Nothing beats gaining some altitude to get a sense of this territory between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Luckily enough, this is exactly what the Olympic torch will do at the break of dawn on Wednesday, 15 May when it crowns the Pic du Canigó, the highest peak in the eastern Pyrenees at 2,784 metres. Then on to Prades and its ancient walled town, with the Torch shining a light on Font-Romeu in the Région Occitanie and its National Centre for Altitude Training. The route will then pass through the Catalan Pyrenees Natural Park before moving on to Céret.

The torch will call at Villeneuve-de-la-Raho and its lake, a reservoir that has become a stop for migratory birds and a popular spot for outdoor activities. It will then go from Port-Vendres to Collioure on the Mediterranean seaboard. It will be time to set course for Perpignan, where the stage will wind down.

Celebrations in Perpignan

Perpignan will host the end-of-day celebrations on Wednesday afteroon. The Olympic torch will begin its tour from the Parc des Sports and set course for the Citadel, located in the old town. It will skirt the Citadel on its eastern side en route to Le Castillet, a fortification that has stood the test of time since 1368. The next segment will take it to Place de la Catalogne, bang in the middle of the Clémenceau neighbourhood.

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca will provide the majestic backdrop to the end-of-day celebrations, which will be packed with activities and entertainment. This building, which has towered over the city from the top of its promontory since the 13^th century, will be the ideal scene for an event that is bound to remain etched in the memories of the people who call Perpignan home.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PALAIS DES ROIS DE MAJORQUE, 66000 PERPIGNAN

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!