Yonne is an ideal destination to recharge, enjoy the beauty of its natural landscapes, or succumb to the charm of its outstanding cultural heritage. The Olympic torch will highlight the beautiful lands of Yonne throughout its stay in the department. It will set off from Avallon, a medieval town surrounded by terrace gardens. It will then head to Vézelay, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The torch will start from the old abbey castle, which commands a panoramic view of the town, and go to the Romanesque Saint Mary Magdalene's Basilica, an important stop for pilgrims on the Way of St James. Next, it will go to Sens and its town centre, whose architecture has evolved over time, and Saint-Fargeau, where it will cross the 10^th-century castle. Migennes, on the banks of the Yonne River, is also on the route. In Chablis, a sequence will begin in the vineyards and go to the town centre before arriving at the recently inaugurated Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne. It will then be time to move on to Auxerre—the last stop of the day.

Celebrations in Auxerre

Auxerre is a quintessential family-friendly city. On top of its historical and natural heritage, it boasts top-tier cultural and sports venues. This is what the Olympic torch will display when it begins its tour of Auxerre at the legendary Abbé Deschamps Stadium, the home of local football club AJA. It will then head to Saint Germanus's Cloister, whose construction started in the 8^th century and which now holds a museum.

The next part will take place in the city centre as the Olympic torch wanders through the pedestrian area of old Auxerre in front of the 15^th-century clock tower. The final leg will take it to Parc de Roscoff, where the end-of-day ceremony will unfold with plenty of entertainment and the lighting of the cauldron.

Celebration venue info

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

The celebration site is free and open to all from 3.30pm to 7.45pm at the following address: PARC DE ROSCOFF, 89000 AUXERRE

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!