10 must-try marathons in France

Well-known marathons, others by the sea, in the vineyards, or in the city... We've put together an initial selection of races to help you find your next marathon in France 🇫🇷. Whether you're a novice at this distance or a seasoned runner, you're sure to find a marathon that suits you 👇.

1) Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace (Bas-Rhin) - June

The most festive event of June is waiting for you! 🥳 Whether in costume, with family, or with friends, this marathon is far from a grueling experience. With camaraderie as its main theme, you won't even feel the infamous "wall" at mile 18! The Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace is ideal for first-timers, as here, time is of no concern, and there's no pressure to beat the clock; the important thing is to cross the finish line with a smile 😁. Plus, there are other distances available, and even the kids have their own race, turning it into a real Alsatian family fest! 😋

(Credit: Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace)

2) Ekiden du Stade Français Paris (Île-de-France) - June

Running a marathon alone is great, but doing it as a team is even more fun! 🤝 If completing the 42.195 km solo seems daunting, you're in the right place: the Ekiden du Stade Français Paris is a marathon divided into relays of 6 people, where teamwork is key! The race starts at Stade Jean-Bouin, home to the Pink Army of the legendary rugby club Stade Français Paris 🏉. The course takes you primarily through Paris's 16th arrondissement, along the Seine River banks and near the Parc des Princes. Rest assured, there's less risk of injury here since the effort is shared among 6... 👇

The distance that wins everyone's approval: the marathon (designed for a team of 6 in this order: 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km).

(Credit: Ekiden du Stade Français Paris)

3) Marathon du Vercors (Isère) - June

The Marathon du Vercors is the event you definitely shouldn't miss! It holds the title of the first road marathon in Europe at over 1,000 meters altitude! 🤯 The courses are nestled in France's largest regional park 🌲, winding through the towns of Villard-de-Lans, Lans-en-Vercors, Autrans, and Méaudre 🏘️. You can even climb up to Col de la Croix Perrin at 1,218 meters altitude ⬆️. As you might expect, this marathon isn't flat, accumulating a formidable 480m of elevation gain! 📈 A genuine challenge awaits in the mountains. As this event is quite new, you'll be considered a pioneer, getting a taste of the course before other marathoners flock here in search of nature! 😉

(Photo Credit: Marathon du Vercors)

4) Marathon de Tours (Indre-et-Loire) - September

Come take a Tour at the marathon! The Touraine is not only famous for its Châteaux de la Loire 🏰 but also for its marathon! The start will be imbued with history at Abbaye de Marmoutier and the Vieux-Tours district, where you can admire its typical half-timbered houses 🏘. After running along the Loire River, you'll continue alongside the Cher River. In short, it's a scenic Tour of Indre-et-Loire that's truly worth it! 😉

Distances available: 10 km (classic or walk), 20 km, and marathon (solo, duo or relay company of 4)

(Credit: Marathon de Tours)

5) Marathon de Vannes (Morbihan) - September

Is it all set for you? 😁 Great, because this race is not for the faint-hearted! 🧂 After a spectacular start under fireworks at the ramparts of Vannes, you'll navigate through the fortified city and its historic port before running along the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan 🌊. And that's just pure joy, as the views are breathtaking! In summary, it's a striking contrast between the surrounding nature typical of Brittany and the more urban and authentic setting of Vannes. Here’s a tip: come and experience the unique excitement of this exceptional marathon! If that doesn't interest you, don't worry: you also have the option of a 10 km (semi-nocturnal) and a marathon (solo, in duo or company relay teams of 4).

(Credit: Marathon de Vannes)

6) Marathon de Chambéry (Savoie) - October

This race will undoubtedly captivate you! You'll start in the historical center of Chambéry for what promises to be an incredible marathon. Your run reaches its peak as you race along the edges of Lac du Bourget! 🛶 It's a paradise for runners, where you'll feel cradled by the beauty... ⛰️ Magnificent landscapes, but also historic monuments, like the majestic Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral, offer a slice of history against the backdrop of Chambéry streets. A masterful blend for a course that truly whets the appetite! 💦 You have choices between a half-marathon and a marathon.

(Credit: Gi Photo-graph)

7) Marathon de Chablis (Yonne) - October

Raise your glass, dear runner, and take in your surroundings! In the heart of the famous Chablis vineyards 🍇, you'll be amazed by the vineyards and their golden hues. This journey through Burgundy will test your mettle with its 450 meters of elevation gain, but will also delight with its white wines at the refreshment stations. Beware of overindulgence; you'll need to pace yourself! 😅 All this celebration unfolds in a super convivial atmosphere, featuring fantastic costumes along the course. So, don't hesitate to don your best outfit and blend in with the crowd! 🦸 Dive in; you have plenty of options: a 12 km and 20 km hike, a 13.2 km trail, a half-marathon, and a marathon.

(Credit: Xavier Morize)

8) Euro Marathon Metz (Moselle) - October

The Eurometropolis of Metz pulls out all the stops with its marathon! 💥 With ideal weather conditions 🌞 and a course expertly designed ✏️, the event continues to win over more runners from all over France and Europe. With zero elevation, Metz's asphalt becomes the perfect playground to shatter records ⏱️. But that's not all! Indeed, this marathon has more than one trick up its sleeve! 👟 Numerous historic monuments line the route, showcasing a rich cultural and historical past 📖. A true journey through time, spanning 42.195 km! For those who prefer shorter distances but still want to enjoy the event, you're in luck, as there are no less than 7 distances to choose from! 😉

(Photo Credit: Euro Marathon Metz)

9) Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) - November

An essential event with race bibs that go like hotcakes 🥖. It's easy to see why when you consider its exceptional course: starting on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice 🏝, passing by coves and rocky shores, and finishing on the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes. Organizers have rolled out kilometers of red carpet for you 🤩. Another excellent reason to take this race on? Enjoy a weekend getaway on the French Riviera without the summer crowds! A great deal, right? 🤝 The bonus is that the available distances are quite appealing. You can choose a 20 km, a marathon (either solo, in two 21 km relays or in teams of 3 to 6 runners).

(Credit: Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes)

10) Marathon International de Deauville (Calvados) - November

The famous seaside resort of Deauville isn't just the scene of the American Film Festival 🎬; it's also a playground for runners seeking thrills during a November weekend! 😉 Stroll through Deauville to discover its most beautiful monuments, including its stunning period villas, before heading to its renowned racetrack (all whilerunning, of course 🐎). The little bonus? A legendary finish on the famous Promenade des Planches de Deauville for a final sprint in front of photographers and many spectators! 📸 In terms of distances, you have options: there's a 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, and, of course, a marathon.

(Credit: Marathon International de Deauville)

So, which one are you signing up for? 😏