Olympic Torch Relay in Pays-de-Loire: A Journey Through History and Heritage
A month after its arrival in Marseille, the Olympic torch relay in France is now covering the Pays-de-Loire region this Wednesday, June 5. This segment marks a significant prelude to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and spectators in the region are in for a spectacular treat. In total, 93 people will have the honor of carrying the Olympic flame through a series of historically rich and picturesque locations.
The torch relay begins at 9:50 a.m. at the town hall of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, well-known for its medieval ambiance. The route meanders through notable landmarks like the square de Verdun, rue Maurice Daniel, and boulevard des Pas Enchantés, before arriving at the René-Massé stadium at 10:49 a.m. It will then proceed to Ingrandes-le-Fresnes-sur-Loire, passing by the memorable Notre-Dame church in Fresne-sur-Loire, and concluding at the Place du Champ de Foire at 11:30 a.m.
Afterward, the flame will move on to Vertou, where it will commence from the town hall around 11:50 a.m., and traverse the city center via significant roads such as boulevard de l'Europe and rue du Général-de-Gaulle. Passing by the Stade du Center, it will culminate at Parc de la Sévre at 12:43 p.m.
The route continues to charming Vallons-de-l'Erdre, starting at the Château de Saint-Mars-la-Jaille at 1:16 p.m. The castle, dating back to the 14th century, along with its surrounding park—one of the “Gardens of France”—provides a magnificent backdrop. The flame will then progress past architectural landmarks like the Saint-Médard church and the town hall, before heading to the municipal stadium via avenue Charles-Henri de Cossé-Brissac and boulevard Jules-Ferry.
Basse-Goulaine is the next destination, where the torch will depart from the Chesnaie gymnasium at 2:49 p.m., making its way to the Henri-Michel stadium by 3:55 p.m. A touching homage to Henri Michel—a former footballer and the coach of the only French Olympic champion team in 1984—is also scheduled here.
The journey continues to Ligné, beginning at the town hall at 4:58 p.m. Utilizing rue des Acacias as its pathway, the torch will reach the Édouard Landrain sports complex.
Finally, the flame's odyssey concludes in La Baule-Escoublac from 6:18 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Known for its stunning bay, a highlight of French tourism, the route will include notable sights such as the Sporting tennis club headquarters and La Baule beach before arriving at Place des Salines. Concurrently, several activities will offer the public opportunities to engage with tennis practices and other recreational events. The celebration site at Salines car park will host various entertainment from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. before the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
The torch relay not only celebrates sports but also history, culture, and the communal spirit of the French people. With stops at historical sites, medieval towns, and iconic landmarks, it is set to leave an indelible mark on the Pays-de-Loire region.
- On Tuesday, June 4, the Olympic torch headed towards the Atlantic after a short rest in Deux-Sèvres. The relay departed from Passage du Gois, a remarkable road accessible only at low tide that connects the island of Noirmoutier to the Vendée coast. This unique start was followed by a traversal through Montaigu-Vendée, a city with rich medieval heritage, and then to the renowned **Parc du Puy du Fou** for a three-kilometer relay.
- The day's journey concluded in Les Sables-d'Olonne, a location synonymous with the Vendée Globe, an important event in the sailing world, where the Olympic cauldron was lit on Place du Vendée Globe.
- The 24th stage is symbolically significant, with the participation of notable figures like Gwladys Lemoussu, a fifth-placed paratriathlete from Tokyo, and Lucie Caumeil, an aspiring paratriathlete eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
