First gallops in Rouen for Zeus, the Olympic metal horse: “It’s true that he’s magnificent”

A powerful image from the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the cavalcade of the metal horse Zeus on the waters of the Seine on July 26th left its mark. Designed by the Blam workshops, near Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), this little mechanical gem is returning to the banks of the river, but this time in Rouen (Seine-Maritime) where it will stop from this Monday, May 12th on the occasion of a tour of France starting from Paris which saw it pass through Montpellier (Hérault), Lyon (Rhône) and Bordeaux (Gironde). Before settling for the summer at Mont-Saint-Michel (Manche).

This Monday morning, it was time for discovery for the first Rouen residents who came to pay him a visit. Quite a few retirees and a few schoolchildren. But not only that. Like Jean-Baptiste and his son, Noé. "Our nanny was sick. So, since I knew the horse was there, I decided to come and show him," smiles the young father.

Almost dazzling when the sun's rays hit his metal coat, Zeus allows himself to break into a little gallop at regular intervals. The movement highlights the complexity of his workings, and prompts a few admiring remarks along the way. "It's true that he's magnificent, even if I imagined him at least twice as big," continues Jean-Baptiste. "And it reminds us of a beautiful moment, an event that left its mark on us all."

Just next door, a retired couple proudly chose to bring their friends from Pas-de-Calais. "It's a marvel of technology. Seeing it in real life in Rouen is a blessing. It surely has something to do with Thomas Jolly, who's from our area ," the husband believes.

Not really. Because while the artistic director of the Olympic ceremonies is indeed local, he apparently has nothing to do with this prestigious arrival. "It was Sanofi, owner of the Zeus, who made us this proposal," reiterates Marie-Andrée Malleville, the deputy in charge of culture. "They selected cities near their production sites. And obviously, we accepted, choosing to install it on the Agora created on the quays. For us, it made sense to position it right next to the Seine, and it also allows us to introduce this new space to locals while extending the spirit and values ​​associated with the Olympic Games."

And it's true that the esplanade, installed in place of the temporary Panorama XXL , is ideally suited to the exercise on a path frequented by jogging enthusiasts like Sabine. Mobile phone in hand, she took the time to stop to capture a short video and send it to her children: "I didn't know it was there. They'll be surprised. During the Olympics, they were really into it. They wanted to see everything. I'll probably have to come back with them."

She has until May 23rd to do so, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. And it's free.