Paris 2024 Olympic Games: discover the Olympic flame's route through the Côte d'Azur

A historic moment starting in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Anchored in the history of scuba diving and freediving, Villefranche-sur-Mer is the starting point on the Olympic flame’s route through the Alpes-Maritimes on 18 June, at 08:05 sharp! Alice Modolo, world freediving runner-up, will once again make a name for herself as she leads the flame out of the depths of the Côte d’Azur. Her name rings out like a modern legend, having smashed the women’s world record at the time in the Bahamas.

And while the sacred torch dived 13 metres down into the icy waters of Lake Baikal during the Sochi Winter Games, it is in Villefranche-sur-Mer that this daring French freediver will attempt to set a new world record. The voices of children from the École de la Mer – a place of learning where children explore the secrets of the Mediterranean, try their hand at sailing and develop respect for the marine environment – will also be heard during this incredible moment. Their participation in this event offers the unique opportunity to become guardians of this maritime heritage and remind the world of the magic of Villefranche-sur-Mer, as it writes a new page in its history during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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Une publication partagée par Alice Modolo (@modoloalice)

Red carpet in Cannes for the passage of the Olympic flame!

And of course, the flame will be proudly raised before the city of stars! Along the way, it will majestically pass by the luxurious hotels that line Cannes’ La Croisette, where the legends of France and Hollywood walk the red carpet each year. Its journey will lead it to the foot of the Palais des Festivals, a bastion of cinematic fame. Alexandre Farrugia, president of Le Cannet Hornets, will then carry this sacred flame.

In his wake follows an aura of determination and courage, forged by years spent in the shadows directing wheelchair basketball players with passion and dedication. A former Paralympic athlete, his career has been marked by the seal of excellence, with a cabinet of trophies bearing witness to his incredible success. In him, the flame will find its echo, an internal flame that burns with the same intensity as that which he proudly carries in his hands, illuminating the path towards accomplishment and inspiration. An allegory of commitment and resilience, symbolising the infinite quest to surpass oneself and succeed in the face of adversity.

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Une publication partagée par Hornets Le Cannet (@hornets_le_cannet)

A magnificent spectacle on the ramparts of Antibes

In Antibes, the only French town twinned with the city of Olympia in Greece, the Olympic flame will continue its journey, revealing the city’s hidden treasures. Since 2001, Antibes Juan-les-Pins has celebrated a sacred union with Olympia, the ancestral birthplace of the Olympic Games. From its thousand-year-old ramparts to the traditional paved alleys of old Antibes, the flame will explore the deep roots of this city bursting with history. Stopping in front of the Picasso Museum, veritable temple of art and creativity, it will then majestically proceed towards the Fort Carré, the vigilant guardian of all Antibes’ secrets.

Until the end of August, an exceptional exhibition at the Les Arcades venue, located opposite the Port Vauban, will also present all the Olympic torches since their birth in 1936, brought together as witnesses of the greatness and power of the Olympic spirit. It is with immense pride that Alain Bernard, Olympic gold medallist in the 100 m freestyle swim, will take on the prestigious role of torchbearer with this sacred flame. For this athlete, who has added four Olympic medals to his list of achievements – including two gold – making him the most successful French swimmer at the Olympic Games, this exciting day promises to leave an indelible mark on our collective memory, driven by the sharing of inspiring values.

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Une publication partagée par AlainBernard (@alainbernard_oly)

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Une publication partagée par Explore Nice Côte d'Azur (@explorenicecotedazur)

Lighting the cauldron: a memorable finale in Nice

The Olympic flame will complete its journey through the Alpes-Maritimes with a final stage in Nice, a city listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

After passing through the National Museum of Sport, a real place of celebration for sporting history and culture, its journey will begin at 17:56 on the west of the Promenade des Anglais, before making its way along the Coulée Verte.

After Place Garibaldi, it will continue along this corridor of greenery towards Port de Nice, reaching its climax with the unbeatable view over the Baie des Anges from the castle hill, before beautifully concluding its journey with a fantastic celebration.

At 19:20, the last torchbearer, Sébastien Camus, will embody the spirit of this event by lighting the cauldron on Promenade des Anglais. As an ultra-trail champion, real nature lover and Côte d’Azur France ambassador, he lives with his family in the heart of the magnificent Le Mercantour National Park, where he fully expresses his passion for running through nature. At the same time, the people of the Alpes-Maritimes will be able to enjoy a host of different activities planned at the Quai des Ponchettes. Finally, a guard of honour made up of more than twenty personalities, including Alexia Barrier, professional sailor and Nice native; the famous tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; the first French men’s world athletics champion Stéphane Diagana; and Michèle Mouton, a true icon of motor-sports, will welcome the triumphant arrival of the final torchbearer, symbolising the spirit of sharing and excellence that drives the Olympic Games, in a moment of immense joy and euphoria.

In total, 10,000 people will form part of this relay to carry the Olympic flame to Paris, on 26 July, the opening date of the Olympic Games, which will close on 11 August. The Paralympic Games will take place from 28 August to 8 September.

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Une publication partagée par Sebastien Camus (@sebcamusrun)