A day of celebration, May 12, for the passing of the Olympic flame in Arles

La flamme olympique a été allumée à Olympie le 16 avril. MAXPPP – GEORGE VITSARAS

It will cover 6.7 kilometers through the city center, carried by around fifty torchbearers. Flight of the Patrouille de France, workshops, parades and activities are scheduled throughout this Sunday, May 12.

After arriving aboard the three-masted Belem on May 8 in Marseille, the Olympic flame begins its journey through France, crossing Toulon on May 10, Manosque on May 11 and nbsp;May and Arles on May 12. Unique opportunity for the Gardois to discover it since it will not stop in the department."In our city marked by antiquity, which our monuments bear witness to, the Bouches-du-Rhône department wanted this flame to pause, for a moment of happiness, emphasizes Patrick de Carolis, mayor of Arles. We are particularly proud of it."

The journey

Protected by the police and supervised by 67 volunteers, the flame will travel 6.7 kilometers, launching from the square of the Arles Antique Museum at 6 p.m. ;20 to arrive at the celebration site at the Quai from May 8 to 7:20 p.m., where the Olympic cauldron will be lit. It will be carried, through the streets of the city center, by around fifty torchbearers, including Laurent Tillie, coach of the French volleyball team crowned Olympic champions in Tokyo in 2020.

The festivities

The festivities will start the day before the passage with, Saturday May 11 at 9:15 p.m., a fire and fireworks show, Blanc, by the company Joyeuse Gravité, in the amphitheater (free entry).

The municipal services have also imagined numerous workshops and activities on 12 sites: Arles Antique Museum, Hortus Garden, Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade, Place des Pescaïres, Summer Garden, amphitheater, ancient theater, boulevard Emile-Combes, Luma, Museon Arlaten, Place de la République, Quai du 8 mai.

Sunday May 12, the flight of the Patrouille de France above the city, at noon, will open this day placed under the sign of Olympism. At 2:45 p.m., a giant flash mob will celebrate the dance of the Paris Games on Boulevard des Lices. From 3 p.m., on the 12 sites, there will be historical reenactments, rowing on the Rhône, boxing sessions, judo, athletics, basketball… From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., take part in the Olympic Parade, strolling through the city center. At 4 p.m., opening of the celebration site by footballer Djibril Cissé. At 8:30 p.m., DJ Kavinsky will set down his turntables at Place de la République to close this exceptional day.

More info on arles.fr/publications/arles-info-hors-serie-mai-2024/