Stage 26

Morbihan, where the sea meets the shores and cities meet the countryside

Picture by KERSUZAN LOIC

Olympic Torch Relay Route

Lorient
Saint-Anne-d'Auray
Pontivy
Rochefort-en-Terre
Josselin
Île-aux-Moines
Vannes

Stage Preview

Morbihan means "little sea" in Breton, so it's only natural for this sea-bound department to extend from Brocéliande Forest to the coast. The Olympic torch will begin its journey through the region in Lorient, the third-largest city in Brittany, and Saint-Anne-d'Auray. A relay will start from the top of the sanctuary, going past the basilica and the Scala Sancta ("Holy Stairs"), where religious ceremonies are held. The route will then go through Pontivy and Rochefort-en-Terre before reaching the park of the medieval castle, which bears the scars of history. It will then visit Josselin Castle, whose courtyard will bring the sequence to a close. Next, it will sail to the Île-aux-Moines on board a vehicle belonging to the French Sea Rescue Society (SNSM). On the island, it will roam Dréhen Beach and its wonderful coloured cabins before returning to the mainland to continue its trek to Vannes.

Celebrations in Vannes

Picture by F. Le Divenah - Ville de Vannes

The day will continue in Vannes, a medieval city that has evolved over time. The relay will begin along the ramparts, built between the 3rd and 17th centuries, and go through the neighbouring garden, a listed natural site since 1935. Next, it will move to La Cohue, a museum of fine arts located in an old market hall. The torch will also go past the distinctive timber-framed houses of Vannes and climb up to the Gate of Saint Vincent, the main entrance to the old town. It will visit Place Henri IV and Saint Peter's Cathedral, the latter of which towers over the city. Finally, the runners will get to admire the boats of the Port of Vannes before the stage winds down a few metres away on Esplanade Simon Veil, which will host the end-of-day celebrations and the lighting of the cauldron.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: ESPLANADE SIMONE VEIL, 56000 VANNES

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!