Aisne

A remarkable heritage, a pristine natural environment, leisure activities for all tastes, an outstanding cuisine—the Aisne department is a green, peaceful, and surprising destination. On Wednesday 17 July, the Olympic torch will start its journey through Aisne in the poetic town of Château-Thierry, the birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine. It will then set course for Villers-Cotterêts where the Cité internationale de la langue française, found in the 16^th-century château of the same name, opened its doors last October.

Next up are Soissons, one of the first capitals of France and the Kingdom of the Franks, and Monampteuil, known for the Axo'plage and its recreation site on the banks of the lake. From there the torch will head to Laon to visit Notre-Dame de Laon Cathedral, whose foundation stone was laid in 1150. The next destination is Guise. The torch will zip past the town's castle before going to the Familistère, a community-cum-museum, where it will approach the statue of the building's founder: industrialist Jean-Baptiste André Godin. It will then be time to head to the last city on the daily programme: Saint-Quentin.

Celebrations in Saint-Quentin

The day will draw to a close in Saint-Quentin. An hour and a half from Paris, this "City of Art and History" boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant cultural scene. Saint-Quentin stands out for its unique Art Deco facades that make it an open-air museum and its natural heritage in the heart of the city. The Olympic torch will start its route along the 4,000 m² Étang de l'Isle and take a stroll on the Plage de Saint-Quentin. Next, it will roam the Parc des Champs Elysées, an 8-hectare park in the heart of the city.

After that it will blaze past the basilica, whose foundation stone was laid in the 12^th century. Finally, it will be time to go to Place du Marché, where locals will congregate for the end-of-day celebrations and the lighting of the cauldron.

Celebration venue info

Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Saint-Quentin!

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: LA PLACE DU MARCHÉ, 02100 SAINTQUENTIN

A festive programme open to all awaits you, including :

• events organised by the local authorities: sport, music, shows, etc.
• stands run by the Relay of the Flame sponsors:
  • Coca-Cola will be providing a musical and festive atmosphere
  • Banque Populaire will be giving the public the chance to try out water sports
  • Caisse d'Epargne will be dedicating its stand to basketball and handball
• a show organised by the sponsors on the sports slab from 6 p.m.
• 7.20pm: the arrival of the last torchbearer and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, a moment not to be missed!

Note: a giant screen, a host and a DJ will also be on hand to get the public in the mood for the Torch Relay!