‘Paris Cauldron’ Balloon Returns to Light Up Summer Skies After Olympic Debut

A year after stealing the spotlight during the 2024 Paris Olympics, a striking symbol of the Games has returned to enchant the city’s skyline. The helium-powered balloon, now rebranded as the “Paris Cauldron,” lifted off once again over the Tuileries Garden on Saturday evening, just as the sun began to set.

The 30-meter (98-foot) luminous ring, designed by French artist Mathieu Lehanneur and powered by EDF, simulates flame using LED lights, mist jets, and high-pressure fans — creating a mesmerizing, fire-free halo visible from rooftops across the French capital.

Saturday’s launch drew crowds despite the intense heat, with around 30,000 people expected to attend, coinciding with France’s annual Fête de la Musique.

Far from a one-time event, the Paris Cauldron will now become a fixture of the summer, scheduled to rise into the sky each evening from June 21 to September 14 for the next three years. Special ascents are also planned for major national dates, including Bastille Day on July 14 and the anniversary of the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony on July 26.

Though stripped of its Olympic branding — in line with International Olympic Committee reuse restrictions — the cauldron retains its spectacle and spirit. Originally not built for prolonged outdoor use, the balloon has been reinforced with sturdier aluminum components and upgraded tether systems to withstand seasonal wear from wind, rain, and sun.

Powered by helium rather than a traditional flame, the balloon’s flame-like glow is purely a feat of engineering and artistry.

First introduced during the Games, the cauldron attracted over 200,000 visitors in just 40 days. Now anchored in the drained pond at the center of the Tuileries Garden, its return forms part of President Emmanuel Macron’s broader initiative to carry forward the Olympic legacy and maintain a sense of celebration in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.