On Saturday, September 14, at the Place de l’Etoile,  Paris said farewell to a summer of sporting performances and magic, but also of national unity and pride. This moment of enchantment, which began on July 26 during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, with Céline Dion singing Edith Piaf on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower as an emotional climax, ended around midnight at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, a week after the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

As with all farewells, there were a few long moments, a few surprises, but also a lot of emotions, smiles, tears and hugs. The tens of thousands of spectators massed along the Champs-Elysées since early afternoon had eyes only for the French champions, medal winners or not, invited to parade on an elevated platform uo to the Place de l’Etoile. Some had to wait three or four hours to catch a glimpse of their idols.

But they seemed ready – waving French flags, their faces painted blue, white and red – to pay the price for their happiness. And despite the chilly autumn air, they were keen to maintain the joyous.

Nearly 350 Olympic and Paralympic athletes attended the meeting on the most beautiful avenue in Paris. Léon Marchand, the entire French judo team, the heroes of blind football or rugby sevens… Everyone enjoyed this thrill of sharing with the public.