It's not every day that the Olympic flame crosses the Yvelines! On Tuesday July 23, the 78 region was alive with the Olympic Flame as it crossed the département from Rambouillet to Versailles. No fewer than 175 torchbearers took it in turns to make the day a memorable one. The meticulously planned itinerary highlighted the rich cultural and sporting diversity of the Yvelines region.
The day began at the Château de Rambouillet, a historic residence frequented by princes, kings and presidents. The Olympic Flame then made its way to the Centre National du Football in Clairefontaine, where Didier Deschamps, accompanied by 23 French soccer enthusiasts, took part in a collective relay. This stage paid tribute to this emblematic place, nicknamed the "temple" of French soccer.
After Clairefontaine, the Flamme continued on to Les Mureaux, with notable stops at the Meulan-Les Mureaux intercommunal hospital and the Bécheville swimming pool. The Flamme also visited Mantes-la-Ville, before stopping off at the Golf National de Guyancourt. Here, golfer Patricia Meunier-Lebouc led a collective relay, bringing together such emblematic figures of French golf as Gwladys Nocera and Thomas Levet.
In the early afternoon, the Olympic Flame headed for Poissy, starting its journey from Le Corbusier's masterpiece, the Villa Savoye. The Flame passed through several historic and cultural sites, including the Maison de Fer, the Musée du Jouet and the Collégiale Notre-Dame, before heading for Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse and the Fondation Coubertin.
The next stage took the Flame to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, famous for its château, now a national archaeology museum.
The day ended with an exceptional stroll through the Château de Versailles, where we were staying. It's hard to miss out on this jewel and historic estate. Patrick Bruel, singer, actor and poker player, was on hand to carry the torch.
House of Dragons actorSteve Toussaint was also on hand with footballer Presnel Kimpembe, PSG player and 2018 World Champion.
Dancer Mathieu Forget gave us a little dance, flame in hand, before handing it over to Bartabas' riders, who then strolled through the courtyard of honor.
Actress, producer and activist Salma Hayek Pinault delighted the crowd with a warm welcome and open arms.
After a short tour of the town of Versailles, the torch's journey ended with Caroline Garcia, the tenniswoman who has won 11 WTA singles titles and two French Open doubles titles, lighting the cauldron on Madame Elisabeth's estate.
The day was also marked by the participation of many Flame bearers with inspiring backgrounds, such as Charlotte Balicourt, president of an artistic swimming club, Frédérique Martz, founder of the Women Safe & Children Institute, and Astrid Duberos, active in charity events. All embodied the values of the Olympic Flame and contributed to the spirit of celebration and sharing.
Tomorrow, the Flame will continue its journey across the Ile-de-France region, reaching the Hauts-de-Seine, to thrill Altoséquanais and spectators from all horizons, passing through Sceaux, Clamart, Rueil-Malmaison and finally Nanterre, where the celebration site will be held.
Dates and Opening Time
On July 23, 2024
Location
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
saint quentin en yvelines
78180 Montigny le Bretonneux
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
