The hugely popular landmark in central Paris is experiencing a surge in visitor numbers in the run-up to the 2024 Olympics, and is likely to see even more visitors in the summer.
PARIS, France — As the French capital prepares to mark 100 days until the start of the Paris Games, organizers announced in a statement Tuesday that the Olympic rings will be displayed at the Eiffel Tower.
The five Olympic ring structures, measuring 29 meters (95 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) high, will be made entirely of recycled French steel and will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old Olympics. A historic building in the center of Paris overlooking the Seine. The opening ceremony, to be held at sunset on July 26, will see about 10,500 athletes parade through the center of the French capital along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route in boats on the Seine.
The Eiffel Tower will feature prominently in the exhibition from July 26 to August. The 2011 Paris Games and the subsequent Paralympic Games. Embedded in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic medals are fragments of hexagonal iron blocks taken from the monument.
The hugely popular 330-meter (1,083-foot) landmark in central Paris is seeing a surge in visitor numbers in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics.
Organizers say work to install the ring on the Eiffel Tower is expected to begin at the end of this month.
This is another link between the tower and world-famous athletic events. The gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to the winners of the Paris Games have hexagonal polished iron blocks taken from iconic landmarks embedded into the medals.
This is a rare departure from the usual plain rings of precious metal that adorn the top-performing athletes in their respective sports at the Olympics.
The pieces were cut from girders and other parts that were replaced from the Eiffel Tower during the renovation and kept for safekeeping, said Joachim Roncin, the Paris organizing committee's chief architect.
