Olympic Flame's Journey Through Iconic French Landmarks
This week, the Olympic flame continues its historic journey through some of France's most picturesque and culturally significant locations. The flame's passage not only highlights the rich heritage of the regions but also brings communities together in celebration of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
A Day in Loir-et-Cher
On Tuesday, the Olympic flame will be welcomed at several prestigious castles in the Loir-et-Cher region. The day will start in the town of Fréteval, where 93 flame bearers will take turns carrying the torch. The procession will begin at the Town Hall, pass by the Saint-Nicolas church, and cross the Loir river before arriving at the Tourist Office. The flame will then travel to Vendôme, starting from the Léo-Lagrange stadium and making its way to Porte Saint-Georges.
Next, the relay will move to Chaumont-sur-Loire, with a grand departure from the castle that overlooks the Loire river, known for hosting the International Garden Festival each year. From there, the flame will journey to Thésée, a village with a rich Gallo-Roman history, before heading to Romorantin-Lanthenay, the capital of Sologne.
The Château de Chambord will be another highlight, where the flame will ascend the famous staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The day will conclude in Blois, with a roller and skate relay led by FFRS athletes and a final ceremony at Place de la République, featuring the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
The Flame's Path to Chartres
The journey of the Olympic flame will continue on Sunday, crossing the regions of Île-de-France, Normandy, and Beauce. The day will begin in Dreux and proceed through Châteaudun and Bonneval before reaching Chartres. Notable bearers for this leg include Michel Cymes, a French doctor and health ambassador for the Paris 2024 Games, and Yannick Souvré, a former French basketball player who competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Laurence Guillou, a former French swimmer from the 1988 Seoul Olympics, will also participate.
Chartres will host numerous celebrations to mark the flame's arrival, further building excitement for the upcoming Olympics. The detailed route map of the torch relay, covering 500 locations over 65 days, can be accessed for those eager to witness the flame's passage near their area.
