For around forty years, Lieutenant Thierry Vadeblé has dedicated his professional life to firefighting. This year, the 53-year-old firefighter from Villiers-le-Bel will play a crucial role in the 2024 Olympic Games by guarding the Olympic flame during its journey through Île-de-France. As one of the nine guardians of the flame, Vadeblé will ensure the flame remains lit and will transport emergency lanterns where needed. He views this as a fitting end to his career, which began when he was just 13 years old as a volunteer firefighter in Viarmes.
The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to commence in Paris on July 26, and the city is pulling out all the stops to make this a memorable event. The French capital aims to offer a fresh perspective on the Games, focusing on the city and its residents. With Paris and France as the backdrop, the event promises to be a unique holiday destination for visitors, who can also enjoy a variety of books on the Olympics and France.
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of the Olympics and Paris, several book recommendations can enhance the experience. Stefan Ulrich's 'Favorite Places: Paris Travel Guide' offers insider tips and highlights the city's most beautiful spots. Ulrich Kühne-Hellmessen and Detlef Vetten's 'Olympics 2024' provides a comprehensive daily summary of the Games, complete with images and detailed information about the athletes and events. Siegmund Dunker and Harald Landwehr's 'Summer Olympics Paris 2024' showcases the spectacular venues and unforgettable moments of the Games.
In addition to the Olympic festivities, the traditional July 14 parade will undergo significant changes this year due to the Games. For the first time since 1979, the parade will not take place on the Champs-Élysées but will be held between Place Charles-de-Gaulle and Avenue Foch. The event will open with helicopters, followed by units from the three armies, and will conclude with a dynamic aerial display by the Patrouille de France. This year's parade will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of France, emphasizing the connection between the military and Olympism.
