From 7 to 17 June 2024, the Olympic Flame will visit six overseas territories 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 adventure (11 June); Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean (12 June); and French Polynesia (13 June), Guadeloupe (15 June) and Martinique (17 June) in the Atlantic Ocean. 

These overseas territories will be illuminated by the Forerunners of the Torch Relay, who will spread the call to the Games across the oceans. Thanks to Banque Populaire, one of the partners, the Oceans Relay will be represented by a major event: the crossing of the Atlantic aboard the Maxi Banque Populaire XI, the famous Ultim skippered by Armel Le Cléac'h. 

On its way to the third Olympic Games in France, the Flame will leave Brest in a spirit of celebration and unity, with a grand parade. Armel Le Cléac'h and the first successful crew will take the Olympic flame to the West Indies. The Ultim will arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) on 15 June before changing crew and leaving for Martinique on 16 June. 

During the Maxi Banque Populaire XI's long voyage to the West Indies, the Olympic flame, carefully preserved and transported in lanterns, will successively light up French Guiana, New Caledonia, Reunion Island and French Polynesia. 

The crew will be led by Armel Le Cléac'h, a key figure in ocean racing and the fastest sailor to circumnavigate the globe in a monohull, in partnership with Sébastien Josse. 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 stir the emotions of the public and highlight French excellence: 

-Marine Lorphelin was one of the very first ambassadors to take part 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 will promote sport for health during the relay. 

-Marie-José Pérec is one of the greatest legends of French sport. Born in Guadeloupe, she is the only French woman to have won three Olympic gold medals in athletics. She won gold in the 400m at the Barcelona Games in 1992 and double gold in the 400m and 200m at the Atlanta Games in 1996. 

-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), he loves the sea and has been sailing since childhood, dreaming of crossing the Atlantic. 

-Alexis Michalik, a prodigy of the 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, he is now about to experience it in real life.

Athletes from the French Overseas Departments have always united the French people by arousing collective emotions. The second crossing of the Banque Populaire Ultim between Guadeloupe and Martinique will be an opportunity to showcase those who have helped and will continue to help, French Olympic and Paralympic sport to shine. 

-Laura Flessel is the most successful French fencer in history. Born in of Pointe-à-Pitre, she started fencing at her club in Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe. An épée fencer, she is a five-time Olympic medallist, including two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. 

-Coralie Balmy, from La Trinité in Martinique, will carry the Flame in Sainte Marie, where her career began at the Font Giromon club. She won the European Championships in swimming (freestyle) four times before winning the olympic bronze medal at London 2012.

-Kéni Pipérol-Dampied is a 27-year-old Parisian skipper who grew up in Guadeloupe. He won the 2022 Route du Rhum 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 trades.

-At the age of 24, Thomas Debierre has already amassed some impressive surfing results. Born in Guadeloupe, he was the 2016 ISA Junior World Champion, the 2016 Junior Nationals World Champion and the 2018 French Junior Champion. 

Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, said: "The Oceans Relay will be an exceptional chapter in the Paris 2024 Torch Relay. It is both an unprecedented sporting adventure, led by Armel Le Cleac'h and his two legendary crews on the Maxi Banque Populaire XI, and a wonderful opportunity to highlight the diversity of the landscapes of the six Overseas Territories. 

"The Oceans Relay Forerunners will bring the magic of the flame to the French people on the other side of the world.  We would like to thank Banque Populaire for allowing us to offer these emotional moments. We would also like to thank the athletes and celebrities who will make this adventure even more symbolic. I look forward to seeing you in Brest on 7 June for the big departure," he added. 

Pierre-Laurent Berne, Director of Development Banque Populaire at Groupe BPCE, stressed: "As a bank committed to sailing for almost 35 years, we are very proud to bring the Paris 2024 Olympic Flame to the Caribbean region on our boat. It will be an opportunity for Banque Populaire to celebrate all the successes that make our territories so influential."