Crowds are expected in Rennes on June 1, 2024 to see the Olympic flame pass through the city. Not everyone will be able to be present on the Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade where the last torchbearer will light the cauldron at the end of the afternoon. The city organizes other places so that all Rennes residents can enjoy the day.
More than 100 years since the Olympic flame came to Rennes, the city is pulling out all the stops. “We hope that all Rennes residents will have the opportunity to participate in the event” smiles Nathalie Appéré from the living room of the Hôtel de Ville, delighted to reveal the festivities reserved for the people of Rennes for this occasion.
The path of the flame is timed. On June 1, 2024, the torchbearers will certainly arrive by kayak on the Marguerite-Yourcenar promenade at 5 p.m. From 5:15 p.m., they will set off towards the town hall for 5:45 p.m., the Robert-Poirier stadium for 6:15 p.m. before returning to the Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade for 7:20 p.m.
Find on our map the route and times for the passage of the Olympic flame in Rennes on June 1st.
Place Charles-de-Gaulle is the arrival point of the flame’s journey. The last torchbearer will light the Olympic cauldron there at 7:20 p.m.
The site will be accessible from 3:30 p.m. and all events will be free. Musical atmosphere, nautical experiments or basketball and handball between the square and the Champs Libres square.
The capacity will be limited to 13,000 people. The public present will be able to enjoy the stands, the podium with the cauldron, the musical atmosphere and the show organized at 6 p.m.
“Not everyone will be able to come to Place du Charles-de-Gaulle. So we have planned 7 other sites to thrill the people of Rennes” assures the mayor of Rennes.
“In order to satisfy all Rennes residents, we are increasing the number of events” underlines Yvon Léziart, in charge of the Olympic project for 4 years for the city.
From the beaches of Baud to the Robert-Poirier stadium or in the old center, demonstrations of BMX, freestyle football, basketball, judo, climbing or fencing will be offered.
Find on our interactive map all the activities offered for this day of June 1, 2024.
Not a day to come by car
“The city will be positively impacted” declares Nathalie Appéré before announcing the main rules on the issue of travel for June 1st. “This June 1st, avoid the car in the city center” continues his deputy Frédéric Bourcier.
On our map, you will be able to observe through the streets the areas prohibited to traffic and where parking will not be possible from May 31 in the morning until June 1 at the end of the day.
Basically, it will be impossible to cross the city center by car. Rennes residents are strongly encouraged to move parked vehicles to the areas concerned, otherwise you will have to contact the impound services to find your vehicle.
“Vehicles must leave the area. The issue is not to impound cars, vehicles that will get in the way will be moved to surrounding streets” warns the deputy mayor.
Several bus lines will be diverted during the day on the Flame Passage route.
This Saturday, June 1st remains a Saturday. The Lices market will welcome Rennes residents, as will the train station and the city’s hospitals.
The city was able to choose people from Rennes to carry the flame. Nathalie Appéré reveals some names:
- Romain Danzé (former football player at SRFC)
- Maryvonne Ermine (former night nurse at Rennes University Hospital)
- Jean-Charles Gicquel (former French high jump champion)
- Oksana Gutierrez (handisport athlete in wheelchair athletics).
