Côte-d'Or

The Côte-d'Or department's fine wines, cuisine, heritage, and expertise are famous around the world. Thankfully, these qualities will have another stage on which to shine when the Olympic torch comes to town on Friday, 12 July. It will begin its journey in Semur-en-Auxois and Saulieu before heading to Beaune. Once there, in the heart of this fortified town amid vineyards, the torch will go to Hôtel-Dieu, which served as a hospice from the 15^th to the 20^th centuries, before moving on to the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne.

The next leg will take it to Alise-Sainte-Reine and MuséoParc Alésia, where visitors can learn all there is to know about the battle that decided the Gallic Wars in 52 BC. It will also zip past the village of Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the leading river port in France. Its next destination will be the Château du Clos de Vougeot, in the heart of the Route des Grands Crus. Only then will the torch make its way to the last city of the day: Dijon.

The celebrations in Dijon

The heart of the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy will host the rest of the festivities. More than one cultural aspect of Dijon can be found on the UNESCO heritage lists, including the Climats, terroirs of Burgundy (a World Heritage Site), while the gastronomic meal of the French is recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The route of the torch around Dijon will start at the Cité internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, which opened its doors in 2022. It will then head to Saint Benignus's Cathedral, a 13^th-century Gothic temple that dominates the historic centre of the city. The torch will also run past Porte Guillaume, an 18^th-century building marking the entrance to old Dijon. The day will end in Parc de la Colombière; the ceremony and the lighting of the cauldron will take place in this 33-hectare French-style public garden to cap this incredible day.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PARC DE LA COLOMBIERE, 21000 DIJON

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!