As Paris Gears Up for Olympic Opening Ceremony, Celebrities Begin Arriving in France’s Capital

The Olympic preparations in Paris are in full swing, with organisers gearing up to hold the event outside the stadium for the first time.

6000 to 7000 athletes will set sail down a six kilometre stretch on the Siene River, from Austerlitz bridge in the east to the Eiffel Tower, via barges and boats.

Around 500,000 viewers would be able to watch the ceremony from specially built stands where tickets have been sold out for up to 2,700 euros ($2,900). People will also be able to watch the extravagant event from the balconies of their apartment and from the riverbanks.

“Organising a ceremony on the Seine is not easier than doing it in a stadium... but it has more punch,” chief organiser Tony Estanguet told AFP earlier this month.

Reports confirm that celebrated singers Celine Dion and Lady Gaga have arrived in Paris! Dion arrived in Paris on Monday and she’s lodging at the Royal Monceau hotel near the Champs-Élysées. Giving her company is American pop star, Lady Gaga, who is staying at the same hotel. It is not yet confirmed who will be performing at the opening ceremony.

France’s Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, told French media that she would neither confirm nor deny whether Celine Dion will be performing at the grand ceremony. She, however, promised that there would be an “exceptional line-up of artists” including musicians, actors and singers on the D day.

Marking the 33rd games, American Rapper Snoop Dogg will carry the Olympic torch in the final stretch, through the streets of Paris where Stade de France Olympic Stadium is located.

Snoop expressed his excitement about being part of the Olympics. The rapper said, “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness.”

The Paris Olympic is scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August in France.