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In keeping with its vision of “Games wide open” and the planned celebrations, Paris 2024 was pleased to work with the two Presenting Partners of the Torch Relay, Coca-Cola and Banque Populaire & Caisse d'Epargne, to create a route that would enable as many French people as possible to take part in the Relay. By transporting the Flame to six overseas territories, the Relay across the Oceans will give a new dimension to the Torch Relay and prepare French people from the four corners of the globe to welcome and celebrate the Games.

From 7 to 17 June 2024, the Olympic Flame will embark on an incredible journey, visiting six overseas territories located in three of the world's five oceans: French Guiana in the Atlantic Ocean (9 June); New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, the latest territory to join the Torch Relay adventure (11 June); Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean (12 June); French Polynesia (13 June), Guadeloupe (15 June) and Martinique (17 June) in the Atlantic Ocean.

These overseas territories, which lend to the richness and uniqueness of the country, will be illuminated by the Forerunners of the Torch Relay, who will spread the call to the Games across the oceans.
The Olympic Flame will cross the Atlantic aboard the Maxi Banque Populaire XI

Thanks to Banque Populaire, one of the Partner of the Torch Relay, the Relay across the Oceans will be represented by a major sporting event: the crossing of the Atlantic aboard the Maxi Banque Populaire XI, the famous Ultim skippered by Armel Le Cléac'h. The Olympic flame will leave Brest in a spirit of celebration and unity, with a grand parade. Armel Le Cléac'h and the first success crew will take the Olympic flame to the West Indies for an historic moment. The Ultim will arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) on 15 June before changing crews and setting sail again for Martinique on 16 June.

Alongside the Maxi Banque Populaire XI's long crossing to the West Indies, the Olympic flame, carefully preserved and transported in lanterns, will successively illuminate French Guiana, New Caledonia, Reunion Island and French Polynesia.
A first crew representing French success and know-how

The transatlantic crew will be led by Armel Le Cléac'h, a key figure in ocean racing and the fastest round-the-world yachtsman in a monohull, in partnership with Sébastien Josse, the famous French yachtsman. The other four members of the crew were selected by Banque Populaire, in agreement with Paris 2024. It brings together inspiring personalities from the worlds of sport, culture, art and gastronomy, chosen to bring emotions to the public and highlight French excellence:

Marie-José Pérec is one of the greatest legends of French sport. Originally from Guadeloupe, she is the only Frenchwoman to have been crowned three-time Olympic champion in athletics, the Games' flagship discipline. She won gold in 1992 at the Games in Barcelona in the 400 metres and double gold at the Games in Atlanta in 1996 in the 400 metres and 200 metres.
Marine Lorphelin is one of the very first ambassadors to be involved in the Torch Relay. An accomplished and active young doctor, she embodies the values of sport, which is an integral part of her daily life, and she will be promoting sport for health during the Relay.
Alexis Michalik, a prodigy of French theatre, whose current play “Edmond” has won five Molières. After playing the role of Olivier de Kersauson, the famous French sailor, in the cinema last year, Alexis Michalik is about experience it for real.
Hugo Roellinger is a French chef with two Michelin stars. Originally from Brittany and committed to sustainable gastronomy (he was awarded a green star in 2020), Hugo Roellinger is a lover of the sea, and has been sailing and dreaming of completing an Atlantic crossing ever since he was a child.


A second crew to celebrate the success of French overseas sportspeople, past, present and future

Athletes from the French overseas territories have always united the French people by arousing collective emotions that are unique to sport. The second crossing of the Banque Populaire Ultim between Guadeloupe and Martinique will be an opportunity to showcase six athletes from the French overseas territories who have helped - and will continue to help - French Olympic and Paralympic sport shine throughout the world. Armel Le Cleac'h and Sebastien Josse will be accompanied by an unprecedented crew of sportspeople from the French overseas territories, accompanied by Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 and patron of the boat:

Laura Flessel is one of the legends of French sport, being the most successful French fencer in history. The native of Pointe-à-Pitre took up fencing at her club in Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe. The epee fencer is a five-time Olympic medallist, including two gold medals at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996.
Coralie Balmy, who hails from La Trinité in Martinique, will be carrying the Olympic Flame in Sainte Marie, the town of her club Font Giromon where her career began. She won the European Championships in swimming (freestyle) four times before winning the bronze medal at the Olympic Games London 2012.
Kéni Pipérol-Dampied is a 27-year-old skipper from Paris who grew up in Guadeloupe. He won the Route du Rhum in 2022 at the helm of a unique and innovative Class 40 that he built himself using 100% eco-friendly materials, with the help of trainees from all the different trades.
Thomas Debierre has already racked up some impressive surfing results, while still only 24 years old. The Guadeloupe native was the ISA junior world champion and junior nations world champion in 2016, and French junior champion in 2018.