The Olympic torch's visit to Gironde will be a wonderful opportunity to discover the appeal of this world-renowned region, famed for its wine-growing treasures. The show will get on the road in Saint-Émilion, a quaint little village home to 2,000 people. Aside from its rock-hewn church and catacombs, the village is celebrated for its vineyards, in which the torch will roam. After that, the route through the Bordeaux metropolitan area will head to the Le Bouscat Racecourse. The torch will continue its travels toward Libourne, where the Isle and Dordogne rivers come together, and whose quays and river tourism have put the city on the map. It will then board a river shuttle to get to the Cité du Vin, a wine museum that opened its doors in 2016, before moving on to Lormont. The stage will continue with another section amid the vineyards, this time between Mérignac and Pessac. The torch will also drop by Plage des Dagueys, on the banks of the homonymous lake, which spans 40 hectares. Following this layover at the lake, it will be time to head to downtown Bordeaux, where the torch will continue its parade.

Celebrations in Bordeaux

On Thursday, 23 May, the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay route for this stage will culminate in the heart of Bordeaux. The torch will begin its journey through 'Little Rome' on the Pont de Pierre, which stands out for its seventeen arches. After that, it will skirt the Garonne and zip past the 16^th-century Cailhau Gate. Its route will then take it through Place de la Bourse and its famous reflecting pool. It will also go downtown to visit the Grand Théâtre and Place de la Comédie. Finally, it will head to Place des Quinconces, a local favourite, where the cauldron-lighting ceremony will serve as the climax for the celebrations in Gironde.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PLACE DES QUINCONCES, 33000 BORDEAUX

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!