Paris Prepares for Dual Celebrations on July 14
The streets of Paris are abuzz with activity as the city gears up for two major events on July 14. This year, the national day military parade will be held on Avenue Foch instead of the traditional Champs-Élysées. This shift is due to the Champs-Élysées being requisitioned for the passing of the Olympic flame on the same day. The dual celebrations have led to an exceptional arrangement, with barriers blocking access to traffic and police tow trucks actively clearing the way.
Heightened Security Measures in Paris
Security is a top priority as the city prepares for these large-scale events. David-Olivier Reverdy, national secretary of the Alliance-Police nationale union for Île-de-France, emphasized the importance of the day, stating, 'July 14 is the last round before the Olympics. Between the military ceremony and the passing of the flame, there will be a lot of people on the public roads.' The police presence is already substantial, ensuring the safety of both events.
The Journey of the Olympic Flame
The Olympic flame will make its way through several locations before arriving at the Troyes exhibition center. Starting from Burgundy, the torch will travel through Evry-le-Châtel, Nogent-sur-Seine, Ville-sous-la-Ferté, Romilly, Dolancourt, and Mesnil-Saint-Père. Notable figures such as Gaëtane Thiney, a former French football team striker, television host Monsieur Poulpe, and Claude Gamot, a former French sabreur who participated in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games, will relay the torch.
- The decision to move the national day military parade to Avenue Foch is a significant one, given the historical importance of the Champs-Élysées. However, the need to accommodate the passing of the Olympic flame has made this change necessary.
- The heightened security measures are not just for the events on July 14 but also serve as a preparatory step for the upcoming Olympic Games. The police force is working diligently to ensure that both events proceed without any incidents.
- The journey of the Olympic flame is a symbolic event that brings together various regions and notable personalities. Gaëtane Thiney's involvement, along with other prominent figures, adds a layer of excitement and national pride to the event.
