Basilica Saint-Denis © SNCF
The department of Seine-Saint-Denis, located North-East of Paris, is the last stop of the Olympic torch relay before the opening ceremony. This territory aims to be a driving force and is particularly dynamic in the fields of arts, culture, sports, and social projects.
A major historical and architectural landmark of the area is the Basilica of Saint-Denis, renowned for its Gothic architecture. It is the burial site of many French kings and queens, including Anne of Brittany – the only woman to have been queen consort of France twice, being the wife of both Charles VIII and Louis XII.
Saint-Denis will host the Olympic village and the Stade de France, the Olympic stadium. It will be the main venue for rugby and athletics competitions. The Stade de France was originally built for the 1998 FIFA World cup and has since hosted major sports games, concerts, and other large-scale events.
© FFR
Canal de l'Ourcq
The Canal de l'Ourcq is a historic waterway extending from the Ourcq River North-East of Paris, to the Bassin de la Villette.
Constructed under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte, it was conceived as part of a grand plan to enhance the infrastructure and water supply of Paris. The canal was completed in 1822, with the primary purpose to provide a steady supply of drinking water to Paris, which was facing severe shortages at the time, and to facilitate the transport of goods and materials essential for the city's fast growing industrial needs.
Spanning 108 kilometers (67 miles), the canal played a vital role in the industrial development of Paris.
It facilitated the transport of crucial heavy goods such as coal, timber, and building materials. Warehouses, factories, and docks sprang up along its banks, turning the canal into a bustling hub of activity. However, with the advent of railways and improved road networks, the importance of the canal for freight transport diminished gradually.
© Le Parisien
In recent decades, the banks of the canal have been transformed into vibrant spaces for leisure activities. The canal's towpaths are now routes for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Kayaking on the canal has become a popular recreational activity.
© Paris Secret
La Courneuve
La Courneuve will be the last stop of the day for the Olympic Flame. Historically, La Courneuve was a small agricultural village. The name derives from the Latin "Curia Nova," meaning "new estate" or "new court," reflecting its early status as a landholding. The town developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of factories and industrial plants, attracting a growing population of workers.
Today, La Courneuve is known for its cultural diversity and active community life. The town is home to Parc Georges-Valbon, one of the largest parks in the region, where the Olympic Flame will make its final stop. For centuries, the area was used for cereal fields. It wasn't until 1954 that it was turned into a public park, when the need for expansive green spaces became increasingly apparent due to the rapid urbanization. Over the decades, paths were created, followed by valleys, lakes and hills. Today, Parc Georges-Valbon is a popular destination for residents, offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities.
© Virginie Salot
It's also a place for cultural gatherings: since its opening, it's been the site of the Fête de l'Humanité, the largest French music festival. During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the park will host the largest celebration area in the region, where the events will be broadcast on a giant screen, and people can take part in and discover a wide range of sports, all free of charge.
Sport Facts
Along with the Stade de France, Seine-Saint-Denis will have other venues for the Olympics: the aquatic center in Saint-Denis, and the Le Bourget Sport Climbing center.
French tennis star Gaël Monfils, who will represent France in these olympics, grew up in La Courneuve, where he also started playing tennis.
© L'Equipe