The Olympic Torch Relay —sponsored by Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne— experienced a string of action-packed moments in Yonne today. Stage 54 paraded the Olympic torch around the most famous historical buildings in the department and soaked up its wine-making culture. The torch went through the towns of Avallon, Vézelay, Sens and Saint-Fargeau before casting a light on the Cité des Climats in Chablis. 24 expert archers showcased their sport in Migennes. The legendary football coach Guy Roux joined the festivities in Auxerre, where Emmeline Ndongue, an Olympic medallist in basketball, ignited the celebration cauldron.
The heritage of Yonne unveils its secrets
Yonne, an enchanting department, draws nature enthusiasts and people looking for a break from routine with its verdant landscapes straight out of a postcard. The Olympic torch received a warm welcome from locals and explored their mind-blowing heritage. The department stands out for its various classified monuments, which span the ages, and its vibrant cultural scene, including a panoply of museums, festivals and exhibitions. For a day, the torch experienced the wine-making that brings pride and fame to this corner of the world.
The medieval stronghold of Avallon was the first stop of the day. Starting from Square Houdaille, an abode of peace, the Olympic torch lit up the 49-metre tall Clock Tower and Saint-Martin-du-Bourg Church. After a sporty detour to the skate park, the torch made its way to Vézelay, the top tourist destination in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. From the old abbey castle, the procession enjoyed a panoramic view of the town’s famous “eternal hill”. The torch then shone on the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a major pilgrimage site on the Way of St James and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Switching from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, the relay visited Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Sens, one of the oldest towns in France. The Olympic torch reached this historic monument in the town centre after blazing past Claude Pitou Stadium and along the banks of the Yonne river. The torch then embraced château life at the Château de Saint-Fargeau, a magnificent estate dating back to the 10th century. In the village of Saint-Fargeau, the torch visited the charming La Demoiselle Inn and the unique Museum of Sound Adventure, one of the largest museums in Europe dedicated to sound.
Another arrow in the quiver in Migennes
In Migennes, the Olympic torch was greeted by the French Archery Federation (FFTA), which hosted its inaugural team relay in front of the Cabaret l’Escale. Archery holds special significance in Yonne, where several national competitions are organised every year by La Sentinelle de Brienon, a club based in Brienon-sur-Armançon. Dedicated to promoting archery, La Sentinelle has been awarded the federation’s OR label for its outstanding facilities.
Several renowned archers have honed their skills at La Sentinelle, including the captain of the day, Bérengère Schuh, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics after becoming world champion in 2003. At her side were another 23 enthusiasts, such as her former partner Anthony Barbier, who has claimed numerous national titles, including a mixed doubles title with Schuh herself. Cyrielle Aymonin, a French para archery champion, also joined in, as did Annick Picard, the president of the Yonne Archery Committee and a federal coach, and Patrick Aguado Corrochano, a volunteer and club board member.
The Olympic torch shines a spotlight on the Chablis vineyards
Known around the world for the quality of its wines, Burgundy owes part of its reputation to Yonne. The relay highlighted the region’s fine wine-making traditions as it went through Chablis, home to the department’s most famous appellation. The Olympic torch was handed over to several of these wine-makers who keep the flame of this spirit burning generation after generation.
Églantine Borgnat, a wine-maker from near Avallon, had the honour of carrying the torch. It was a reward for her professional successes and her commitment to promoting wine tourism and vineyard careers. In Chablis, Laurent Pinson carried the torch at the foot of the Vaudésir vineyards, one of the seven Climats of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. This accolade also celebrated his passion for sport, as he has chaired the AS Chablis football club for nearly a decade. The segment came to a close at the Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne, which offers a multisensory dive into the world of wine.
Auxerre shines bright with Guy Roux and Emmeline Ndongue
Around 115 torchbearers took turns exploring Yonne, showcasing a variety of sports. The triathlete and PE teacher Olivier Gilares was honoured for his efforts in developing a women’s rugby section at his school. Judo featured prominently with Nicolas Fourmaux, a multiple-time French champion and European and world kata silver medallist. In Auxerre, the Olympic torch honoured archers once again when it was passed to Jean-Michel Cleroy, the president of the French Archery Federation.
The capital of Yonne is renowned for its strong football connections, and the torch made its way to the famous Abbé Deschamps Stadium. Accompanying the relay was none other than Guy Roux, the legendary coach of AJ Auxerre from 1961 to 2005. Roux’s tenure saw the club rise from the regional leagues to winning the French championship in 1996. He was joined in the procession by “Séan” Garnier, a former AJA academy player who has since become one of the most celebrated freestyle footballers, with multiple world titles to his name.
Continuing its journey, the torch illuminated the banks of the Yonne, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral (a historic monument) and Saint Germanus’s Abbey, which also lends its name to a museum. The final handover took place in Parc de Roscoff, where the celebration venue for the stage had been set up, with Emmeline Ndongue receiving the torch. The former basketball player is a source of pride for her city, with 196 appearances for the French national team, including a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics and a European championship. Once a court sensation, the Auxerre native made the winning shot of the day by lighting the cauldron.
In the run-up to the opening of the Olympic Games, the torch will continue its grand adventure in Côte-d’Or on 12 July. It will visit the medieval towns and discover the history of the department, with a visit to the MuséoParc Alésia, as well as getting a taste of the gastronomical and wine-making culture for which the region stands out. The Cité internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin will be the first stop of the torch’s route through Dijon, which will host the end-of-day festivities. The celebration venue will be set up in Parc de la Colombière, where the cauldron will be ignited in the late afternoon.
