The nicest marathons in France

If your aim isn’t to break a record but to enjoy a unique experience amongst the vineyards, in an unforgettable atmosphere, this wine marathon in the Médoc, near Bordeaux, is just the thing for you.

A lively, costumed parade (most participants wear fancy dress) through the prestigious vineyards of the Gironde (Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Médoc, Mouton Rothschild) and around fifty renowned châteaux.

Along the way, over 20 refreshment stops give you a chance to catch your breath whilst sampling the region’s finest wines. The term ‘refreshments’ takes on a whole new meaning… Don’t be surprised to find, alongside bananas, oysters, steak, grapes, cheese or even ice cream… Running, drinking, eating, listening to music: the Médoc Marathon is a unique running festival, attracting nearly 10,000 participants every year.  All you need to do now is find a champion’s outfit.

Médoc Châteaux Marathon

From the walled city of Vannes to the coastal paths of the Gulf of Morbihan – ranked among the world’s most beautiful bays – the Vannes Marathon has been offering runners a magnificent route for the past 25 years, allowing them to (re)discover southern Brittany.

After the half-timbered houses and ramparts of the old town, it’s time to head to the bay, with its sailing boats, calm waters and unspoilt nature, including marshes and lagoons. If you have a little time, extend your stay by exploring, at your own pace, the Customs Officers’ Path (GR34), which passes through Vannes. Whether you’re out for a stroll or a light jog, the setting is ideal for recovering after the race… or preparing for the next one!

Vannes Marathon

Renowned as one of the fastest marathons in France, the Seine-Eure Marathon, south of Rouen, could well help you beat your personal best. In the 2024 race, over 12% of participants crossed the finish line in under 3 hours! The secret? Well-maintained roads, cycle paths and towpaths, winding through charming Normandy villages and beautiful countryside, with a total elevation drop of 14 metres. The route: starting in Amfreville-sur-Iton, passing along the Eure, the Seine and several lakes, finishing in Val-de-Reuil. Watch out for ducks crossing the route!

Seine-Eure Marathon

Long before it was named “Europe’s best cycle route” in 2020, the Dolce Via a 90-kilometre cycle route in the Ardèche linked to the ViaRhona was already well known to cyclists, hikers… and runners. Tunnels and aqueducts, disused railway lines, old silk weaving mills, a sparkling river, lush greenery and a gentle downhill gradient (-360 metres)... Every autumn, the Ardèche Marathon winds its way through the magnificent Eyrieux Valley, with its rich industrial heritage, following a former railway line converted into a cycle route reserved for soft mobility (and runners exclusively on marathon day). An exceptional setting for this intimate race, far from the crowds and the noise of traffic.

Ardèche Marathon

Veni Vici: I came, I conquered. A motto that fits this 48-km race (slightly longer than a marathon) between Nîmes and the majestic Pont du Gard perfectly. The race starts at the ancient amphitheatre in Nîmes, a site steeped in history. Runners then climb towards the Maison Carrée and the Jardins de la Fontaine, before reaching the Tour Magne and its breathtaking view of the city. Next, they head towards Lédenon Castle before passing through the underground tunnels of Sernhac, dug by the Romans to carry water. The race finishes at the foot of the Pont du Gard aqueduct, an ancient masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other distances are available (16 km and 27 km) to encourage runners of all  levels to take part. A great opportunity to enjoy the mild late-summer weather without suffering from the summer heat.

La Veni Vici Marathon

Fragrant garrigue, golden broom against a blue sky, cypress trees, pine forests and breathtaking views... the brand-new trail marathon between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence offers both novice runners and seasoned trail runners a chance to immerse themselves in the spectacular landscapes of Provence. The first edition of this new sporting event linking two iconic cities in the south of France set off from Marseille’s Old Port, heading towards the Cours Mirabeau and the narrow streets of Old Aix, so dear to Cézanne, along unpaved but well-maintained trails. A hilly yet accessible route.

A shuttle bus takes runners back to Marseille, but an extended stay in the charming city of Aix-en-Provence, nicknamed the ‘city of a thousand fountains’, is highly recommended.

Established in 1980, the Annecy Lake Marathon is one of the oldest in France, alongside the Paris Marathon. With an elevation gain of just 100 metres, it is also one of the flattest... Ideal for admiring the stunning Alpine scenery from the shores of the lake.

The start and finish are in Annecy, aptly known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, ranked among the most beautiful towns in France. If you’re running with friends or family, they can cheer you on from the shore… or from the water by boarding one of the Lake Annecy cruise boats.

Annecy Lake Marathon

From Biarritz town centre to the final six kilometres along the Basque coast, passing through several seaside resorts such as Arcangues, Bassussarry, Arbonne and Bidart, the Biarritz Marathon offers runners (the bravest among them) picture-postcard scenery. Be warned, with 480 metres of elevation gain, it is one of the toughest road marathon courses. While this sporting challenge is no walk in the park, the route is the stuff of dreams. Starting from the Stade Aguilera, home to the local rugby club, you’ll pass the old fishing port and the 73-metre lighthouse, then run past majestic villas and the casino, not to mention the beaches and famous surf spots. On the day, the waves belong to the runners!

In addition to the marathon, there are also a duo race, a half-marathon, a 12 km race and a children’s race.

Biarritz Marathon 

Juno Beach, Sword Beach, the Ouistreham Casino, Pegasus Bridge... Follow in the footsteps of the D-Day heroes as you run along the D-Day beaches and past the iconic sites of the Battle of Normandy during the Marathon de la Liberté. The sense of freedom, already felt by marathon runners, takes on a special significance along the Normandy coast. After crossing the finish line, extend your stay by visiting the Caen Memorial.

On a practical note, a shuttle bus takes runners to Courseulles-sur-Mer to reach the start area, then you run along the coast until you reach the finish in Caen.

Marathon de la Liberté - Caen

A road marathon… in the heart of the countryside! For those torn between tarmac and trails, the Vercors Marathon offers the perfect compromise. Held in Villard-de-Lans, near Grenoble, in the northern part of the Vercors Regional Nature Park, it is Europe’s first road marathon to be run at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Far from the heat and hustle and bustle of the city, the route winds through forests of fir and beech trees, and areas inhabited by black grouse and ibex. The intrepid participants will pass through the villages of Lans-en-Vercors and Autrans before crossing the Col de la Croix Perrin (1,218 m), the highest point of this race with 550 metres of elevation gain, which rivals the Biarritz Marathon in terms of difficulty.

Vercors Marathon