Under sea and over land, Paris Paralympics flame is beginning an exceptional journey

Paris, Aug. 25: Following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, attention now turns to the Paralympics, with the ceremonial lighting of the Paralympic flame. This flame will be ignited on Saturday in Stoke Mandeville, England, the recognized birthplace of the Paralympic Games. From there, it will embark on a remarkable journey, traveling beneath the English Channel to France. Over the course of four days, the flame will be relayed across diverse French landscapes, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, and from the Pyrenees to the Alps. The journey culminates in Paris, where the flame will ignite a special cauldron attached to a hot-air balloon that will float over the city during the 11 days of competition.