Running a marathon while discovering a new city or region is an incredible experience. The rising popularity of the Paris Marathon proves this point perfectly. But what happens when France's biggest marathon sells out? Simply expand your marathon bucket list with these stunning alternative French marathon races that rival the famous Parisian event. Whether you want to chase a personal record on a fast marathon course, make history on historic grounds, or venture off the beaten path, France offers the perfect marathon for every runner. From the oldest marathon to the highest altitude marathon and the fastest marathon course - we've selected our favorite marathons in France. The marathon boom is gaining serious momentum in France. Combining a marathon race with visiting a new city or exploring unfamiliar terrain is an excellent way to experience your vacation destination differently. There's no shortage of choice and distances. From Paris to Marseille via Nice, Lyon, and Nantes, virtually every major French city hosts its own marathon. However, securing a race entry can sometimes be a competition in itself. Miss out? No worries - plenty of amazing marathon alternatives remain available.
Best Spring Marathons in France
The Most Scenic: Marseille-Aix Trail Marathon (Provence)
Two fantastic cities connected by breathtaking Provençal landscape: the new Marseille to Aix-en-Provence trail marathon (first edition in 2025) combines the best of both worlds. Starting from the old port of vibrant Marseille, this rolling marathon route winds northward over unpaved but well-maintained trails to charming Aix-en-Provence, where painter Cézanne lost his heart.
The fragrant garrigue of the Provençal countryside, yellow broom colors against blue sky, cypress trees, pine forests, and stunning views make this an outstanding marathon for both beginner and experienced trail runners. A shuttle bus returns you to the port city, though an extended stay in charming Aix-en-Provence - known as the "city of a thousand fountains" - is highly recommended.
Marathon trail - Marseille-Aix
Early March 2026
The Oldest: Lake Annecy Marathon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
The Lake Annecy Marathon (1980) ranks among France's oldest marathons alongside the Paris Marathon (1976). Surprisingly, this marathon course along the lakeshore between surrounding mountains is quite flat. With only 100 meters elevation gain, this marathon is ideal for runners who love beautiful landscapes and want to achieve a sharp finishing time.
Both start and finish are in Annecy - dubbed the Venice of the Alps and repeatedly named one of France's finest cities to live in. Bringing spectators? They can cheer you on not only from the sidelines but also from lake cruise boats.
Annecy Lake Marathon | Events AHSA
Mid-April 2026
The Toughest: Biarritz Marathon (French Basque Country)
While Rotterdam calls itself "the most beautiful," the Biarritz Marathon proudly claims to be "the toughest" road marathon. With 480 meters of elevation gain, this marathon certainly isn't the easiest! The marathon route resembles a postcard, combining urban scenes with nearby coastal resorts (Arcangues, Bassussarry, Arbonne, Bidart) and a 6km coastal grand finale.
Starting at Stade Aguilèra, you'll pass Biarritz's old fishing harbor, the 73-meter lighthouse, stately villas, and the casino. You'll also run along famous Basque coast beaches and popular surf spots that attract surfers worldwide - though on this day, they're overwhelmed by a wave of marathon runners.
Early May 2026
The Most Liberating: Marathon de la Liberté in Caen (Normandy)
Follow in the footsteps of D-Day heroes and run across the beaches where Allied forces landed, passing historic locations where the Battle of Normandy took place. Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Ouistreham casino, Pegasus Bridge - the freedom feeling many marathon runners already experience becomes even more powerful here.
A shuttle bus takes you to the start in Courseulles-sur-Mer, where you'll run the first half with the sea at your side. The marathon finish is in Caen, which celebrates its thousandth anniversary in 2025 with an extensive activity program.
Home - D-Day Landings Marathon
June 12-15, 2025
The Highest (and Newest!): Vercors Marathon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
A road marathon in the heart of nature. For those who can't choose between asphalt racing or trail running, the Vercors Marathon offers a fantastic middle ground. This marathon in Villard-de-Lans, on the northern side of Vercors Regional Nature Park, is Europe's first road marathon at 1000 meters altitude.
Away from heat and urban pollution, this is the domain of spruces, beeches, grouse, and ibex. The marathon route begins and ends in Villard-de-Lans, winding through Lans-en-Vercors and Autrans. Winter brings skiing, but during marathon season, roads are completely snow-free. The highlight is climbing Col de la Croix Perrin (1218m) between Lens-en-Vercors and Autrans. With 550 meters elevation gain, this marathon could become a formidable competitor to the Biarritz Marathon for toughness.
June 27-29, 2025
Best Fall Marathons in France
The Slowest: Médoc Châteaux Marathon (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
If you're not chasing a fast time but want a unique marathon experience with amazing atmosphere, this wine marathon in Médoc near Bordeaux is perfect. Many marathon runners start in costume. The Médoc Marathon course runs through the most prestigious Gironde vineyards (Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Médoc, Mouton-Rotschild) and past 50 wine estates.
With over 20 locations along the marathon route where you can catch your breath and taste top wines from regional producers, "aid station" takes on entirely new meaning. You'll understand why this is called the world's slowest marathon. Don't be surprised to find oysters, entrecôte, grapes, French cheeses, and ice cream at aid stations alongside bananas. Running, drinking, eating, music - the Médoc Marathon is a complete runner's festival attracting 10,000 participants annually.
September 6, 2025
The Most Breton: Vannes Marathon at Gulf of Morbihan (Brittany)
The Vannes Marathon is renowned for its beautiful marathon course through both Vannes' historic city center and the many broad coastal paths of Gulf of Morbihan. Once you've left the old ramparts and colorful half-timbered houses behind, the stunning southern Brittany bay with bobbing sailboats unfolds, and you'll run through nearby pristine nature with ponds and salt marshes.
This marathon event's long-standing success is evident - 2025 marks the 25th edition. If you have time, extend your stay. Vannes is one of the stops on the customs path (GR34) along the Breton coast, ideal for recovery walks or short recovery runs afterward.
September 27-28, 2025
The Fastest: Seine-Eure Marathon (Normandy)
The Seine-Eure Marathon is recognized as one of France's fastest marathon courses. Want to set a personal record? This is the place to sharpen your marathon time. In 2024, over 12% of marathon participants finished under three hours. The secret? A varied marathon course through charming rural communities and beautiful countryside over well-maintained roads, bike paths, and towpaths. But most importantly, a negative elevation change of 14 meters! Starting point is Amfreville-sur-Iton. The route then runs parallel to the River Eure, along the Seine and around several lakes and ponds, passing through some 12 towns where the crowds await you again. So plenty of water fun, which is why the organisers even “warn” runners about crossing ducks. The finish is in Val de Reuil, where you finally get to stop your watch and see if you managed that record.
October 19, 2025
The Most Car-Free: Ardèche Marathon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Even before La Dolce Via was named cycle route of the year, many cyclists, walkers, and marathon runners had discovered this quiet bike path in northern Ardèche. During the Ardèche Marathon, runners get traffic priority for once, as the marathon course runs largely over this car-free bike path on a former railway line through the Eyrieux valley.
Old railway structures, tunnels, green slopes, and the inviting river naturally pull you forward - though that might also be the false flat downhill, with overall elevation change of -360m. Perfect for marathon lovers seeking small-scale races away from crowds in stunning surroundings.
October 26, 2025
The Longest: La Veni Vici, from Nîmes to Pont du Gard (Occitania)
Veni Vici: I came and I conquered. A perfect motto for this 48km "marathon distance" beautiful trail run from Roman city Nîmes to Pont du Gard, the famous aqueduct near Remoulins village. While longer than traditional marathon distance, it's too beautiful not to mention (shorter 16km and 27km options available).
The Veni Vici takes place annually in early November, so you won't face scorching summer sun. The start in Nîmes' historic arena already gives goosebumps. You'll climb immediately upward via Maison Carrée and Jardins de la Fontaine to Tour Magne overlooking the city. Then it's up and down hills past Lédenon castle and through underground Sernac tunnels (dug by Romans for water supply) to the foot of Pont du Gard.
November 8, 2025
Tips and recommendations
Whether you're seeking your first marathon experience or your next personal record, France's diverse marathon calendar offers something for every runner. From coastal marathon routes to mountain marathon challenges, wine country marathon festivals to historic marathon courses. discover why French marathons provide unforgettable running experiences beyond the famous Paris Marathon.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
