Picture by Philippe Praliaud / Ville d'Arles
Olympic Torch Relay Route
Stage Preview
View of Port Saint-Louis-du-Rhône from the sea.
Bouches-du-Rhône is a destination full of breathtaking views! The Olympic torch will begin its journey for this stage from the coastal town of Cassis; starting at the entrance to the Calanque de Port-Miou for a water-themed segment and run past Bestouan Beach, where visitors come to admire Cap Canaille, the Olympic flame will then arrive at the port, which commands a jaw-dropping view of the Château de Cassis. The torch will then make its way to Miramas and run into the stadium, which is wildly popular among track-and-field athletes. Next, it will head to Aix-en-Provence and up to Cours Mirabeau and its famous Fontaine de la Rotonde. From there, it will go to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, a town promoted by the Région Sud that marks the gateway to the Camargue. The torch will also visit Istres and Eygalières, where a relay will start near Saint Sixtus's Chapel, before calling it a day in Arles.
Celebrations in Arles
Aerial view of Arles, its Arenas and the Rhône
Welcome to the largest city in metropolitan France! Arles, with a surface area seven times that of Paris, will roll out the red carpet for the torch at the end of the day. Its tour of the city will begin at the Arles Archaeological Museum, which houses a large collection of ancient artefacts, followed by the cryptoporticus, another relic from the Roman era. It will follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who created more than 300 drawings and paintings in Arles. The torch will blaze past the museum dedicated to the artist and then the Museon Arlaten, which traces the history of Provence. Next, it will go to Place de la République and then the ancient theatre, built in 40 BC. It will also visit the awe-inspiring LUMA Tower, an 11-hectare creative campus. Finally, it will travel to the celebration site, Quai Lamartine, across from the Rhône river. After celebrating the Olympic values for an entire day, locals will turn out in force to witness the lighting of the cauldron.
Celebration venue info
Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Arles!
The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: QUAI DU 8 MAI 1945, 13200, ARLES
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!
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Camargue, Nature’s queen
As showcased in the 1952 film masterpiece Crin Blanc, Camargue’s natural beauty and untamed terrain has become the emblem for a distinct notion of freedom, personified by the “gardians” of the Camargue herds.
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