The Vendée has cemented its place as a hotbed of sports. The Vendée Globe, the start of the Tour de France, the Montaigu Tournament—athletes and fans of outdoor sports and exploration will feel right at home here. The Olympic Torch will offer a sneak peek of all these competitions and more during the day. It will start its journey at the Passage du Gois, a tidal causeway linking the island of Noirmoutier to the coast of Vendée. From there it will go to Fontenay-le-Comte and illuminate its Renaissance facades, and then on to Montaigu-Vendée, which was settled in the early Middle Ages and became a royal town in the 15^th century. Next up is one of the highlights of the route, the Puy-du-Fou, which hosts over 2 million visitors every year. A 3-kilometre relay will take place inside the park. The next leg will take the torch to La Roche-sur-Yon, founded by Napoleon, and the Pointe d'Arçay, a protected natural site and abode of migratory birds. The day will come to an end in Les Sables-d'Olonne.

Celebrations in Les Sables-d'Olonne

Les Sables-d'Olonne will have the honour of hosting the end-of-day festivities. In 2021 it was recognised as one of "The Most Beautiful Bays of the World" for its commitment to protecting the environment. It also stands out for its vibrant sports scene, which includes the organisation of the Vendée Globe and 80 clubs that boost the well-being of the population. The Olympic torch will start its journey from the La Rudelière Sports Park and then head to the old town, which is packed with shops and businesses. After that, it will run down the long beach and board a sailing ship. Next up will be the Shell Museum, which houses over 50,000 seashells from around the world. Once its tour of the city is done and dusted, it will head to the Place du Vendée Globe, where the end-of-day celebrations will take place and the cauldron will be lit.

Celebration venue info

Come and celebrate the passing of the Olympic flame in Les Sables-d'Olonne !

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: VILLAGE DU VENDÉE GLOBE, 85100 LES SABLES D’OLONNE

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!