Paris Nights Set Ablaze by Olympic Cauldron

The iconic Olympic cauldron at the Paris 2024 Games marks a revolutionary step towards eco-friendly practices. Moving away from traditional fossil fuels, the cauldron utilizes water and electric light as part of a broader ambition for a low-carbon Olympics.

PARIS, France — This cauldron, which debuted mesmerizingly at the Paris Games opening ceremony, will rest on the ground during daylight hours and rise each evening. Located near the Louvre’s glass pyramid entrance, the cauldron will ascend over 60 meters (197 feet) above the Tuileries gardens from sunset until 2 a.m.

Starting Saturday, daily visitors numbering up to 10,000 can secure free tickets to closely observe this pioneering cauldron, noted for being the first in Olympic history to forgo fossil fuels. The daytime spectacle offers a close-up view of an innovation that uses water and electric light, making it a symbol of sustainability.

The electric flame relies on 40 LED spotlights, which work in conjunction with 200 high-pressure misting nozzles to create an illuminating cloud. Tony Estanguet, chief of Paris organizing committee, emphasized the importance of this technology in reducing emissions.

“Our ambition was to integrate something both spectacular and environmentally responsible,” Estanguet stated on Saturday. The commitment toward a lower carbon footprint aims to cut emissions in half.

This cauldron will continue to serve as a central feature beyond the Summer Games, remaining for the Paralympic Games scheduled in Paris from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.