By Lucas Rapi
Published on
10 May 24 at 4:32 p.m.
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It is on Friday May 31, 2024 that the Olympic flame passes through the department. In the morning in Cherbourg, it goes down the entire Channel to finish its journey at Mont-Saint-Michel.
For the occasion, the organizers expect a large attendance of “between 40,000 and 50,000 people”.
Concerning the passage of the flame, the convoy is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m. The first torchbearer sets off at 6:20 p.m. and arrives at the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel at 6:45 p.m. Then, he goes to the top of the abbey. The flame then descends to the foot of the Mount at 7:15 p.m. for the cycling relay which is responsible for lighting the cauldron at 7:30 p.m.
Symbolic bearers
Among the torch bearers are some well-known names such as the cyclist Guillaume Martin, the speaker Daniel Mangeas and the sports shooter Éric Delaunay. There are also personalities anchored behind the scenes of local sport such as Christine Alix or Tanguy David.
Finally, people linked to Mont-Saint-Michel like Romain Desguée, responsible for the dam, have the honor of carrying the flame.
Sports activities
The flame convoy is expected from 6 p.m. but the festivities begin well before that. Sports activities are offered all day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Everything is divided into five centers with martial arts, racket sports, team sports and archery, water activities and finally a multi-sports venue. In all, no less than 25 sports clubs from Avranches, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Sartilly and Pontorson supervise these activities.
Many shows
But the demonstration and discovery of Olympic and Paralympic sports are not the only activities. “The Olympic Games are a state of mind, not just sporting events,” remind the organizers. So for this, a whole part of the day revolves around cultural activities which will take visitors until the end of the night. In fact, the program ends with a DJ Set from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the foot of Mont.
Before that, major shows are held. This is the case of the one offered by Envol, which combines high-level athletes, circus artists and musicians. The Precey and Pontorson schools also offer a show. In total there are twelve events spread over the entire day for performances lasting between 20 and 45 minutes. Note that eight of these shows are played two or three times a day. Enough to be sure not to miss out.
On the abbey side it opens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. before being closed due to the passing of the flame. It is accessible again from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with a last entry which can be done at 10:30 p.m. During this time, it has the particularity of being accessible free of charge. As for the village, access is prohibited between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Some recommendations
To make the most of the day, the organizers have shared some tips. To see the flame, you should come as early as possible. “Ideally, you should settle on a point from 5:30 p.m.,” confirms Thomas Velter, general director of the Mont-Saint-Michel public establishment. The ideal viewpoint is the dam. On the other hand, seeing the passage of the flame should not be very optimal from the village.
In terms of waste, there are not containers everywhere so the site managers call for eco-citizenship. “It’s better if visitors can leave with their waste,” they confide.
Regarding meals, restaurants in the village and at the barracks are open. Picnics are also possible on the dam.
Coming in sports clothing is strongly recommended. Even if there is no obligation to participate in sporting events, you must take into account that the shuttle service is suspended during the day. “It could be put back at the end of the day but only if the crowds are no longer excessive,” specifies Thomas Velter.
The event promises to be major with this passing of the flame and the places are ready to receive everyone. “Welcoming the public is the DNA of Mont-Saint-Michel,” recalls Jacques Bono, the mayor. However, if tourists come from the four corners of the world, this time the entertainment mainly concerns the locals. “The event is primarily intended for the Manchois. This should allow them to reclaim Mont-Saint-Michel,”
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