Nestled between the Atlantic to the west and the Pyrenees to the south, between the Basque Country and Béarn, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques are a land of nature, terroir, and history. The Olympic torch will amplify the unique aspects of the department throughout its journey across the region, starting with the Biarritz coast, where it will blaze past the neo-Gothic Church of Saint Eugenie. From there, it will head to Anglet and Saint-Jean-de-Luz and sail across the bay on board a Basque trainera, a traditional oar-propelled fishing boat. Water sports will again be front and centre at the next stop in Bayonne, with a rowing segment on the River Nive. The torch will also run past the Château-Vieux and Saint Mary's Cathedral. The itinerary around the Pyrénées-Atlantiques will then take it to Hasparren, Orthez and its arenas, Arette, and finally Pau, where the day will end.

Celebrations in Pau

Pau, in the heart of Béarn, will roll out the red carpet for the Olympic torch and bring its magic to the world. This student city, renowned for its quality of life and history, boasts a treasure trove of heritage. The torch will begin its route at the Whitewater Stadium, where the cream of the crop of the French kayaking scene often congregates and international competitions are held. It will then zip past the Tour des Géants and head to the castle where Henry IV was born. The torch will then run down the Boulevard des Pyrénées, which commands a jaw-dropping view of the mountain range facing the capital of Béarn. This thoroughfare will take it to Place Royale, the focal point of Pau and the seat of city hall. The remainder of the stage will lead it to Place Clémenceau and Parc Beaumont. For the icing on the cake, the end-of-day celebrations of Olympic values will take place in front of Palais Beaumont, the local convention centre.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PARC BEAUMONT, 64000 PAU

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!