Reflections – On the Parisian magic and why the Seine River was chosen as the central stage for the Olympic opening ceremony

This was not a spontaneous flash of brilliance, and the opening ceremony of the Olympics was not held for nothing –
Along it, on its banks and within it Seine River.

The two branches of the Seine

Many cities in the world embrace a river, but part of its uniqueness and charm Paris It lies in the fact
That the French were able, in a planned and consistent manner, to turn the river into a cardinal axis
And to maintain throughout the wonderful dualism between:

Imperial axis Of a river, along which is a dense reservoir of monuments, palaces of power, culture and knowledge, which together create a grandiose “sailing architecture” and reveal a didactic, dramatic, informed and fascinating historical panorama. They constitute a living museum, testimony, in a mirror, to the historical past, to the changes of regimes, to the cascade of events that Paris has experienced.

And Aesthetic experiential path And a connoisseur of taste, preserving a human - intimate - romantic scale, which spices up the entire arc of its residents' daily activities and constitutes the ultimate backdrop and setting for all the channels of "joy of life":

• Gymnasts compete and dance on its piers, sailing and traveling along it.
• Spectators flirt and linger on its bridges.
• They vacation and spend time in the gardens adjacent to it, paint it... and even fish in it...

That's why it was so clear and natural for the French to choose the river - with its banks, gardens, bridges, and buildings bordering it - as the central stage for the ceremony, and to make Paris, with all its beauty and charm - the main star!

And what wasn't there along the river at the opening ceremony?

A collection of selected monuments and sites served as a backdrop for a variety of performances, poetry, theater, and dance performances in a variety of styles, emphasizing fashion and design.

Historical references were made, special respect was given to the cultivation of the past while emphasizing the work of artists (savoir faire), and fundamental values ​​and universal messages were highlighted.

Throughout the ceremony, characteristics that characterize the “French spirit” resonated:

• A sense of pride and cultural uniqueness, appreciation and respect for cultural and spiritual assets.
• Respect for the past and nurturing of heritage, advocating innovation and creativity, openness and nurturing of diversity and multiplicity, the aspiration for integrity and excellence, appreciation and respect for the work of art, a sense of beauty and aesthetics, and… hedonism.

A diverse human, universal, nostalgic and avant-garde celebration was created, immersed in the joy of life, creativity, excellence and color. The river and everything on its banks became a celebration.

And so did Henry IV, the builder king, who, around 4, instilled in the city the consideration of the Seine as a central reference element, and whose statue stands proudly on thePhone number That son – he could now, when the ceremony takes place in 2024 – rub his hands together again
And mumble to himself...what a great success!