Sites evoking historical memories, surrounded by greenery, set the scene for another relay through the heart of France. Some of these moments have made Verdun the capital of peace and reconciliation. These are two fundamental principles of Olympism.

The Olympic torch ventured into the heart of metropolitan France to showcase the natural beauty and heritage of these regions. The Meuse department showcased its evergreen landscapes and historic sites. It is 37% wooded. It also boasts the vast Lac de Madine, which covers 1,100 hectares. The Meuse offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from walkers and runners to cyclists. It's not uncommon to see many editions of the Tour de France, which kicked off this very Saturday, the 30th of June, pass through here.

The visit of the Olympic torch to Verdun was a natural choice. It was here that the foundations of European history were laid with the Treaty of Verdun in 843. But it was also the scene of the First World War. Its battlefields and underground citadel are a reminder of that war. Peace and war. The town is looking to the future, as evidenced by its status as a "Terre de Jeux". Verdun aims to promote sport through community projects. These bring people together and bridge differences.

Before arriving in Verdun in the late afternoon, the Olympic torch passed through some unique places. These included the tranquillity of Gondrecourt-le-Château, a favourite spot for athletes, and the Lorraine Horse Museum. The torch didn't forget to light up the Château de Commercy. This is where the Renaissance heritage of Bar-le-Duc is on display. The Olympic torch travelled along the shores of Lac de Madine, illuminating a nearby beach and the picturesque port of Nonsard.

Verdun was the focus of the journey for most of the day. It evokes peace, but also the memory of a historic warning. Montmédy cast its light on the 16th century citadel. It shines on the memorial to the 300,000 men who died on this battlefield. The underground citadel, built by Vauban, was reinforced during the First World War. There is also the Monument to Victory and the Soldiers, a 30-metre-high landmark overlooking the city.

In the leisure area, the relay passed through Pré-L'évêque, the banks of the Meuse and the Parc de Londres sports complex. This is where the festivities were held. As the lighting of the cauldron approached, the spotlight fell on the Meuse, with a unique rowing relay. 

Rowing has been an Olympic sport since 1900. France is a powerhouse in the sport, with 35 Olympic and 5 Paralympic medals. Benjamin Rondeau, a former international rower who won bronze in Beijing in 2008 and now works as a musician and educator, captained the team relay.

The 24 torchbearers passed by major landmarks such as Place de la Libération and the Victory Monument. They included Pierre Houin, Olympic champion in Rio 2016 and three-time world champion, Frédéric Kowal, bronze medallist in Atlanta 1996, Jean-Raymond Peltier, head of the French national rowing teams, and Marion Julien, president of the club founded by her father four decades ago.

Before and after the rowing team, 100 torchbearers carried the torch, many of whom had a story to tell and a message to teach. The first torchbearer of the day was Julie Bogaert. She is dedicated to introducing young people and people with disabilities to horse riding. There were also former stars such as Sébastien Serriere, a Para cyclist who has taken part in the Games twice, and Abdelkader Kenane, a runner who has competed all over the world, from the Great Wall of China to Moscow.

They were joined by current athletes who are role models in many ways: Manon Roels, a two-time French para-badminton champion, Sébastien Roche, who at almost 50 is competing in the world kayaking championships, and Nina Rinaldi, a para-swimmer from the local Verdun club.

It wasn't just their sporting history that made them worthy of carrying the Olympic torch, but also their human achievements. Joëlle Huguin, for example, has dedicated her life to improving living conditions in Madagascar. Through her charity, Mamonjy-Madagascar, she has helped to build schools, wells and water systems in the country.

Others work every day to promote sport for all, such as Jacqueline Bauchot, who founded a handball club in Kœnigsmacker, and Florian Varoteau, co-founder of Alfonsport, which promotes new sports practices.

The final torchbearer of the day, Amandine Buchard, is a three-time world judo champion and Tokyo Games medallist. At the end of the day, she had the honour of lighting the cauldron. Tomorrow the spotlight will be on Marne, the home of champagne!