Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire boasts a rich natural and historic heritage—as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Tuesday, 28 May, the Olympic torch will highlight these qualities as it tours the region. After setting off from Baugé-en-Anjou, it will make its first stop in Montsoreau and explore the inner courtyard of its medieval castle. Built during the Renaissance, it now houses a contemporary art museum. The torch will then advance to Le Lion-d'Angers and pay a visit to the Isle Briand Departmental Park before moving on to Chaudefonds-sur-Layon to criss-cross the vineyards of the Coteaux du Layon. Once in La Romagne, it will shine a light on the La Stella sports complex. Next up will be Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, where it will blaze past the abbey church perched on the Mont Glonne. The final leg of the day will take it to Angers.

Celebrations in Angers

Angers, the gateway to the Grand-Ouest region in the Loire Valley, will host the end-of-day celebrations. The torch will get going from the Josette and Roger Mikulak Sports Park, a 140,000 m² sports complex. The caravan will run past Parc Balzac and down Boulevard du Bon Pasteur between the city centre and the Maine. From there, the torch will go to Angers' most iconic landmark: its medieval castle, built between the 13^th and 16^th centuries. Next up will be the old town, famous for its numerous half-timbered houses and its botanical garden, a 4-hectare verdant patch in the heart of the city. The route will come to a close across from the Jean Lurçat Museum, a former hospital where tapestries are now on display. Place de la Rochefoucauld will host the celebration and the last activities to cap the day off in style!

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PARKING DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD,
BOULEVARD D’ARAGO, 49100 ANGERS

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!