From Marseille to Mont-Blanc: What to know about the journey of the Olympic torch to Paris

By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Sports Writer

The Olympic torch will finally enter France. It’s due to reach the southern seaport of Marseille on Wednesday and already, it has been quite a journey. After being lit by the sun’s rays on April 16 in Ancient Olympia, it was carried around Greece before leaving Athens late last month aboard a three-mast ship named Belem, headed for Marseille. Once it leaves Marseille, a vast relay route will be undertaken before the torch’s odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris. Some notable stops include the stunning island of Mont-Saint-Michel. There’s a jaunt through France’s overseas territories and a sweep up the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc mountain pass.