On Thursday, 27 June, the Olympic torch and its caravan will begin their journey in the commune of Meisenthal in the Moselle department, where the torch will visit the Centre International d'Art Verrier. After a stop in Sarreguemines, famous for its earthenware, it will go to Forbach and the foot of Schlossberg Castle, a 13^th-century building with a striking 30-metre octagonal tower.

The Olympic torch will then set course for Apach, situated at the tripoint of France, Germany and Luxembourg. Next, it will be taken from Yutz to Thionville before reaching Scy-Chazelles. There, the Torch and the Région Grand Est will be promoting the Robert Schuman House, the home of one of Europe’s founding fathers. The final leg of the day will take it to Metz.

Celebrations in Metz

As the prefecture and largest city in the department, Metz is the natural choice for the remainder of the programme. The city prides itself on its hospitality and rich heritage. The Olympic torch will begin its tour of Metz at Les Arènes, the multi-sport palace that hosts events such as the Moselle Open—an ATP tennis tournament. It will then swing by the Centre Pompidou-Metz: a hub of modern and contemporary art, which has grown to become one of the most visited museums in metropolitan France since it opened its doors in 2010.

The torch will go through the 19^th-century Porte Serpenoise, followed by Place de la Comédie in downtown Metz. It will then proceed to Place d'Armes, which sits between Saint Steven's Cathedral and city hall. The last relay will take it to Place de la République. The biggest square in downtown Metz will host the celebration and lighting of the cauldron under the keen eye of a large crowd.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 57000 METZ

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!