Its combination of a rural west and an urban east, with a dynamic business scene and strong agricultural roots, makes Val-d'Oise a department like no other. The torch will bring these qualities to light throughout Friday, 19 July when it starts its journey in Théméricourt in the heart of Vexin.

The torch will journey from Pontoise to Cergy, from Cormeilles-en-Parisis to Argenteuil, from Méry-sur-Oise to Auvers-sur-Oise, and from Sarcelles to Garges-lès-Gonesse before heading to Saint-Prix. Finally, the torch will be taken from Deuil-la-Barre to Soisy-sous-Montmorency, where the stage will wind to a close.

Celebrations in Soisy-sous-Montmorency

Soisy-sous-Montmorency will host the final celebrations of the torch's visit to Val-d'Oise, a town lauded for its quality of living. It is the only town or city in Val-d'Oise to be awarded the top score ("4 flowers") in the "Cities and Villages in Bloom" competition. The torch's route at the end of the day will take it to Deuil-la-Barre and along part of Enghien-les-Bains Lake, following in the footsteps of famous authors and other celebrities such as George Sand and Alexandre Dumas.

It will also come close to the casino, the biggest such establishment in France. After heading west, the torch will advance to Enghien-Sois Racecourse, a temple of trot racing and a favourite haunt of horse racing punters. This venue will host the end-of-day celebrations!

Celebration venue info

Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Soisy-sous-Montmorency!

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: HIPPODROME, 95230 SOISY-SOUS-MONTMORENCY

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!