Stage 53

The Loire in Meung-sur-Loire

Picture by H. El Yamani / Département du Loiret

Olympic Torch Relay Route

Le Malesherbois
Sully-sur-Loire
Montargis
Neuville-aux-Bois
Gien
Meung-sur-Loire
Orléans

Stage Preview

A hundred or so kilometres from Paris, the Loiret department boasts an impressive geographic and historical heritage, as well as a mosaic of landscapes. These include Beauce, known as the breadbasket of France; the wild reserve of the Sologne; and the Forest of Orléans, the largest national forest in France. On Wednesday, 10 July, the Olympic torch will begin its journey in Le Malesherbois before advancing to Sully-en-Loire.

Once there, it will blaze past the castle and its imposing medieval silhouette, which has endured for seven centuries. The torch will then resume its trek from Montargis, the "Venice of Gâtinais", to Neuville-aux-Bois. The next few legs will take it to Gien, known for its faience, and Meung-sur-Loire. Finally, the Olympic torch will head to Orléans to continue the festivities.

Celebrations in Orléans

Picture by City of Orléans

Orléans, the prefecture of its department located 120 km from Paris, is proud of its vibrant sports and cultural scene and other tourist attractions. The Olympic torch will bring these marvels to the world throughout the day. Its route will start in the Léon Chenault Park, a sprawling verdant patch in the city centre. From there it will head to the 18th-century George V Bridge before making its way down the quays of the Loire.

After that, the torch will run past the Théâtre d’Orléans and Palais des Sports before skirting Parc Pasteur and reaching the Orléans Biodiversity and Environment Museum (MOBE). It will also pay a visit to the Joan of Arc statue in Place du Martroi. Then it will be time to go to Place Sainte-Croix, where the Cathedral of the Holy Cross looms large. The square, renovated in recent years, will host the celebration of Olympic values and the lighting of the cauldron at the end of the last relay.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: ESPLANADE DU SOUVENIR FRANÇAIS, 45000 ORLEANS

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!