The Grand Est region continues to celebrate the Olympic spirit as it distributes its departments towards Paris. On Saturday, June 29, the Meuse is set to host the 44th stage of the Olympic torch relay, featuring seven segments and 113 torchbearers. The day promises to be filled with emotion and excitement, starting from 8:30 a.m. at Gondrecourt-le-Château and concluding at 7:20 p.m. at the Parc de Londres sports complex.
The relay will kick off at the Lorraine Horse Museum in Gondrecourt-le-Château, with the flame reaching rue du Général-Leclerc by 8:50 a.m. The torch will then move to Commercy at 10:35 a.m., famed for its madeleines, and will be carried to rue du port by 11:17 a.m. Highlights include the Château de Stanislas and Place de Charles-de-Gaulle. By 11:26 a.m., the torch will arrive at Lake Madine, the largest lake in Lorraine, and will proceed to the Port of Nonsard by 11:46 a.m.
Bar-le-Duc will take over the relay at 12:57 p.m., starting from the department hotel and heading to the Jean Bernard stadium by 1:55 p.m. The city, known for its Renaissance-style architecture, will offer a scenic backdrop for the relay. The next significant stop will be Verdun, with a visit to the Battlefield from the Memorial at 2:36 p.m. to the Douaumont Ossuary at 3:21 p.m., commemorating the over 300,000 lives lost during the First World War.
The relay will resume in 2024 from the Montmédy citadel at 4:59 p.m., a military structure built in the 16th century. By 5:35 p.m., the torch will reach Verdun, a city with a rich historical legacy. The route will include the Pré l'évêque leisure center, the underground citadel, and the Monument to Victory and to the Soldiers of Verdun. The final segment will feature a collective relay dedicated to rowing, led by captain Benjamin Rondeau, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at 7:20 p.m. at the Parc de Londres sports complex.
Notable torchbearers for this stage include athletes such as Amandine Buchard, a French judoka and World Championships medalist, and former Olympic rowers Benjamin Rondeau, Pierre Houin, and Frédéric Kowal. Manon Roels, a French parabadminton champion, will also participate, adding to the diverse and accomplished lineup of individuals carrying the torch.
- The Olympic torch relay is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes peace, unity, and the spirit of the Games. Each segment of the relay is meticulously planned to highlight local landmarks and historical sites, offering both participants and spectators a chance to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- The selection of torchbearers is a significant aspect of the relay, with individuals chosen not only for their athletic achievements but also for their contributions to their communities. This year's relay in the Grand Est region features a diverse group of athletes, each bringing their unique story and inspiration to the event.
- The torch relay through the Meuse will provide a unique opportunity for local residents to witness a piece of Olympic history. From the Renaissance architecture of Bar-le-Duc to the poignant memorials in Verdun, the route is designed to celebrate both the past and the present, honoring historical events while looking forward to the future.
