Set in a green and inviting environment, Mayenne is a local gem that cherishes its roots, culture, art de vivre, and fine cuisine. This is what the Olympic torch will illuminate throughout its route on Wednesday, 29 May. The journey will begin in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, a town with character straddling the Mayenne River. Next up are Cossé-le-Vivien and the Robert Tatin Museum.

The Olympic torch will move on to Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes, where it will provide a spotlight for the commune's 11^th-century medieval castle, and Chailland, celebrated for its lush valley and statue of the Virgin Mary which watches over the town. It will also visit the town of Mayenne, on the river of the same name. The torch will climb the Mont-des-Avaloirs, the highest peak of the Armorican Massif at 416 metres, before heading to Laval to wrap up the stage.

Celebrations in Laval

Laval will be the final destination of the Olympic torch's visit to Mayenne, bringing an end to the stage in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The town, home to nearly 50,000 people, endeavours to foster its dynamism, passion for new technologies (Laval is known as the European capital of virtual reality), and historical heritage. The Olympic torch will start its excursion in Laval from the Manuela Montebrun Stadium, named after the local athlete who claimed bronze in the hammer throw event at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

It will then zip down the 19^th-century quays on the banks of the Mayenne River. From there, it will advance to Square de Boston, where locals come together on special occasions. Finally, the Olympic torch will head to the Espace Mayenne for the end-of-day festivities. This 8.5-hectare multipurpose site, one of the leading event venues in western France, will set the scene for the celebration of Olympic values and the lighting of the cauldron.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: ESPACE MAYENNE, 83100 LAVAL

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!