One week before the arrival of the Olympic flame in Paris, the 51st stage took place this Sunday, July 7 between Dreux and Chartres in the North-West Center of France. 120 torchbearers took turns in 4 cities that make up the C’Chartres, a group of the cities of Dreux, Châteaudun, Bonneval and the stage city of Chartres.

First, the Olympic flame went to the Saint-Louis Royal Chapel, this first stage in Dreux was intended to highlight the city’s historical heritage. The torch then went to the “Little Venice of Beauce” in the city of Bonneval before reaching the Saint-Florentin Abbey. The second part of the 51st stage highlighted sport, after paying tribute to French heritage.

A discipline expected at the games, swimming represented by its Federation took advantage of this stage to organize a collective relay in the largest aquatic center in France: the Odyssey. Volunteers, referees and swimmers met in the venue that hosted the last French Swimming Championships, marked by the Olympic qualifications of Léon Marchand. Christophe Bordeau, specialist in the 200 m butterfly, was the captain of this relay.

Throughout the route, spectators were able to recognize the familiar face of Michel Cymes, a former intern at the Hôtel-Dieu de Chartres. Medicine had a prominent place among the relay runners since the association “Les flammes en rose” which supports cancer patients was represented by Caroline Marco-Choiseau. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The last torchbearer was disabled cyclist Marie Patouillet, who was responsible for lighting the cauldron in Chartres. The Chartres racecourse organised the end-of-relay festivities.

Tomorrow, Monday July 8, the flame will travel to Loir-et-Cher where historic sites will take over. The start will be given in Chartres, the cauldron will be lit in Blois after passing through the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and Chambord.