The Journey of the Olympic Flame Through Hauts-de-France
The Olympic flame continues its journey, lighting up the Hauts-de-France region on Tuesday, July 2. The flame will be carried through multiple stages, starting from Avesnes-sur-Helpe and ending in Lille, covering nearly the entire department.
The day's journey will begin in Avesnes-sur-Helpe, a small town of 4,200 inhabitants. The flame will depart at 8:25 a.m. from the community of communes in the heart of Avesnois, passing notable landmarks such as the town hall and the Saint-Nicolas collegiate church. By 8:45 a.m., the flame will arrive at Place de la Rotonde.
Highlights of the Route
Next, the flame will head to Dunkirk for a significant stage from 9:15 a.m. to 10:17 a.m. Starting from Place du Centenaire, it will cross the Lucien Lefol and Bataille du Texel bridges, passing in front of the Marine and Commerce basins. The Dunkirk route will conclude at Place Jean Bart, the Belfry, and the Saint-Éloi Church, with the Belfry of Dunkirk town hall, a UNESCO world heritage site, being a major highlight.
The flame will then move towards Wallers, taking part in the Paris-Roubaix cycling route, starting from the famous Arenberg gap at 10:55 a.m. and arriving at the Arenberg la Porte du Hainaut mining site at 11:20 a.m. Cambrai will be the next stop from 11:36 a.m. to 11:56 a.m., with the flame starting from Place du Saint-Sepulcre and passing through the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Cathedral, Place Aristide-Briand, and the Town Hall, finishing at Paul Duez college.
The journey continues between Tourcoing and Roubaix, starting at 2:10 p.m. from the Saint-Christophe church, Place de la République, and arriving at 2:30 p.m. The flame will pass in front of the stations of Tourcoing and Roubaix, the higher school of arts and textile industries, and the town hall of Roubaix, concluding at the André-Pétrieux velodrome.
In Douai, the flame will leave the Étienne Maillard sports hall at 4:56 p.m., passing by the Pont de la Massue, the Belfry of Douai, and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Pierre, arriving at Place d'Armes at 5:36 p.m. The day will culminate in Lille, starting at 6:19 p.m., passing through key locations such as the European metropolis of Lille, the hotel of the northern department, Lille Europe and Lille Flandres stations, Place François-Mitterrand, the Opera, and the Grand-Place, finishing at the Esplanade du Champs de Mars with the lighting of the cauldron at 7:30 p.m.
Prominent figures from the region, including actor Dany Boon, Miss Nord-Pas de Calais and France 2024 Eva Gilles, and former Real Madrid and Manchester United player Raphaël Varane, will be among the torchbearers. Volleyball player Barthélémy Chinenyeze, fresh off a Nations League win, will also participate. The captain of the collective relay will be Benjamin Brun, a handchair player and coach, symbolizing Lille's role in hosting the final phases of the discipline.
- The Olympic flame will begin its journey in Avesnes-sur-Helpe, a small town known for its historic Saint-Nicolas collegiate church, dating back to the 12th century. This initial stage will set the tone for a day filled with cultural and historic landmarks.
- In Dunkirk, the flame's route will highlight the city's rich maritime history, passing through significant sites such as the Marine and Commerce basins and the UNESCO world heritage Belfry of Dunkirk town hall.
- The Paris-Roubaix cycling route in Wallers adds a sporting element to the flame's journey, emphasizing the region's deep connection to cycling. The Arenberg gap is a famous part of this route, known for its challenging cobblestones.
- Cambrai's segment will showcase its architectural beauty, with the flame passing through the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Cathedral and other historic sites before arriving at Paul Duez college.
- The Tourcoing to Roubaix route will feature the André-Pétrieux velodrome, a key site for cycling enthusiasts as it serves as the finish line for the legendary Paris-Roubaix race.
- Douai's journey will include the Belfry of Douai, another UNESCO world heritage site, highlighting the region's medieval architecture. The flame's arrival at Place d'Armes will be a central event for the city.
- Lille's grand finale will be marked by the lighting of the cauldron at the Esplanade du Champs de Mars, with activities starting from 3:30 p.m. This event will feature the collective relay of the French Hand Federation, emphasizing Lille's hosting of the final phases of the discipline.
