Val-d'Oise – Flame 2, 8 and 11

Torch no. 11 will head to La Roche-Guyon, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and visit its famous château. Torch no. 8 will criss-cross Cergy, the administrative centre of the department, whereas torch no. 2 will shine a light on Louvres.

A land of contrasts

Val-d'Oise is one of the youngest departments in metropolitan France. It is a land of contrasts on the northern edge of Île-de-France, with a dense urban fabric in the east and a mosaic of rural landscapes with fields and authentic villages in the heart of the French Vexin in the west. The dynamism of this slice of land shines through its vibrant business scene, top-tier university campus and a thousand or so organisations that make a real impact. Culture feels right at home here, with a rich heritage that includes Royaumont and Maubuisson abbeys, the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise —in the heart of the famous village once home to Vincent van Gogh— and La Roche-Guyon, the only village in Île-de-France awarded the "Most beautiful villages in France" distinction.

Promoting, developing and making the case for para-sport

The department, which has about a thousand para-sport and adapted sport licence holders, strives to promote and develop sports for all as a way of fostering exchanges, sharing and awareness of para-sport within our confines. The department spearheaded a Charter of Sport and Disability, which has already been signed by twelve municipalities and aims to encourage local authorities to promote and develop sports and assistance for people with disabilities in Val-d'Oise. This charter aims to break down barriers to sport for everyone, no matter what disabilities they may have. Finally, the department is backing six U23 athletes at the 2024 Paralympic Games.