The area's natural and cultural heritage were illuminated by the Torch as it made its way to Orléans, where volleyball took centre stage with a Team Relay in the Place du Martroi. The city was lit up to the rhythm of dancer Lou Orblin's steps in the performance 'Cultural Olympics'. Mona Francis, the 2022 European Para-triathlon champion, had the honour of lighting the cauldron to end the day on a high note. 

The Loiret is a land of contrasts where history, tradition and a generous natural environment come together in perfect harmony. The route crossed the agricultural plains of the Beauce, known as the 'granary of France'. The Torch also visited the wild nature reserves of the Sologne and discovered several picturesque villages of undeniable charm, such as those in the ancient province of Gatinais. 

The luxury experienced in the Loir-et-Cher, with its castles and stately homes, continued at the start of the day. The 53rd stage began in the heart of the wooded gardens of the Château de Malesherbes. The route through Le Malesherbois led along the Avenue Lévis Mirepoix to the sports hall named after Alain Mimoun, winner of the marathon at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. 

The next stop was Sully-sur-Loire and its castle, the eastern gateway to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Torch moved on to Montargis, known as the 'Venice of the Gatinais' for its canals and bridges. The Torchbearers were able to appreciate this as they headed form the Stade Champfleuri stadium to the Pont Saint-Roch bridge along the Route des Sept Frères.

In Neuville-aux-Bois, the convoy breathed in the fresh air of the Beauce agricultural plains before setting off from the Place du Général Leclerc to the home of Neuville Sports Football. The afternoon got off to a flying start with the arrival of three parachutists at the start in Gien. The Torch took in the sights of the Gien pottery works, which was founded in 1821 and became one of the most important in Europe.

The Torch took in the sights of the Gien pottery works, which was founded in 1821 and became one of the most important in Europe. It then discovered the Château de Gien and crossed the Loire to the Place du Maréchal Foch. In Meung-sur-Loire, the Torchbearers passed through the Place du Maupas and visited the castle before continuing on to the Parc du Quai Jeanne d'Arc, from where they set off for Orléans. 

The journey through Orléans began in the Parc Léon Chenault, before lighting up the emblematic Pont George V, the quays along the Loire and the Orléans Theatre. The cortege ended at the Place du Martroi, famous for the statue of Joan of Arc, but also for the sporting events organised there every year by the French Volleyball Federation (FFV). 

The FFV organised its second Team Olympic Torch Relay, captained by Karine Salinas, a former French international who played 164 matches for the Bleus and won a bronze medal at the 2001 Mediterranean Games. In Orléans, she led a delegation of 24 champions, club members, referees and volunteers from the discipline before the final ceremony. 

A vibrant and rhythmic welcome awaited the Torch on Boulevard Alexandre Martin, where Lou Orblin celebrated the 53rd stage with a unique performance. This innovative dancer has an exceptional background, having trained in both ballet and breakdancing. It is an original mixture that allows her to push back the boundaries of her art and offer performances that are as daring as they are captivating. 

The dancer's skills won over audiences. Part of the Cultural Olympiad project led by the National Centre of Choreography in Orléans is directed by Maud Le Pladec, who will be responsible for the dances at the opening and closing ceremonies of Paris 2024. His aim is to bring together young people, different generations and the diversity of the population through the use of the body and its movements.

Nearly 140 Torchbearers carried the Olympic Torch. Regional champions rubbed shoulders with members of the public who had inspiring stories to tell, such as local judoka  Laurent Jeuffroy, a three-time kata world champion and seven-time European champion who is actively involved in developing the sport as a coach. He was followed by 14-year-old Fiona Tuvee, already an award-winning young reporter.

In Sully sur Loire, the Torch was passed to Stéphane Goudou. Born in the Loiret, the wheelchair tennis champion has won many titles. He was part of the French wheelchair tennis team at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he won several medals. Handball player Yoann Perrin, who played for the Septors du Saran Loiret handball club for 20 years, was part of the procession in Gien. 

In Orléans, one Torchbearer received a particularly warm welcome: 100-year-old Maurice Chatelet, who has dedicated much of his life to and voluntary work, as either a sports teacher, chairman of the regional Olympic and Sports Committee, treasurer of the French Gymnastics Federation and founder of the first handball club in Orléans. 

At the end of the day, the Olympic Torch was handed over to Mona Francis to light the ceremonial cauldron. Mona, the 2022 European Para-Triathlon champion, has been part of the Olympic Torch Relay since its inception. She is one of its captains alongside Laure and Florent Manaudou and Dimitri Pavadé.