The Olympic torch has arrived in France for the first time ahead of this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, set to begin on July 24.

The torch arrived in Marseille on the Belem, a traditional three-mast ship. The arrival was welcomed by the thousands of people who went to the port to watch the torch disembark the ship, with the French national anthem playing, accompanied by a French Air Force flyover.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed French Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou who carried the torch.

“With the arrival of the flame, the country enters the games,” Macron said.

The Olympic torch relay began on April 15, with a lighting ceremony in Greece, where it then started its journey to the host country. The relay will now visit different towns and regions throughout France and other French territories. It will then make its way to Paris for the opening ceremony.

The Paris 2024 torch was designed by Mathieu Lehanneur who drew inspiration from three themes, equality, water and peacefulness.

Photo: by Pietro Izzo is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.