Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay Stages

The Lighting Ceremony in Greece

The journey of the Olympic Torch started in Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The lighting ceremony was a poignant moment that marks the start of the relay. The torch was ignited by the rays of the sun at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, symbolizing purity and everlasting fire. This ceremony was steeped in tradition and showcases the link between the ancient and modern Games.

Relay in Greece

Following the lighting ceremony, the torch embarked on a journey through Greece. This leg of the relay was a tribute to the Games' origins and highlighted the importance of Greece in the Olympic movement. The torch travels through several key locations in Greece, including Athens, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

The Handover Ceremony

The handover ceremony was another significant event where the Olympic flame was transferred from Greek officials to the host country of the upcoming Games. This ceremony symbolizes the passing of the Olympic spirit and responsibility to the next host nation. For Paris 2024, this event will be marked by cultural exchanges and festivities that celebrate both Greek and French traditions.

Crossing the Mediterranean

After the handover ceremony, the torch crossed the Mediterranean Sea to France. This journey by sea represented the torch's voyage from the ancient world to the modern, linking continents and cultures. The crossing was a symbolic gesture of the Olympic spirit transcending geographical boundaries.

The Prologue in France

Upon arrival in France, the torch relay entered its prologue phase. This initial leg covers significant historical and cultural sites, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The prologue set the stage for the extensive journey through the country, building anticipation and excitement among the local population.

Detailed Stages of the Relay

Stage 1: Marseille

The relay started in Marseille, a vibrant port city with a rich maritime heritage. The torch traveled through its bustling streets, highlighting its diverse culture and historical landmarks.

Stage 2: Var

In Var, the torch traversed through scenic landscapes, including beautiful vineyards and coastal areas, celebrating the natural beauty and wine culture of the region.

Stage 3: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

This stage saw the torch moving through mountainous terrains, showcasing the stunning alpine scenery and the region’s outdoor adventure opportunities.

Stage 4: Bouches-du-Rhône

The torch journeyed through Bouches-du-Rhône, emphasizing the historical and architectural marvels, including ancient Roman ruins and charming villages.

Stage 5: Millau-Sète-Montpellier

This stage covered three cities, each known for its unique attractions. From the engineering marvel of the Millau Viaduct to the coastal charm of Sète and the vibrant city life of Montpellier.

Stage 6: Corsica

The relay crossed the Mediterranean to Corsica, known for its rugged coastline, dense forests, and mountainous landscapes, highlighting the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Stage 7: Pyrénées-Orientales

The torch traveled through Pyrénées-Orientales, a region known for its Catalan culture and stunning landscapes, including the Pyrenees mountains.

Stage 8: Aude

In Aude, the torch highlighted the medieval city of Carcassonne and its impressive fortifications, celebrating the region’s rich history.

Stage 9: Haute-Garonne

The torch moved through Haute-Garonne, showcasing the dynamic city of Toulouse with its aerospace industry and vibrant cultural scene.

Stage 10: Gers

Known for its rolling hills and rural charm, Gers provided a picturesque backdrop for the relay, emphasizing the region’s agricultural heritage.

Stage 11: Hautes-Pyrénées

The torch journeyed through the Hautes-Pyrénées, a region renowned for its natural parks and thermal spas, celebrating its natural wellness offerings.

Stage 12: Pyrénées-Atlantiques

In Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the torch traveled through Basque country, highlighting the unique Basque culture and traditions.

Stage 13: Dordogne

The torch traversed through Dordogne, known for its prehistoric sites and medieval architecture, emphasizing the region’s rich historical legacy.

Stage 14: Bordeaux and the Libournais

This stage highlighted Bordeaux’s renowned wine culture and the historic architecture of the Libournais region.

Stage 15: Charente

The torch moved through Charente, showcasing its beautiful rivers, Romanesque churches, and cognac production.

Stage 16: Vienne

In Vienne, the relay emphasized the region’s historical sites and viberant university town of Poitiers.

Stage 17: Indre

The torch traversed through Indre, known for its charming countryside and historical chateaux.

Stage 18: Maine-et-Loire

This stage highlighted Maine-et-Loire’s stunning Loire Valley, famous for its vineyards and grand chateaux.

Stage 19: Mayenne

The torch traveled through Mayenne, celebrating its rural landscapes and medieval towns.

Stage 20: Calvados

In Calvados, the relay emphasized the region’s Normandy beaches, historical significance in World War II, and its renowned apple orchards.

Stage 21: Manche

The torch moved through Manche, highlighting the iconic Mont Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay.

Stage 22: Ille-et-Vilaine

This stage showcased Ille-et-Vilaine’s coastal beauty and the historic city of Rennes.

Stage 23: Deux-Sèvres

The torch will travel through Deux-Sèvres, emphasizing its rural charm and agricultural heritage.

Stage 24: Vendée

In Vendée, the relay will highlight the region’s beautiful coastline and maritime heritage.

Stage 25: Between Loire and Atlantique

The torch will traverse through regions between the Loire and Atlantique, celebrating their unique cultural and natural attractions.

Stage 26: Morbihan

This stage will emphasize Morbihan’s coastal beauty and its prehistoric megaliths.

Stage 27: Finistère

The torch will move through Finistère, showcasing its rugged coastline and Celtic heritage.

Stage 28: French Guiana

The relay will travel to French Guiana, highlighting its diverse ecosystems and spaceport.

Stage 29: New Caledonia

In New Caledonia, the torch will emphasize the island’s unique biodiversity and Melanesian culture.

Stage 30: Réunion

The torch will travel through Réunion, celebrating its volcanic landscapes and Creole culture.

Stage 31: French Polynesia

This stage will highlight French Polynesia’s stunning islands and rich Polynesian heritage.

Stage 32: Guadeloupe

The torch will move through Guadeloupe, showcasing its beautiful beaches and vibrant Creole culture.

Stage 33: Martinique

In Martinique, the relay will emphasize the island’s natural beauty and cultural fusion.

Stage 34: Alpes-Maritimes

The torch will travel through Alpes-Maritimes, highlighting its stunning Mediterranean coastline and alpine landscapes.

Stage 35: Vaucluse

This stage will showcase Vaucluse’s historical sites and beautiful landscapes.

Stage 36: Drôme

The torch will move through Drôme, celebrating its charming villages and agricultural heritage.

Stage 37: Vichy

In Vichy, the relay will emphasize the city’s historical significance as a spa town and its beautiful architecture.

Stage 38: Loire

The torch will travel through Loire, highlighting its beautiful countryside and industrial heritage.

Stage 39: Haute-Savoie

This stage will showcase Haute-Savoie’s stunning alpine scenery and winter sports culture.

Stage 40: Doubs

The torch will move through Doubs, emphasizing its natural parks and historical sites.

Stage 41: The European Collectivity of Alsace

The relay will travel through Alsace, highlighting its unique blend of French and German cultures.

Stage 42: Moselle

In Moselle, the torch will showcase the region’s industrial heritage and beautiful landscapes.

Stage 43: Haute-Marne

The torch will move through Haute-Marne, celebrating its rural charm and historical significance.

Stage 44: Meuse

This stage will emphasize Meuse’s historical sites and natural beauty.

Stage 45: Marne

The torch will travel through Marne, highlighting its champagne production and historical significance.

Stage 46: Nord

In Nord, the relay will showcase the region’s industrial heritage and vibrant culture.

Stage 47: Pas-de-Calais

The torch will move through Pas-de-Calais, celebrating its historical sites and coastal beauty.

Stage 48: Somme

This stage will emphasize Somme’s World War I history and natural beauty.

Stage 49: Seine-Maritime

The torch will travel through Seine-Maritime, highlighting its stunning cliffs and historical sites.

Stage 50: Eure

In Eure, the relay will showcase the region’s charming countryside and historical architecture.

Stage 51: C'Chartres

The torch will move through Chartres, emphasizing its beautiful cathedral and historical significance.

Stage 52: Loir-et-Cher

This stage will highlight Loir-et-Cher’s stunning chateaux and natural beauty.

Stage 53: Loiret

The torch will travel through Loiret, celebrating its beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Stage 54: Yonne

In Yonne, the relay will showcase the region’s charming villages and wine production.

Stage 55: Côte-d'Or

The torch will move through Côte-d'Or, emphasizing its rich history and wine culture.

Stage 56: Aube

This stage will highlight Aube’s beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Stage 57: Paris, Day 1

The torch will arrive in Paris, marking the beginning of the final stages of the relay. The first day will highlight the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture.

Stage 58: Paris, Day 2

The second day in Paris will continue to showcase the city’s historical sites and cultural significance.

Stage 59: Aisne

The torch will travel through Aisne, emphasizing its beautiful landscapes and historical significance.

Stage 60: Oise

In Oise, the relay will showcase the region’s charming countryside and historical architecture.

Stage 61: Val-d'Oise

The torch will move through Val-d'Oise, highlighting its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.

Stage 62: Seine-et-Marne

This stage will emphasize Seine-et-Marne’s stunning chateaux and natural beauty.

Stage 63: Val-de-Marne

The torch will travel through Val-de-Marne, celebrating its vibrant culture and historical significance.

Stage 64: Essonne

In Essonne, the relay will showcase the region’s beautiful landscapes and charming villages.

Stage 65: Yvelines

The torch will move through Yvelines, emphasizing its stunning chateaux and natural beauty.

Stage 66: Hauts-de-Seine

This stage will take the torch through Hauts-de-Seine, highlighting its modern architecture and vibrant urban culture, including La Défense, Europe’s largest business district.

Stage 67: Seine-Saint-Denis

The relay will pass through Seine-Saint-Denis, emphasizing its diverse communities and the Stade de France, which will host several Olympic events.

Stage 68: Paris, Final Stage

The final stage in Paris will culminate in a grand celebration, with the torch arriving at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This stage will showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre, reflecting the grandeur and cultural heritage of Paris.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay is set to be an extraordinary journey, capturing the essence of France’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Each stage of the relay will bring the Olympic spirit closer to people, building anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Games.