Nestled between Champagne and Burgundy, Haute-Marne is a department full of rich history and natural spaces. The Olympic torch will begin its journey through the area in Langres, a hilltop town lauded as one of the most beautiful fortified towns in France and nicknamed the "Carcassonne of the North". The torch will then move on to Bourbonne-les-Bains, whose thermal springs were used by the Gauls and Romans, and Nogent, famous for its dolmens and its corner tower (the sole remaining vestige of an old castle).

Then it will head to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises – a town it will help to promote thanks to the support of the Région Grand Est – famous for having been a haven of peace for General de Gaulle, whose family home La Boisserie was located there. The next segment will take it to Chaumont, the administrative centre of the department known for its viaduct and 19^th-century railway bridge, and Froncles, whose foundries are a testament to its thriving industrial past. The torch will finish the day in Saint-Dizier.

Celebrations in Saint-Dizier

Saint-Dizier, renowned for its industrial past and foundries that were the envy of the world in the Belle Époque, has changed with the times. The town is just a stone's throw away from Lake Der (one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe) and is buzzing with sports and cultural activities. The Olympic torch will start its tour of the town at the socio-cultural centre of the Vert-Bois urban area, a local gathering point where people open up to one another and boost their self-confidence and creativity.

It will then merge onto the route of the canal from Champagne and Burgundy at lock 58. After blazing past the town theatre, which looks like a little proscenium theatre, it will be time to head to the terminus of the stage: the Parc du Jard. This landscaped square, which sets the scene for the Musical'été festival every year, will host the celebration of Olympic values and the lighting of the cauldron in the presence of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Celebration venue info

Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Saint-Dizier !

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PARC DU JARD, 52100 SAINT-DIZIER

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!