Stage 35

ColoradoProvencal_OTPaysAptLuberon

Picture by Office de Tourisme Pays d'Apt Luberon

Olympic Torch Relay Route

Rustrel
Apt
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Mont Ventoux
Orange
Sorgues
Avignon

Stage Preview

Vaucluse boasts a unique blend of nature and culture that attracts more than four million tourists to the department every year. The Olympic torch will get a taste of the region's laid-back lifestyle throughout Wednesday, 19 June. It will start its journey in Rustrel, where it will explore a strikingly beautiful area in the Colorado Provençal: a landscape of open-air ochre quarries that look like canyons. It will then head to Apt, whose charm and historic centre have made it the capital of the Lubéron.

From there, it will go on to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known as the "Venice of the Comtat Venaissin" and a haven for bargain hunters. Thanks in no small part to the support of the Région Sud, the next stage promises to be tough and spectacular, with the Torch climbing to the summit of Mont Ventoux, one of the most legendary mountain passes and a favourite among cycling fans. The torch's descent will see it plunge to Orange and its ancient theatre, followed by a visit to Sorgues, where it will go over the Himalayan footbridge inaugurated in 2023. The final leg of the day will take it to Avignon.

Celebrations in Avignon

Picture by Christophe Aubry / city of Avignon

Avignon is famous for its architectural and historical heritage. The torch will begin its tour of the city on the sports ground, where athletes of many disciplines come together. It will then approach the centre of Avignon via its ramparts; the city is one of the few in France where the ancient defensive walls have been preserved in their entirety. From there, it will go to the Place de l'Horloge, the nerve centre of the city, which springs to life during the yearly theatre and live entertainment festival.

The Olympic torch will then shine its light on the Papal Palace, where the sovereign pontiffs used to live in the 14th century, and Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral. Next up is the famous Pont d'Avignon, noted for the popular song of the same name. Not far away sits the Boulevard de la Ligne, which will host the end-of-day ceremony to wrap up the relay in style.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: BOULEVARD DU RHÔNE, 84000 AVIGNON

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!

Ventoux, the Giant of Provence

"At first, I was genuinely taken aback by the air’s lightness and the breathtaking panorama, leaving me almost spellbound. I glance back: clouds drift beneath my feet" - Petrarch

Ventoux, the Giant of Provence