The Olympic flame is set to arrive in the French port of Marseille on Wednesday, heralding the start of a 12,000-kilometre torch relay across mainland France and its overseas territories. This event marks a major milestone in the lead-up to the Paris Games, which are just 79 days away.

The transfer of the flame from a 19th-century tall ship onto French soil will be accompanied by a spectacle expected to draw up to 150,000 spectators. Organizers hope this public display will generate excitement for the upcoming Olympics, following recent controversies over ticket prices and security concerns.

Paris, the host city for the first time in a century, sees itself as central to the modern Olympic movement, tracing its roots back to the revival of the ancient Greek Games by French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin.

The flame's arrival in Marseille, a city with a rich maritime history dating back to Greek traders, is expected to be a grand affair, with over 1,000 boats accompanying its approach to the harbor. The event will feature fireworks, a free concert, and the participation of notable athletes and celebrities.

Security measures will be extensive, with around 6,000 security personnel deployed to ensure safety amid France's highest terror alert level. The torch relay itself will be heavily guarded as it passes through hundreds of towns and cities across the country.

The Paris Olympics, following Tokyo's COVID-affected edition and Rio's corruption scandals, are seen as a pivotal moment for the sporting event. The opening ceremony, scheduled to take place on boats along the Seine, promises to be a spectacular departure from tradition.

With much of the sporting action set to unfold in temporary venues around Paris, organizers aim to minimize costs and environmental impact. The torch relay, a nod to ancient Olympic traditions, symbolizes the spirit of unity and competition that defines the Games.

The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.