Stage 23

Thouars, a historic town on the banks of the Thouet River 

Picture by Virginie Pegoraro-CD79

Olympic Torch Relay Route

Thouars
Bressuire
Parthenay
Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole
Celles-sur-Belle
Coulon
Marais Poitevin
Niort

Stage Preview

Deux-Sèvres has a distinct allure and art of living—features that will be presented to the world when the Olympic torch visits the department on Sunday, 2 June. The torch will begin its journey in Thouars at Château des Ducs de La Trémoille, part of which now houses a school. In Bressuire, the Olympic torch will shine a light on sport, history (including the town's 10th-century castle), and culture. Once in Parthenay, it will go through Porte Saint-Jacques.

After that, it will march to the rhythm of the students of the National Active Non-Commissioned Officers School in Saint-Maixent-l'École before wrapping up its route on the expansive Place Denfert-Rochereau. In Celles-sur-Belle, it will showcase the Royal Abbey of Notre-Dame. It will also highlight the beautiful natural landscapes of the department, such as the famous Marais Poitevin. In Coulon, it will embark on an aquatic segment in the Sèvre Niortaise River, sailing on the barques typical of the region. The stage will draw to a close in Niort.

Celebrations in Niort

Picture by Alexis Blithikiotis

After the Olympic torch spends the first half of the day bringing the magic of the department to the world, it will be Niort's turn to display its historical heritage and prime geographic location (the town is nestled in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park). Visitors who come to celebrate the Olympic values will discover a green city with a strong commitment to global sustainable development and a vibrant youth sports scene. Aspiring athletes and curious onlookers will line the route.

Next up will be a visit to the Le Clou Bouchet neighbourhood before heading to Le Port Boinot, a redeveloped former industrial estate. The torch will then zip past the Donjon, the last standing vestige of fortifications erected in the 12th century that face the new market building, founded in 1802. The route will continue in Place de la Brèche before the festivities climax with the lighting of the cauldron in Place Chanzy in the early evening.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PLACE CHANZY, 79000 NIORT

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!