Picture by Gers Department
Olympic Torch Relay Route
Stage Preview
Picture by Collection Tourisme Gers - Gérard Vilminot
Halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and within sight of the Pyrenees, the Gers department lives up to its reputation as "Little Tuscany". This is what the Olympic torch will illuminate throughout its stay in the department on Saturday, 18 May. The torch will begin its journey in L'Isle-Jourdain, a tapestry of natural beauty, and move on to Mirande, renowned for its country music festival. From there it will go to Fleurance, whose town hall was built in the 19th century, and Marciac, world-famous for its jazz festival.
The torch will then head to Condom, where it will zip past the statue of D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers. It will also run down the GR65 walking route, one of the four routes leading to Santiago de Compostela and the only one listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be a change of scenery a few hours later when the torch goes to Nogaro to drop by the arenas before the final leg of the day takes it to Auch.
Celebrations in Auch
Picture by City of Auch
Auch, the capital of Gascony and a vibrant town home to 23,000 people, will bring down the curtain on the route of the Olympic torch. A town where nature takes centre stage, Auch boasts a stunning botanical heritage and stands out as a sporting city (reflected through its "Active and Sporting City" label) and a focal point of rugby in the region.
The Olympic torch will start its tour of the town from Saint Mary's Cathedral, which is an incredible 100 metres long and 40 metres wide. It will then head to the monumental 374-step staircase. Its next stops will be the Cathedral Treasury Museum, the Pont du Prieuré, and the Jacques Fouroux Stadium. Finally, locals and curious visitors will converge on the Le Mouzon sports complex for the end-of-day celebrations.
Celebration venue info
Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Auch!
The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: COMPLEXE DU MOUZON, 32000 AUCH
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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