Olympic Flame’s New Journey Through France
The Olympic flame continues its majestic journey through France, enthralling onlookers with each passing day. After dazzling the crowd with its presence from Bergerac to Périgueux, the flame readies itself for another memorable voyage. This Thursday, the journey continues from Saint-Emilion, passing through key landmarks such as the Bouscat racecourse, Libournais, and Cité du Vin before culminating at the Bordeaux city center.
Notable Bearers and Celebrations Along the Way
Among the prominent bearers for this leg of the journey are former rugby captain Thierry Dusautoir, disabled kayaker Nélia Barbosa, content creator Tuvok Wassenberg, and triple Olympic medalist fencer Fabrice Jeannet. Their participation embodies the spirit of the Olympics, uniting diverse talents and stories.
Moving forward, the flame will grace Angoulême in the Charente department on Friday, May 24. It will begin at Allée Suzanne Lenglen in Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, make several stops including Chambon and Cognac, and eventually head towards Saint-Cybardeaux, where it will highlight the historic Gallo-Roman theater of Bouchauds.
As the day progresses, the flame will visit Confolens, starting from the Pré de l'Étang nursing home, and make its way through Ruffec before the grand finale in Angoulême. The final destination will see the sacred torch aboard a gabare, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, reaching the heights of the old town. The journey will conclude with a significant celebration at the Comic Strip Museum’s esplanade, where the last torchbearer will light the Olympic cauldron at 7:20 p.m.
- The passage of the Olympic flame is more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration that brings communities together and highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the regions it visits. Each stop not only showcases the historical landmarks but also provides a stage for various local activities, shows, and entertainment.
- In the Charente department alone, 87 people will carry the flame through iconic locations such as the Jean-Pauquet stadium, medieval castles, sports complexes, and ancient theaters, reflecting the deep connection between the Olympic spirit and the local heritage of France.