OREANDA-NEWS  The Belem ship carrying the Olympic Flame docked in Marseille on Wednesday, and the torch was transferred to land, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

"A majestic three-masted vessel delivered the Olympic torch from Greece to the welcoming ceremony, which took place on Wednesday in the old port of the city," the agency informs.

The torch was brought ashore by French swimmer Florent Manodou, the 2012 Olympic champion in the 50-meter freestyle.

French President Emmanuel Macron attended the ceremony in Marseille. In particular, he met with Olympic athletes from France, who accompanied the torch during its transportation from Greece.

"With the arrival of the Olympic flame, our country is entering the Games," Macron said.

Tony Estange, head of the organizing Committee of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, noted that the return of the Olympic Games to France was an occasion for "fantastic celebration."

About 50 thousand people gathered at the port. According to AP, the French authorities have attracted more than 8 thousand police officers to ensure security.

The route of the Olympic flame in France will consist of 65 stages and will pass through 400 cities of the country. The duration of the relay will be 69 days, and on July 26 he will be taken to Paris for the opening ceremony of the Games.

The flame of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris was lit in April in Ancient Olympia in Greece.

The Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.