners of the Olympic games, who welcomed the Olympic flame at their emblematic sights in Paris - think Foundation Louis Vuitton or Place de la Monnaie in front of the Louis Vuitton headquarters. 

The Olympic flame started its Parisian relay straight at the Military Parade, celebrating Bastille Day, the most important French holiday, before travelling through iconic Parisian locations such as Saint-Germain-des-Près, La Sorbonne, Place Saint Sulpice, Notre Dame de Paris, Place Vendôme, Le Louvre, or Rue Rivoli, among others. On the first day, the LVMH Group welcomed the public at Place de la Monnaie in front of the Louis Vuitton headquarters and La Samaritaine, the iconic store that has been renovated by the group. 

The buildings were connected by orange and chocolate fabrics symbolizing LVMH talents that teamed up on the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, and craftsmanship and social bonds that highlight LVMH Maisons’ local networks. 

On the second day, the Olympic flame made an exceptional stop at the Foundation Louis Vuitton, where Basquiat x Warhol's "Olympic Rings" artwork was displayed for the occasion. According to Suzanne Pagé, Artistic director of the Louis Vuitton Foundation, "This magnificent painting which shows the marriage of art and sport, created together by two iconic artists, speaks of the depths of the world's major problems." It was a very special day for both the City and the Group, so the list of A-list guests included: Thomas Bach, CIO President, Anne Hidalgo, Paris Mayor, Jérémy Redler, Mayor of Paris 16th arrondissement, Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President, Bernard Arnault, LVMH Chairman and CEO, and Antoine Arnault, Image and Environment at LVMH, who were all present at Fondation Louis Vuitton to celebrate the unique moment. Later, the relay passed by the Jardin d'Acclimatation, one of the emblematic places of the Paris 16th arrondissement, loved by both Parisians and guests of the city for its unique selection of animals and plants.

After its Parisian relay the Olympic flame will travel through the cities and villages of France only to be back in the City of Lights on July 26, during the Opening Ceremony. It will stay at Stade Saint-Denis for two weeks, before coming back to Greece after the Closing Ceremony, scheduled for August 11. 

Relive the magic Olympic moments in our video. 

Text: Lidia Ageeva