Fabulous fifty for the Olympic Torch in Eure

Normandy provided the background for another kaleidoscopic experience as stage 50 of the Torch Relay took the Olympic torch to the Eure department, where it shined a light on its emerald landscapes, its bucolic villages and their rich heritage. A track and field team relay held in Val-de-Reuil was among the other highlights of the stage. The fencer Astrid Guyart, a silver medallist at the previous Olympic Games, lit the cauldron at the celebration venue in Vernon to bring down the curtain on the festivities.

A magical route between Pont-Audemer and Vernon

As the Olympic torch continues to explore France, the heart of Normandy became the latest region to bask in its warm glow on Saturday, with the fun-filled atmosphere going as strong as ever on the roadsides of stage 50. The relay is an opportunity to (re-)discover the wealth of treasures that make France so special, as the Eure stage showed on a course that Claude Monet would have taken the time to admire.

For example, the Olympic torch blazed past numerous villages known far beyond the borders of the department, as well as its verdant countryside and landscapes that make it an ideal destination for walks or a break from routine.

It set out from Pont-Audemer, which lives up to its nickname "Little Venice" with its distinctive old town astride the Risle, the river that hosted a segment of the relay. From there, it advanced to the heart of the Vexin Normand in Gisors, where the Olympic torch zipped past the castle. It also showcased the unique heritage of Val-de-Reuil and its Monument to Remembrance and Peace, followed by the Notre-Dame de Bernay abbey church, which has received the "Ville d'arts et d'histoire" label.

The torch then made its way to Évreux, lighting up its vibrant town centre, and on to Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton, renowned for its magnificent private mansions and the gorgeous Saint Lawrence's Church. As the day drew to a close, the Olympic torch travelled to Vernon, where it lit up the Old Mill and the Château des Tourelles, a medieval stronghold from 1196, now a classified historic monument. It also explored the winding medieval streets of the town centre, eventually reaching Place de la République, where the celebration venue had been set up.

A festive spirit and a track and field team relay

A variety of events and activities took place throughout the stage. Pont-Audemer was abuzz with the Festival des Mascarets, while Gisors saw the Olympic village come alive with local organisations. Val-de-Reuil presented an exhibition of Olympic torches and featured a spirited banda. Bernay hosted a non-profit expo, while Évreux came alive with musical acts. A wide range of sports demonstrations were held in Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton and in Vernon, drawing in a keen young crowd.

Another standout moment of the day was the track and field team relay held at Jesse Owens Stadium in Val-de-Reuil, a hub for numerous events year-round. To set the stage, a parade of national flags took place just before the relay. Just Kwaou-Mathey, an international hurdles medallist and the ambassador for the department, captained the relay. Representing the event were all 24 clubs from Eure, highlighting the diverse athletic practices across the department. Among the participants was Meba-Mickaël Zeze, a two-time European silver medallist in the 4x100 m relay (2016 and 2022).

Relays in the memory of the boxer Alexis Vastine

The stage featured more than just track and field fans on Saturday. Over a hundred participants had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch for the official 200 metres under the watchful eyes of the crowds. A deeply moving and symbolic highlight was when the amateur boxing champion Adriani Vastine handed the torch to his father, Alain Vastine, a key figure in local boxing. Emotions ran high as they completed the segment to the Alexis Vastine Sports Park, named in memory of the 2008 Beijing bronze medallist who tragically passed away in 2015.

The relay featured a parade of athletes, including Naman Keita, who won bronze in Athens 2004, Nicolas Pfeiffer, the 2022 Normandy boccia champion, and Tess Gogot, a sports dance enthusiast. The final torchbearer in charge of lighting the cauldron in Vernon on Saturday was Astrid Guyart. A distinguished foil fencer, she secured a team silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics

An actor and celebrities show their engagement

Earlier in Vernon, Birane Ba, a member of the Comédie-Française who appears in Jeanne Herry's film All Your Faces, carried the Olympic torch.

The audience also had the chance to cheer on inspiring figures who reflect the Olympic spirit through their dedication and engagement. These included Constance Le Meur, a teacher who introduces her students to para-sports and adapted sports; Messaouda Marguier, instrumental in creating a Health House project; and Véronique Delaune, who has led the Aqua Baby Club in Évreux for more than 35 years. Carrying the torch were notable figures such as Alexandra Fourcaud, a hip-hop instructor for 15 years, and Pauline Gassama, who spearheaded the "Terre de Jeux" initiative in the department. Joining them were Alexis Ridel, a dedicated volunteer at the local athletics club who coaches young athletes, and Bernard Virondeau, who is also committed to instilling sporting values in young people every day.

Following a splendid day in Eure, the Olympic torch will head nearby to explore C'Chartres, a community of municipalities around Chartres, on Sunday. Located at the confluence of Île-de-France, Normandy and Beauce, it boasts an exuberant historical heritage. The torch will shine from Dreux to Chartres, where the evening festivities and the lighting of the cauldron will take place.