Olympic Flame Embarks on Historic Voyage to France

The Olympic flame has begun its journey from Athens to Paris aboard the Belem, a historic 19th-century ship, marking a significant phase in the 2024 Paris Olympics Torch Relay.

The Belem, launched shortly after the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, set sail under cloudy skies, escorted by Greek naval vessels and numerous sailing boats.
The torch will travel through over 450 towns and cities across France and its overseas territories, culminating in the opening ceremony of the Paris Games on July 26.
Over 1,000 vessels will greet the flame's arrival in Marseille on May 8, with French swimmer Florent Manaudou as the first torchbearer.
The relay in Greece included a handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the flame was transferred to Paris organizers, symbolizing the continuity of Olympic traditions.
Organizers aim for the Paris 2024 Olympics to be 'spectacular but also more responsible,' focusing on inclusivity and addressing global challenges.