The Olympic flame has arrived on French soil in Marseille after being transported aboard a 19th-century tall ship. The flame, which has been on a 12-day voyage from Greece, was lit during a special ceremony in Olympia. It's estimated that up to 150,000 people were on hand there at the Marseille Marina to greet the flame.

Marseille

The Olympic flame has successfully arrived in Marseille, France, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. Transported aboard the Baleme, a 19th-century tall ship, the flame completed a 12-day journey from Greece where it was initially lit in a special ceremony held in Olympia. The arrival of the flame in Marseille was greeted with extensive celebrations and heightened security, signaling the nation's readiness for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.

Upon reaching the French coast, the Baleme was welcomed by an impressive flotilla of around 1,000 sailboats and motorboats. This maritime procession accompanied the historic vessel along the coast to Marseille's old port, where the Olympic flame was received by an enthusiastic crowd estimated at 150,000 people. The spectators gathered not only at the marina but also on nearby beaches and parks, all eager to witness this historic event.

The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron in Marseille was performed by French rapper Jul, a native of the city and currently the most listened to rapper in France. His involvement in the event was a closely guarded secret until the moment of the lighting, which was met with an outpouring of support from the assembled crowd. This occasion was further commemorated by the French Air Force, which drew the Olympic rings in the sky above. 

Prior to Jul's participation, the Olympic torch was handed to him by Paralympic athlete Nantana Kieta, a gold medalist from the 2016 Games. This exchange was made possible after Olympic French swimming champion Florent Manodou, visibly moved by the occasion, initially presented the torch at the marina. Manodou expressed his emotional response to being selected for this honor, a decision that was communicated to him just a few weeks prior to the event.

The security for the event was of paramount importance, with some 6,000 police officers deployed throughout Marseille's old port area. This significant security presence underscores the seriousness with which France is approaching the safeguarding of the Olympic flame and the broader Games, especially given the country’s current highest state of alert.



Olympic flame arrives in Marseille amid fanfare, high security

The French rapper, Jul, lights the Olympic cauldron before a cheering crowd of thousands. With the torch in hand, a historic moment on Marseille's old port, highlighted by plumes of red, white and blue smoke. The most listened to rapper in France was born in Marseille, and his presence at the ceremony was a well-guarded secret. Minutes before, another icon, Florent Manodou, the Olympic French swimming champion, handed the torch off to Paralympic athlete Nantana Kieta, a gold medalist in the 2016 Games. They made their way down a floating platform, while above, the French Air Force drew the Olympic rings in the sky. Minutes before, as the Baleme arrived in Marseille's old port, Florent Manodou took the torch in hand and held it up for the crowd to see, overcome with emotion. They called me a few weeks ago to give me the news. I had tears in my eyes. There to greet the flame, some 150,000 spectators gathered at the old port, hundreds of others on the beaches of Marseille and in the parks along the shore, hoping to catch a glimpse. I'm so excited to see it and to be part of this big event. The majestic Baleme spent much of the day along the coast, escorted by about 1,000 sailboats and motorboats, there to welcome the ship to French shores. Among the throngs of people, some 6,000 police officers securing the old port for the ceremony. A test for Paris, with France on its highest state of alert ahead of the 2024 Games.

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