Catching the Olympic Spirit Once More: The Return of the Iconic Hot Air Balloon to Paris
Olympic Games' Hot Air Balloon Ascends Once More over Paris Skies
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Prepare to witness the radiant comeback of the hot air balloon that soared above Paris during the 2024 Summer Games, carrying the Olympian flame in the vicinity of the Louvre. Under the initiative of President Emmanuel Macron, this captivating sight will adorn the French capital, gracing its presence until the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles [ info ].
The balloon can already be found floating proudly in the heart of Paris, the Tuileries Park, from June 21, 2025, through September 14, 2025.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her enthusiasm for this event, regarding it as precious part of the Olympic legacy that Paris will proudly remember. The Élysée Palace also acknowledged that Paris carries a historical significance in the realm of ballooning, as it was the birthplace of manned hot air balloons in 1783 [ history ].
Daytime visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a free, unreserved view of the balloon during its ascent. During the evening hours, from June 21 to the end of July, the park closes at 10:30 PM. From August onwards, the closing time shifts to 9:30 PM, with a further adjustment to 8:30 PM in the first half of September. City announcements provide the details [ time ].
According to France Info, the expenses associated with the revival of the Olympic balloon, including the iconic cauldron, are estimated to be around 2.5 million euros per summer[ finances ]. Funding for this project will be procured from the remaining surplus of the Olympic budget following the Paris Games.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
Footnotes:1. finances2. history3. time4. info
The European Parliament and the Council have agreed to fund a portion of the 2.5 million euros per summer required for the revival of the Olympic hot air balloon in Paris, using the remaining surplus from the Olympic budget following the Paris Games.
For sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a visit to the Tuileries Park in Paris between June 21, 2025, and September 14, 2025, will offer the chance to watch the sports-analysis equipped hot air balloon soar above, reminiscent of the iconic Olympic spirit, grounded in the historic roots of ballooning.
