Monaco Gears Up for a Historic Arrival

Excitement fills the Principality’s streets! Monaco is gearing up to witness a historic moment, as on June 18th the Olympic torch will illuminate its corners for the second time ever. Amidst its journey through the Maritime Alps Region, the Olympic flame will make its grand entrance at 2:15pm in Port Hercules, carried by Charles Leclerc, the proud Monegasque Formula 1 driver who will have the honor of being the first to kickstart the torch’s journey within the Principality. After him, five other yet-to-be-confirmed individuals will take over the relay until culminating the march at the iconic Palace Square. An unmissable rendezvous for sports and history enthusiasts!

The Olympic flame, symbol of the Games, commemorates the myth of Prometheus who stole fire from the gods to bestow upon humanity. Its origins date back to Ancient Greece, where it burned perpetually at the venues of the ancient Olympics. Reintroduced at the Amsterdam 1928 Games, it has since been a fundamental part of this competition.

On this occasion, the flame was lit on April 16th in a ceremony at the Olympia sanctuary, birthplace of the ancient games. From there, it traveled over 3,100 miles across Greece in an exhilarating relay until its handover in Athens on April 26th to the Parisian organizers. The first torchbearer, Greek gold medalist rower Stefanos Douskos, ran towards a nearby monument housing the heart of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, driving force behind the modern Olympic revival. French triple Olympic medalist swimmer Laure Manaudou then continued, passing the relay to Greek EU official Margaritis Schinas. The flame then journeyed on the French sailing ship Belem, built in 1896, from Piraeus to Marseille, gateway to France on May 8th. From this port founded by Greeks 2,600 years ago, it embarks on a long route across the French nation and its overseas territories, culminating in the Opening Ceremony of the Games in Paris on July 26th.

Don’t miss out the excitement of this historic event! Monaco awaits you to witness the Olympic magic.