Olympic Torch Relay Route

The Olympic Torch Relay is an outstanding tradition that takes us back to the roots of the Games. The first torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay will be lit by the sun’s rays on 16 April 2024 during a ceremony in the sanctuary of Olympia, Greece, where the ancient Olympics were once held. The Olympic flame will then head to Athens to board the Belem and cross the Mediterranean Sea to Marseille. On 8 May 2024, the Olympic flame will embark on its epic journey across France.

SHOWCASING THE HISTORY OF FRANCE AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT

The epic Olympic Torch Relay will offer a unique insight into France’s history. It will build links between different eras and showcase exceptional sites that contributed to France’s reputation and influence during each major period of its history.

The flame will travel to the Lascaux caves, the Alésia archaeological site, the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Palace of Versailles, and many other sites. It will light up many of France's architectural masterpieces, beginning with the world-renowned site of Mont Saint-Michel. Other highlights will include the châteaux of the Loire Valley, along with a plethora of iconic palaces, lighthouses, bridges, viaducts, and arenas. To honour the history of France, the flame will also visit places of remembrance, such as the Verdun Memorial and the D-Day Landing Beaches.

The Olympic Torch Relay will be an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the people who have a left a mark on France’s history. Along its route, the Olympic Torch Relay will highlight iconic French figures who continue to inspire and contribute to our country’s influence and reputation: Joan of Arc in Orléans, Robert Schuman in Scy-Chazelles and Charles de Gaulle in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises.

SHOWCASING FRANCE'S NATURAL HERITAGE

The Olympic Torch Relay is a unique opportunity to focus attention on France’s most beautiful landscapes. From Mont Canigou to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Île aux Moines island and the Mont-Blanc valley, the banks of the River Loire and the many national parks, forests, and lakes, the flame will pass through the exceptional landscapes that France is famous for. It will climb summits, including the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, and follow magnificent coastlines.

The route will also include the seas and oceans: to reach France from Greece, the flame will cross the Mediterranean on board the Belem, the majestic three-masted ship owned by the Caisse d’Epargne Belem Foundation. It will cross the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans as part of the “Oceans Relay” to reach six overseas territories: Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Reunion Island.

DISPLAYING FRENCH KNOW-HOW AND CREATIVITY

The Olympic Torch Relay will highlight all those who are committed to running businesses, display courage and boldness, embody the elements of French know-how and maintain important traditions.

The flame will pass through France’s most prestigious vineyards, from Saint-Emilion to Chablis and Layon, and shine a spotlight on the various regions of the country and their renowned gastronomy. The Millau Viaduct, an outstanding example of civil engineering, will also be crossed by the flame, which will travel a further 7,000km to the Guiana Space Centre: a symbol of French and European excellence in the aerospace sector.

French culture in all its forms will be celebrated during the 68 days of the Olympic Torch Relay. The flame will visit several museums, from the Cité internationale de la langue française to the comic arts museum and the Louvre-Lens.

Culture also means live shows: the flame will pass by the Puy du Fou, visit the Arles Amphitheatre, and climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Music will also be at the heart of the Olympic Torch Relay, with eight concerts organised by Coca-Cola®, one of the Olympic Torch Relay sponsors.

PROMOTING THE VITALITY OF SPORT IN ALL TERRITORIES

By paving the way for the Games, the Forerunners’ Relay will reveal how sport holds such a prominent place in the hearts of French people; from sport for well-being to high-level competition, the Olympic Torch Relay will celebrate participation in sport in all its forms.

Along the route, federations and clubs will create collective relays that highlight their sports, from surfing the waves off Biarritz and Teahupo’o to ascending Mont Ventoux, one of cycling’s most iconic climbs. The Olympic Torch Relay will also be an opportunity to celebrate famous venues in the sports world, including Marseille Stadium and Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne.

Covering a wide range of sports, the flame will also try a bit of tennis, visiting the Simonne-Mathieu court at Roland-Garros. The Olympic torch will cross the Atlantic on board one of the world’s fastest yachts, the Maxi Banque Populaire XI. Lastly, the Olympic Torch Relay will display the venues that will be staging events during the Olympic and Paralympic Games through France, such as the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis or Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Colombes. What a programme!