Paris is gearing up to host one of the most daring Olympic opening ceremonies in history—and Monday’s rehearsal proved it’s going to be a spectacle! 🎇 Dozens of boats sailed along the River Seine as curious crowds gathered on bridges, catching a sneak peek of the ‘floating parade’ planned for July 26.
A total of 55 boats navigated the 6-kilometer route from Pont d'Austerlitz to Pont d'Iena, passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais, where fencing and taekwondo events will light up the Games. 🌍 Officials say the precision-timed rehearsal—once delayed by 10 minutes—now runs ‘almost to the second,’ according to ceremony director Thierry Reboul.
But with 200+ Olympic delegations set to join the river parade next month, security remains a top priority. 🚨 Armed police patrolled speedboats and riverbanks during the drill, while President Macron’s earlier warnings about relocating the ceremony to Stade de France linger. Still, organizers insist: ‘We’re sticking to Plan A.’
‘We’ll give our heart and souls to make it a success for the French people,’ said Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, as final rehearsals prepare to test the full armada of 80+ boats. 🛥️ With 100 world leaders and over 300,000 spectators expected, Paris is betting big on its riverfront showstopper—no pressure, right? 😉
