At the time we publish our article (June 13), the Olympic flame is in French Polynesia, in Papeete, then will join Baie-Mahault in Guadeloupe (June 15), Fort-de-France in Martinique (on June 17), return to mainland Nice (June 18) and finally to Vaucluse with a departure from Rustrel on June 19.
It’s because she’s on the move, the Olympic flame. Last April 16, remember, it was lit in Olympia by an elegant young woman dressed as in the time of Leonidas of Rhodes. It was very chic! Then, after crossing half the Mediterranean by sailing boat, as in the time of Ulysses of a thousand tricks, she arrived in Marseille on May 8. As in the time of Protis and his Phocaeans!
We have known for a while now that this journey, which will end on July 26 with the opening of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will also pass through Vaucluse on June 19. Dominique Santoni, the president of the Departmental Council, and the mayors or their representatives of the seven municipalities crossed took charge of reminding us of this on May 23, giving for the occasion some details by sector on the progress of this marathon which should remain in memories.
In summary, from 8:30 a.m., this convoy departing from Rustrel will rest around 7:20 p.m., in Avignon. Some 100 flame bearers will take turns. The flame will pass through five city centers (Apt, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Orange, Sorgues and Avignon). It will pass by several remarkable sites (including the Provençal Colorado in Rustrel or the summit of Mont Ventoux) and will end its course with a giant party at the foot of the Saint-Bénézet bridge, punctuated by the lighting of the Olympic cauldron (7:20 p.m.) before the Bob Sinclar electro concert planned to accommodate 10,000 spectators.
Little useful tips from the editorial staff
On June 19, the Olympic flame will pass through four Vaucluse towns and three remarkable sites. (© Vaucluse Department)
We are not going to detail here, hour by hour, the program of the day. It is too dense and the websites of the local authorities and tourist offices concerned do this wonderfully.
On the other hand, some little advice provided by us can be very useful. To do this, we start with “bad” news.
Those who hoped to see the flame arrive in the heart of Provençal Colorado, in Rustrel, will undoubtedly be disappointed, but this portion of the relay will be closed to the public. The site is in fact too fragile in view of the fire risk. Spectators will therefore have to be content with the images which will be broadcast on the France.tv Paris 2024 digital channel.
If you want a bit of atmosphere, and not too far from Les Ocres, you can always go to the Rustrel village hall where the relay will be broadcast live on this channel. This will leave time to climb Ventoux for those who are tempted by the adventure. Because that day, it will take quite a bit of time.
Access to the summit will only be allowed on foot or by bike. The strong people who succeed in this performance must therefore know that the relay will take place precisely between 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., from the Tom Simpson stele to the summit of Ventoux. Here, of course, it will be done by cyclo and will be led by the Vaucluse Olympic champion Anne-Caroline Chausson. It would be stupid to miss the meeting. Especially after such an effort.
Speaking of cycling, we would also advise you, if you can, to go to Sorgues by cyclo or in any case to avoid the car. One of the highlights of the crossing of the city will in fact be the departure of the relay, at 5:05 p.m., from the Himalayan footbridge which crosses the Ouvèze. And frankly, it promises sporty parking.
Free public transport and park and ride
But the advice that must be followed with the most rigor this June 19 will be, whatever the site(s) you wish to go to, not to contribute to overloading traffic which will be from very difficult to impossible depending on places.
Of course, at peak saturation, there could be Avignon. Normal, the alleys of the Oulle and the left bank of the Rhône to the right of the city center will be completely occupied by the flame route activities. So much so that the municipality and Grand Avignon decided to anticipate this operation: the first by closing automobile traffic in the entire sector (including the Daladier bridge, part of the day), the second by deciding on free transport public that day.
It is therefore strongly recommended that people who have to go to Avignon by car on this date use one of the park and ride facilities installed at the entrances to the city and take a bus there which makes the connection. Parking lots and buses will obviously be completely free for the occasion.
Frankly, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. Be aware in any case that, between the entertainment (there will be some everywhere along the passage of the flame and throughout the department), the celebration site on the Esplanade des Lavandes and the final concert by star DJ Bob Sinclar near the bridge from Avignon, there will be plenty to do.
And then, it is well known, the main thing is to participate.
