This department stands out for its rich tapestry of landscapes and attracts over a million tourists every year. The Alpes-Maritimes were blessed with a prime location between the mountains (which hold 14 ski resorts) and a world-famous coastline. The Olympic torch will start its day in the region in Villefranche-sur-Mer and take its first strides in metropolitan France after the Ocean Relay.

From there, it will go to Grasse, the world capital of perfumes. The skills related to perfume in Pays de Grasse were inscribed in 2018 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Then it will head to Cannes and run up the steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The torch will then pass through Valberg, before heading on to Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the town twinned with Olympia. Here, the Région Sud will be looking to promote the CREPS (sports resources, expertise and performance centre). The next segment will take it to Valdeblore–La Colmiane and its ski resort on the doorstep of the Mercantour National Park. The stage will draw to a close with the festivities in Nice.

Celebrations in Nice

Situated next to the Mediterranean Sea and at the foot of the Alps, Nice is world-famous for its topography and lifestyle afforded to its residents. The fifth-largest city in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nice is wildly popular for its mild climate, heritage and attractions for sports enthusiasts. The Olympic torch will start its tour of Nice from the west end of the Promenade des Anglais: a paradise for joggers and strollers.

On its way down the thoroughfare to Place Masséna, it will zip past the villa of the same name which operates as a museum of art and history, as well as the grandiose hotels that have put the avenue on the map. It will then head to Place Garibaldi following the path of the green axis, before setting course for the Port of Nice. Near the end of the route, the torchbearers will gaze down on the Baie des Anges from the bottom of the castle's hill. Finally, the Olympic torch will be taken to the Quais des États-Unis, which will host the end-of-day celebrations and the lighting of the cauldron.

Celebration venue info

Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Nice !

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: QUAI DES ETATS-UNIS, 06000 NICE

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!