Halfway between Paris and the Norman coast, Eure is a peaceful land and a great place to take a breather. The department boasts green natural environments amid plains, valleys, and dense forests. Come Saturday 6 July, the Olympic torch will begin its journey in Pont-Audemer, well-known for its canals and pleasant living environment on the banks of the Risle.

It will then head to Gisors and visit its castle, built between the 11^th and 12^th centuries. The torch will go to Val-de-Reuil and enjoy a sporting finish at the Jesse Owens Stadium before moving on to Bernay, recognised as a "City of Art and History". It will stop at Évreux to catch a glimpse of its awe-inspiring heritage, as well as Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton, where the last relay of the day will run past Saint Mary Magdalene's Church and its 56-metre tower. The torch will finish the day in Vernon.

Celebrations in Vernon

Vernon will bring down the curtain on this route of the torch. The Olympic torch will start its tour of the charming town at the Old Mill, built on a 12^th century bridge that remained in service until the 19^th century, and zip past the Château des Tourelles, a medieval stronghold whose foundation stone was laid in 1196 and is now listed as a historic monument.

The Olympic torch will then set a course for the Notre-Dame Collegial Church, a Gothic church from the 11^th century. It will then be time to go to Place de la République for the end-of-day celebrations. A massive crowd will turn out to watch the lighting of the cauldron after the last relay.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 52100 VERNON

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!