Olympic Torch Flame Relay Route

Get ready for an adventure of Olympic proportions that the whole family can enjoy! With just under 100 days until the Paris Olympics starts, let’s follow the incredible journey of the Olympic Flame “La Flamme Olympique” on what will be an epic relay across France, leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics and along the way we’ll highlight some of our fantastic family friendly holiday rentals that are located close to the route of the Olympic Torch relay.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a time-honoured tradition that harks back to the roots of the Games. It symbolises unity, peace, and the spirit of competition.

Lighting the Flame in Olympia, Greece

The journey has already begun in Olympia, Greece, where the ancient Olympics were once held. On April 16, 2024, the first torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay was ignited by the sun’s rays and started its 3 month journey. The flame will travel through Greece until the 27^th April when it will finish at the port of Piraeus and board the Belem bound for Marseille. This majestic vessel, listed as a historic monument, is France’s oldest three-masted schooner. Interestingly, it was launched in 1896, the same year of the first modern Olympic Games.

Lady in old style grecian clothing, lights the Olympic flame from the sun's rays in a mirrored cauldron

Across the Mediterranean on the Belem

Between the 27^th April and the 7^th May, the Flame crosses the Mediterranean to arrive in Marseille where it will the start its journey through 400 French towns and dozens of tourist attractions over a 12,000 km journey including overseas French territories as well as mainland France. There will be over 10,000 torchbearers in total.

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Across mainland France

From May 8, 2024, the flame will start it’s journey across the diverse landscapes of France, illuminating its past and present. Here are some highlights along the way:

Chteau,De,Val,-,Impressive,Medieval,Castles,Of,France,Series

Historical Sites

The flame will visit iconic sites that contributed to France’s reputation and influence throughout different eras. From the Lascaux caves to the medieval city of Carcassonne, from the Palace of Versailles to the châteaux of the Loire Valley.

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Places of Remembrance

The flame will pay tribute to those who left their mark on France’s history. It will visit solemn places like the Verdun Memorial and the D-Day Landing Beaches, honouring the memory of heroes and sacrifices.

Inspiring Figures

Along its route, the torch relay will celebrate iconic French figures. Joan of Arc in Orléans, Robert Schuman in Scy-Chazelles, and Charles de Gaulle in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises—all continue to inspire and contribute to France’s influence.

View,On,Green,Vineyards,Around,Sancerre,Wine,Making,Village,,Rows

The flame will also traverse France’s breathtaking natural landscapes:

Mont Canigou and the Verdon Regional Natural Park
Île aux Moines island and the Mont-Blanc valley
The banks of the River Loire and numerous national parks, forests, and lakes
The vineyards of the Gironde and flowing countryside of the Dordogne and Gers

Summits like the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and magnificent coastlines will witness the flame’s passage.

Across the Seas to the French Territories

In addition, from the 8^th to the 17^th June, the Olympic Torch will travel the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans as part of the “Oceans Relay” to reach six overseas territories: Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Reunion Island.

We’ve pulled together a small selection of Family Friendly properties close to the Route that the Flame will take:

Close to Calais

https://www.franceforfamilies.com/property/family-apartments-calais-dunkirk/

https://www.franceforfamilies.com/property/vacation-rental-opal-coast/

family holiday near the vendee coast - Villa Acacia

Near Les Sables d’Olonne

https://www.franceforfamilies.com/property/family-holiday-near-the-vendee-coast/

Special Offer: 15% off the rental rate for bookings made before 18 May 2024, for a minimum of 7 nights arriving between 25 May 2024 & 29 June 2024

https://www.franceforfamilies.com/property/buchenois/

France for Families Properties throughout France

For more family friendly accommodation throughout France, check out our regional pages, such as Normandy, Brittany, the Vendee, Provence and much more to find your summer accommodation.