Visiting the Dordogne department is a pleasure for the senses, thanks to its world-renowned cuisine, cultural and historical heritage, and rolling scenery. On Wednesday, 22 May, the Olympic torch will feature all these attractions on its travels through the area. Its route will begin in Bergerac and its medieval-style alleys. From there, it will go to Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, a one-of-a-kind bastide from the 12th century that dominates the River Dronne. The Région Nouvelle Aquitaine will also be promoting the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, an ochre-coloured medieval town that always comes alive in fine weather. Then Nontron, famed for its 13th-century ramparts and local cutlery tradition. In Montignac-Lascaux, the torch will peer into Lascaux IV, the famous replica of the prehistoric Lascaux cave. Finally, it will head to Agonac, a village split by the River Beauronne, before calling it a day in Périgueux.

Celebrations in Perigueux

Périgueux, a city that dates back two millennia, will be the final destination of this festive day. The Gallo-Roman city is notable for its heritage, with 53 buildings listed as historical monuments—all of which will be illuminated throughout the afternoon and evening.The torch will begin its journey by the Romanesque Saint Front's Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will next visit the Tower of Vesunna, the vestige of a Gallo-Roman temple, before heading to the Périgord Museum of Art and Archaeology, the first museum established in Dordogne back in the 19th century. Next up are the citadel of Vesunna, Barrière Castle, the Romanesque Saint Steven of the City's Church, the Mataguerre Tower, and the Norman Gate, built in the 3rd century. Finally, the torch will venture into the Tourny avenues and their square for the end-of-day ceremony and the lighting of the cauldron in front of massive crowds.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PLACE TOURNY, 24000 PÉRIGUEUX

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!