Highlights of the Paris 2024 Olympic torch relay to add to your travel list
Highlights of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay
The 68-day route for the Olympic torch relay has been carefully designed to shine a spotlight on everything that makes France special, including its heritage, natural landscapes, museums, live art performances and, of course, the people who call it home.
The torch landed in Marseille, France, on May 8 and has since travelled through many regions and territories before it will make its way to Paris for the lighting of the cauldron at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on July 26. Just one month away!
Here are some of the highlights of the 100 iconic places it's passing by…
Arles
Built in 90AD, Arles Amphitheatre had seating for 20,000 Romans to watch gladiator battles, chariot races and theatre performances.
It later became a fortress with more than 200 houses and a public square.
Saint-Émilion
The home of macaroons and extraordinary wines, this medieval village in southwestern France is surrounded by spectacular scenery and is a landmark for pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago to Spain.
Biarritz
Just 35km from the border of Spain, this luxurious seaside town was once the playground of European royalty and is now a surfing hotspot.
Mont Ventoux
Fans of the Tour De France will be familiar with this sandy mountain, one of the most hallowed climbs of cycling.
Loire Valley
When French kings began constructing their castles in the Loire Valley and along the Loire River, nobility followed and it's now home to more than 300 residences ranging from fortified castles to opulent buildings.
Many chateaux were destroyed in the French revolution and later used as headquarters in World War I and II.
Puy du Fou, Vendée
This famous French theme park (an hour's drive from Nantes and the Loire Valley) features more than 20 shows and walk-through experiences, using stunning performances, audiovisuals and costumes to tell stories of French history and culture.
There's also beautifully landscaped gardens, French cuisine favourites and quirky accommodation.
Olympia, Greece
If you're keen to head a little further afield, Olympia in Greece is of course a must-visit.
On April 16 the torch was lit in a flame lighting ceremony in Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games that started in 776BC.
Visitors here can check out the museum, hike the stunning surrounds, take a swim in the lakes created by Neda Waterfalls or take a dip in the nearby hot springs within lush rainforest.
Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana
The torch travelled 7000km to the West to go to the Guiana Space Centre – Europe's only launch base, situated in French Guinea in South America.
Travellers can tour the space centre, from which 500 rockets have launched.
Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
Beautiful waters and an efficient ferry network connect this group of Caribbean islands, that offer rainforest walks, volcanoes and a national park designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
