The route of the Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been revealed, and it includes several stages in the New Aquitaine region. The announcement was made in the great amphitheater of La Sorbonne, where it was revealed that the flame will cover a distance of 12 kilometers and will stay in New Aquitaine for six days.
The tradition of the Olympic Torch relay, which was inaugurated during the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, will be respected during the Paris 2024 Games. The relay is seen as a key moment to celebrate the start of the festivities and will showcase various French territories, both in mainland France and overseas.
The Olympic Torch will be lit on April 16 in Olympia, Greece, and will then embark on a journey aboard the famous Belem boat. It is expected to arrive in Marseille, the first stage city, on May 8. From there, it will criss-cross France for 68 days, until its arrival in the capital on July 26, 2024. Among the 64 territories that will be crossed, six stages are in New Aquitaine.
The Olympic flame will arrive in the region on Monday, May 20, 2024, with Pau as a stopover town. The torch will pass by the famous whitewater stadium and the beaches of Biarritz. This is a dream come true for Benjamin Renia, a French kayaker, who sees the passage of the flame in Pau as a significant moment for the history of French kayaking.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the torch will cross the Dordogne, with Périgueux as a stopover town. The iconic Lascaux caves will be in the background as the flame passes through.
The following day, Thursday, May 23, 2024, Bordeaux and Libournais will welcome the bearers of the flame. The Cité du vin and the vineyards of Saint-Emilion will be highlighted during this stage. The mayor of Saint-Emilion, Bernard Lauret, expressed his honor in welcoming the flame, emphasizing that it symbolizes union and participation.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the torch will make its way to Cognac and Angoulême, where the city’s comic strip museum will be highlighted.
The Olympic flame will then travel to Futuroscope, near Poitiers, and the Palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine in the Vienne department on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Finally, on Sunday, June 2, 2024, the flame will begin its last stop in New Aquitaine, specifically in the Deux-Sèvres department. The cities of Niort and Coulon, as well as the Marais Poitevin, will be the main focus of this stage. Coralie Dénoues, president of the Departmental Council, and François Gingreau, departmental adviser in charge of sport, declared that this sporting parade is worthy of an Olympic July 14th celebration.
However, it should be noted that the Olympic flame will not cross all departments in France. The cost of the passage amounts to 180,000 €, leading nearly a third of the 101 French departments to refuse to welcome the procession. Some local authorities, such as Bordeaux Métropole and Saint-Emilion, have come together to cover the costs without help from the Gironde departmental council.
The route of the Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises to be a spectacular journey, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the New Aquitaine region and celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games.
How does the presence of the Olympic flame in Bayonne contribute to the city’s sports culture, particularly in relation to rugby?
F sports in the region. Renia expressed his pride and excitement at the opportunity to witness the iconic flame in his hometown.
After Pau, the torch will continue its journey through New Aquitaine, making stops in Limoges, Poitiers, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, and Bayonne. Each city will have its own unique celebration to mark the passage of the flame, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region.
The torch will arrive in Limoges on May 21, 2024, where it will light up the historic streets and landmarks of the city. From there, it will make its way to Poitiers on May 22, followed by La Rochelle on May 23. The city of Bordeaux, known for its world-renowned vineyards, will host the torch on May 24, spreading Olympic spirit among wine lovers.
The journey will culminate in Bayonne on May 25, where the flame will be greeted with traditional Basque festivities. This stage holds particular significance as Bayonne is known for its passion for sports, especially rugby. The presence of the Olympic flame will further ignite the sporting fervor in the city.
The torch will stay in each New Aquitaine city for one day, allowing locals and visitors to witness the flame up close and be part of the historic event. It will then continue its journey to other regions of France, spreading the Olympic spirit and promoting unity and sportsmanship.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will not only be a celebration of athletic excellence but also an opportunity for different French territories to shine. The torch relay will showcase the diversity and beauty of the New Aquitaine region and serve as a reminder of the power of the Olympic Games to bring people together.
As the flame passes through New Aquitaine, it will ignite a sense of pride and excitement among the locals, who will have the chance to witness a historic moment in their own backyard. The route of the Olympic flame in the New Aquitaine region will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and create unforgettable memories for all those who witness its journey.
“New Aquitaine’s Olympic Torch route showcases the region’s rich cultural and sporting heritage. From the historical charms of Pau to the vibrant wine capital of Bordeaux, and the innovative Futuroscope, this captivating journey promises to leave a lasting impression. Excitement builds as the torch spreads the Olympic spirit, uniting communities and celebrating the human spirit of resilience and achievement. An extraordinary experience awaits!”