Picture by Aurélie Stapf / Maxime Mendizabal
Olympic Torch Relay Route
Stage Preview
Bande dessinée Museum, Chais Magelis
Charente's lush and generous nature, heritage, and cultural attractions make it a land with character—as the torch will reveal throughout Friday, 24 May. The torch will start its journey through the department in Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire for a route packed with sport and culture, including a visit to its medieval castle, which dates to the 15th century.
From there, it will head to the departmental open-air centre in Le Chambon, a hub for life and sports. Next up is Cognac, the birthplace of Francis I. A town renowned around the world for its spirits, the segment will start from the Les Vauzelles sports complex and finish on the banks of the Charente. Once in Saint-Cybardeaux, it will highlight the old Gallo-Roman theatre in Les Bouchauds, where archaeological digs are still ongoing. The next stopover will be Confolens to catch a glimpse of Saint Bartholomew's Church, followed by the medieval town of Ruffec and the terminus of the stage in Angoulême.
Celebrations in Angoulême
View of Angoulême and the Charente River
Built on the banks of the river that lent the department its name, Angoulême will be the final stop of the Olympic torch for this stage. The prefecture of Charente, recognised as a "City of Art and History", is the custodian of a striking historical heritage. The torch will travel on board a gabare, a boat typical of the River Charente that travels along the city's waterways.
After that, it will rise to the heights of the old town, sheltered behinds its walls that date to the late Roman Empire. Next, the torch will illuminate the world capital of the ninth art, where the Angoulême International Comics Festival takes place every year. The torch will blaze past some of the walls painted by artists on its way to the Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée, established in 2008. The Parvis des Chais Magelis will host the end-of-day celebrations for a thrilling evening centred on Olympic values and history.
Celebration venue info
Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Angoulême !
The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: ESPLANADE MUSÉE DE LA B.D, 16000 ANGOULÊME
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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