The designer of France’s Olympic cauldron, Mathieu Lehanneur, expressed his delight at the attraction’s popularity, saying it would be an “honour” if it became a permanent feature of the Paris skyline, akin to the Eiffel Tower after the 1889 World Fair.
Since the games opened last Friday, thousands have booked free tickets to view the cauldron, which rises in a hot-air balloon above Paris after sunset. “I’m so happy about what’s happening, it’s unbelievable,” Lehanneur said near the Louvre museum at the Parc des Tuileries, where the cauldron stands during the day. He described the extraordinary atmosphere as crowds gather nightly to see the cauldron lit at 10 p.m.
The hot-air balloon and its cauldron were unveiled on Friday to mark the start of the Games. French Olympic gold medalists Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner lit the flame during the opening ceremony.
Lehanneur hopes the flame could become a lasting symbol like the Eiffel Tower, although its permanence depends on sustained enthusiasm and official decisions. Currently, it’s scheduled to be dismantled after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Visitor Gabriel Godeau shared his appreciation, saying, “This exceptional flame is very beautiful … I’m really quite happy to be able to experience it with everyone, here in France.”
France’s main utilities provider, EDF, described the flame as “based on the simultaneous and controlled projection of a cloud of mist, and a powerful stream of light, creating a warm, living electric flame.”
