Olympic Flame: France’s 13 Most Beautiful Cities to See the Flame Pass Through

Amid the excitement of the 2024 Summer Olympics, France‘s cities are getting ready to welcome the Olympic Flame. Not only will the Flame shed its light in Paris on July 14 and 15, celebrating the symbolic days of France’s national holiday, and the Château de Versailles on July 23, it will also make its way across the entire country. From Marseille to Arles, via Carcassonne, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Caen and many others. Each step promises a unique experience, combining history, culture and sport.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are accepted in Paris. However, the Olympic Games have Visa as an official partner.

So if you’re a Canadian traveller planning to visit France for the Olympic Games, Visa credit cards are the only ones accepted by the Official Store and at Paris 2024 Olympic Games venues.

To avoid paying the unpleasant 2.5% conversion fee on all foreign currency transactions, the only Visa credit card in Canada that doesn’t charge it is the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card.

And once you’re back home, use your Scene+ points to reimburse some of your travel expenses such as :

• Car rental ;
• Hotels, Airbnb and other accommodations;
• Flights, etc.

The Olympic Flame begins its journey in the sunshine of Marseilles, on what promises to be a memorable day. Vibrant with its Mediterranean charm, the city of Marseille offers an incomparable backdrop for this sporting celebration. From the majestic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica to the Palais Longchamp, every step of the way is imbued with the Olympic spirit. But it’s at the Stade de Marseille that the atmosphere becomes electric, as it’s in this emblematic stadium that the Flame’s Marseille journey ends.

Arles, a distinguished city steeped in history and art, offers an exceptional setting off the beaten track to experience the magic of the Olympic Flame. Discover the remains of antiquity at the Musée Arles Antique and in the Roman catacombs. Walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, who left his artistic mark on Arles. Explore the history of Provence at the Musée Arlaten and relive the splendour of the ancient theatre and Roman Arenas. Admire the modernity of the Tour Luma before celebrating on the banks of the Rhône as the sun sets.

In Carcassonne, a jewel appreciated by millions of visitors every year, the glow of the Olympic Flame promises to illuminate the ramparts of the medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow its enchanting route, from the majestic Canal du Midi to the mythical medieval city, via the Pont-Vieux and the picturesque streets of Bastide Saint-Louis. The festivities reach their climax near the Porte Narbonnaise, an imposing building steeped in history, where the public is invited to celebrate the values of the Games in a spellbinding atmosphere.

In Toulouse, the pink city is decked out in the playful hues of the Olympics, offering a memorable evening on Friday, May 17. The Flame will begin its journey on the Catalans and Saint-Pierre bridges, before converging on Place du Capitole, the heart of this vibrant city. Under the benevolent gaze of the Saint-Sernin basilica, a symbol of spirituality and heritage, it traces its route to the Ernest-Wallon stadium, a temple for rugby where the enthusiasm of the fans will set the night ablaze.

In Bordeaux, follow the Flame as it begins its journey over the legendary Pont de Pierre, a truly historical vantage. Then walk along the Garonne to the majestic Porte Cailhau. Cross the Place de la Bourse and discover the Grand Théâtre and Place de la Comédie. Finally, join the Place des Quinconces for unforgettable festivities.

As Caen lies in the heart of Normandy, it’s the ideal spot for a holiday on the coast of Normandy. The Olympic Flame will ignite spirits in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, then light up the Abbaye aux Dames park, a regional symbol. Follow its glimmer along the Orne, and seize the opportunity to admire the Leroy Tower and the Gothic church of Saint-Pierre. Journey across the centuries in awe of William the Conqueror’s castle and the Hôtel d’Escoville, to conclude at the Abbaye aux Hommes, a testament to Caen’s heritage.

After Normandy, off to Brittany, with a stopover at Mont Saint-Michel. The Olympic Flame will climb the steep slopes of the thousand-year-old building. It will pass through the lively streets, along the ramparts and stop in front of the famous Poulard restaurant. At the abbey cloister, it will pause for a moment before moving on to the Place du Barrage for what promises to be a memorable celebration.

Welcome to the heart of Brittany, one of France’s most picturesque regions! The Flame will begin its journey at Océanopolis, one of the world’s most spectacular aquariums, with over 1,000 species on display. It then continues near the Recouvrance bridge and the Tour Tanguy, before heading towards the Château de Brest, home to the Musée National de la Marine. The same evening, in the wake of the celebrations, the Olympic Flame will leave Brest for the French West Indies, headed toward French Polynesia.

After crossing the Atlantic, the Olympic Flame returns to the Old Continent, starting its journey in Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes. It will first illuminate the iconic Promenade des Anglais, then continue its journey to Place Masséna and the Villa Masséna. It will continue on to the verdant “coulée verte” and the Port of Nice, offering magnificent views of the Baie des Anges along the way, it will end its journey at the Quais des États-Unis for an evening full of festivities.

After Nice, it’s Avignon’s turn to welcome the Olympic Flame. Discover its dynamic Plaine des Sports with its preserved ramparts and its lively center, home to the famous Place de l’Horloge. Soak up history at the Palais des Papes and the majestic Notre-Dame-des-Doms cathedral. Finally, the mythical Pont d’Avignon awaits you, a symbolic site immortalized in the song that shares its name.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, birthplace of the Winter Olympics in 1924, once again welcomes the Olympic Flame. Soak up the atmosphere steeped in history, starting at the Montenvers station, the departure point toward the majestic Mer de Glace. Take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi, offering breathtaking panoramic views at 3,842 meters above sea level. Finally, join Place du Mont-Blanc, the vibrant heart of the city, for memorable celebrations bringing together sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers.

The European capital of Strasbourg offers a prestigious setting for celebrating Olympism. Follow the Olympic Flame from the European Parliament to the 13th-century covered bridges, discovering the city’s rich heritage. Cross the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the Alsatian Museum. Finish in style on Place Kléber, where the final ceremony and the lighting of the cauldron take place, promising memorable moments.

Le Havre, rebuilt after the Second World War and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals its charm balanced between modernity and history. Follow the Olympic Flame from the Narrow House to the iconic Town Hall, witness of its renaissance. Explore cultural treasures such as MuMa and Notre-Dame Cathedral, before heading to the Nelson Mandela esplanade for the final celebration.

From the bustling streets of Marseille to the peaceful shores of Strasbourg, via the majestic peaks of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, each stage of the Torch Relay offers a unique experience combining history, culture and sport. This captivating journey, punctuated by emblematic monuments and enchanting landscapes, illustrates the richness and diversity of France, which is a pleasure to discover.

Will you be at the Paris 2024 Olympics? Read our guides to plan your stay: