Ille-et-Vilaine, one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution, is famed for its Emerald Coast and picturesque coastal towns. The Olympic torch will light up its diverse heritage, history, and nature throughout its stay in the department. It will begin its journey with a deep breath of fresh air in Saint-Malo. Its tour of the Corsair City will start on the island of Grand Bé, where the famous French writer François-René de Chateaubriand is buried.

After that, the Olympic torch will blaze past the ramparts of Saint-Malo. Next up will be an aquatic sequence on the Étang de Boulet in Feins. After that, the torch will head to Fougères and the courtyard of its majestic château. It will then make its way to Paimpont and Brocéliande Forest, known for its legends and myths. It will then set course for Vitré and its medieval castle, followed by a visit to Saint-Just, the location of a prehistoric sanctuary, as well as passing through the megaliths and moors of Cojoux. Finally, it's off to Rennes for the rest of the celebrations.

Celebrations in Rennes

The Breton capital, lauded for its vibrant cultural and NGO scene and student life, will roll out the red carpet for the Olympic torch at the end of the day. The torch will depart from the Cesson-Sévigné White-Water Stadium, one of the leading canoeing-kayaking venues in France. It will then run down Quai de la Vilaine and past the Museum of Fine Arts. The rest of the segment will take place in the historic centre on a route that will take it to the Opera, City Hall, and the Palais du Commerce. Finally, it will go to Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, where thousands of people will watch the ceremony and the lighting of the cauldron, and partake in the celebration of Olympic values.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: ESPLANADE DU GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE, 35000 RENNES

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!