The Paris 2024 basin makes its return this summer at the Tuileries Garden — here’s what you need to know.

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Laurent de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on May 21, 2026 at 06:56 p.m.
It's become a tradition: this summer, from June 21 to September 14, 2026, come and admire the Paris 2026 basin in the Tuileries Garden for free.

She was an unforgettable emblem of the Paris 2024 Games. She is now a symbol of summer in Paris. At least until 2027. In any case, it’s official: the vasque is back this summer again in the jardin des Tuileries, to the delight of both tourists and locals. This large balloon that once housed the Olympic flame now towers over the Parisian park from June 21 to September 14, 2026.

It's a sight you never tire of: the basin is installed every summer in the heart of the Tuileries Garden, between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. By day, the basin is freely accessible, free of charge. Passersby can circle it and admire it when it's on the ground. In the evening, when the weather allows, the basin takes off into the Paris sky and shines under the stars. A poetic spectacle not to be missed!

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During the 2024 Olympic Games, visitors had to book a time slot to approach the cauldron. In 2026, it will be in open access. Of course, visitors must follow the visiting rules, namely not touching the structure, and not attempting to touch the electric flame…

At nightfall, when the basin lifts off, access to the site is restricted for safety reasons. To get a good view of the basin, it’s best to step back a bit and find a vantage point that lets you fully take in the landscape. Each day, the official Vasque site notes whether a flight is indeed possible that evening, and the takeoff time for the basin.

So mark your calendars this summer at the Tuileries Garden to enjoy this temporary attraction!

Vasque olympique JO de Paris 2024Vasque olympique JO de Paris 2024Vasque olympique JO de Paris 2024Vasque olympique JO de Paris 2024 Last days of the Vasque Olympique: where to see the hot-air balloon at night, where to admire it
One year after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Olympic cauldron will once again rise into the sky aboard its hot-air balloon at dusk for the summer of 2025. An opportunity for Parisians of all ages to admire it from a variety of vantage points. Here are our ideas for night-time spots to see this flame levitating above the capital until September 14, 2025. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From June 21, 2026 to September 14, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    Jardin des Tuileries
    75001 Paris 1

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    www.paris.fr

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