Paris’ iconic cauldron from the Olympic Games returns to light up summer nights
PARIS — One year after captivating spectators at the Paris Olympics, the iconic helium balloon that lit up the city’s skyline has returned. Now known as the “Paris Cauldron,” the balloon took flight once again over the Tuileries Garden as the sun set on Saturday.
The balloon, which shed its Olympic branding, attracted around 30,000 people to its relaunch, coinciding with France’s annual street music festival. This will not be a one-time event, as the balloon is set to take flight every summer evening from June 21 to Sept. 14 for the next three years.
Special flights are planned for Bastille Day and the anniversary of the 2024 opening ceremony, making the cauldron a new symbol of Parisian summers.
Although the official “Olympic” branding is gone, the spectacular display continues to amaze viewers with its LED lights and mist jets creating a flame-like effect.
Originally designed as a temporary structure for the Olympics, the cauldron has been reinforced to withstand outdoor exposure for multiple years, with improvements made to handle various weather conditions.
The cauldron’s return is part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to preserve the spirit of the Games in Paris as the city looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
