Institut Pasteur staff gather to see the Olympic torch in rue Vaugirard on Monday July 15

After crossing the Aube département, the Olympic flame arrived in Paris on July 14, French National Day, and stayed in the French capital for two days. It was carried through the central districts of Paris before heading to the outer districts, and arrived at rue Vaugirard on Monday July 15, passing in front of the Institut Pasteur in a flurry of festivities and music.

The Vaugirard access was exceptionally opened for the occasion, and huge numbers of Institut Pasteur staff were able to witness this unique moment. It was an opportunity for the city of Paris to get a foretaste of the Olympic atmosphere, with the Games set to open next week. Institut Pasteur staff greeted the torch with beaming smiles as they lined the street and gathered at windows and on balconies to watch the unique event.

A look back in pictures:

Photos : François Gardy/Institut Pasteur

Watch the video