Nestled in the heart of Lorraine, Meuse is a land of history and heritage. Thanks to its abundant green spaces (37 per cent of the department's surface area is forested), the department is an ideal place for outdoor activities and sports. The Olympic torch will start its journey from Gondrecourt-le-Château, a peaceful village popular with hikers and sports enthusiasts. It will then head to Commercy, where the famous madeleine is said to have been invented in 1755, and Lac de Madine, the largest lake in Lorraine.

The torch will then make its way to Bar-le-Duc (the ancestral home of the Dukes of Bar) and cast a light on its Renaissance-style architectural heritage. It will then travel to another historic landmark, Verdun, to highlight the battlefield where more than 300,000 people lost their lives during the First World War, with the help of the Région Grand Est. The next stop will be the citadel of Montmédy, a military fortress built in the 16^th century. Finally, the Olympic torch will return to Verdun to continue the festivities.

Celebrations in Verdun

Verdun, a nexus of French history, is internationally known for the Treaty of Verdun in 843 (which divided the Frankish Empire into three kingdoms) and for being the sight of the longest battle in modern history. The torch's visit to the city will begin in the recreational area of Pré l'Évêque, a lake spanning 10 hectares. Next, the torch will blaze past the underground citadel.

This network of galleries, built by French military engineer Vauban in the 17^th century, was a stronghold of strategic importance from 1914 to 1918. The torch will then go near the Verdun Memorial, which looms over the city with its 30-metre tower. It will also visit the Chaussée Gate, which has been the official entrance to the city since its construction in the 14^th century. Finally, it will leave for the Parc de Londres sports complex. The heart of this sports venue —a local favourite— will host the celebrations at the end of the day and the lighting of the cauldron after the last relay.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: COMPLEXE DU PARC DE LONDRES, 51100 VERDUN

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!