Paris Marathon: the 5 best spots to watch and cheer runners

At the Paris Marathon, there are those who run it—and then there’s the massive crowd lining the streets to cheer them on. It’s not just 42.195 km through the capital; it’s a huge popular celebration, an entire city vibrating to the rhythm of footsteps… and encouragement. But with 60,000 runners, numerous road closures, and dense crowds, it’s not always easy to find the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of your runner. So where should you go? Here are the 5 best places to cheer along the course.

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| 1. Champs-Élysées (start): the ultimate thrill

If you want to feel the raw energy of a marathon, this is where it all begins. The start is always a special moment. After months of preparation, emotions are written all over runners’ faces. Nearly 60,000 runners setting off wave after wave on the most beautiful avenue in the world… it’s a constant flow, impressive and almost unreal. At this early stage, runners are still fresh, focused, sometimes a bit nervous. The only downside: don’t expect to spot your friends easily. The pack is still very dense and the avenue is extremely wide. For a closer view, head down toward Place de la Concorde.

| 2. Carrousel du Louvre (km 4): the first smiles

Just a few kilometers in, but already a different atmosphere. The pack starts to stretch out, runners are still fresh, relaxed… and much easier to spot. The setting is exceptional: the Louvre, the Tuileries—this location is perfect for cheering without being overwhelmed by the crowd. It’s probably the best spot to see your friends early in the race. Plus, it’s central and very accessible by public transport. There’s even live music to energize the runners.

| 3. Place de la Bastille (km 7 & km 24): the smart spot

Clearly one of the best strategic choices. Why? Because the atmosphere is electric, with large crowds and real energy. But most importantly, you get to see runners twice. First at km 7: they’re still fresh, smiling, and in control. Then again at km 24, after a long stretch through eastern Paris and the Bois de Vincennes—this is where it starts to hurt, and encouragement really matters. In between, you have plenty of time to grab a coffee on a terrace while tracking your friends via the official Paris Marathon app. Missing them would be a shame!

| 4. Avenue du Président Kennedy – Eiffel Tower (km 31): a dream setting

Probably one of the most iconic spots of the marathon. Along this stretch, runners follow the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background—a dream setting. But this is also where the race gets tough. After 30 km, many runners hit the infamous “wall.” Legs are heavy, energy drops, and mental strength takes over. This is exactly when encouragement can make a huge difference. Knowing someone is waiting for you can become a powerful motivation. The atmosphere here is incredible—almost like the Tour de France: dense crowds, cheers, music… It’s the perfect spot to soak in the Paris vibe and support your runner at a key moment.

| 5. Avenue Foch (finish): pure emotion

Avenue Foch is where it all ends—the finish line. Pain, relief, pride… sometimes tears. The atmosphere is massive, probably the most intense of the entire course. Yes, it’s crowded, and yes, it takes effort to find your way—but it’s absolutely worth it. This is where emotions peak. It’s THE moment to celebrate, cheer until the very end, and share something special with your runner. They did it—they’re marathoners!

| Bonus: 3 more smart spots

➜ Opéra Garnier (km 3): central and accessible
If you want to avoid the crowded Champs-Élysées at the start, Opéra Garnier is a great alternative. The streets narrow slightly, the pack spreads out, and runners can more easily spot familiar faces. Plus, it’s very central and easy to reach—ideal for supporters.

➜ Rue de Rivoli (km 5–7): the heart of Paris atmosphere
You can’t get more central than this. Rue de Rivoli is a perfect spot to cheer while enjoying the vibrant Paris atmosphere. There’s always a crowd, plenty of cafés and shops, and a warm, lively vibe. It’s also very accessible and easy to plan around during the day. Runners are still feeling good here—simple, effective, and always energetic.

➜ Trocadéro (km 40): the final strategic point
An iconic Parisian location with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Positioned just after the 40 km mark, it’s only minutes from the finish. If you want to avoid the massive crowds at the finish line, Trocadéro is perfect for one last cheer. It’s easier for runners to spot familiar faces here, and while less crowded than the finish, the atmosphere is still electric with music and cheering zones. Plus, it’s just a 20-minute walk to Avenue Foch to meet your runner after the race—perfect timing considering the final kilometers, medal collection, and recovery.

Running a marathon is an art. But cheering is almost a sport of its own. Finding the right spot, planning your moves, tracking your friends live, arriving at the right moment—it can be nearly as stressful as running the race itself… but it’s absolutely worth it. Your support can truly transform a runner’s experience. Whether at the start on the Champs-Élysées, mid-race, or near the finish on Avenue Foch, the encouragement of thousands of spectators pushes marathoners to go beyond their limits. Supporters, spectators, friends—embrace your role. It truly matters. With a bit of planning, you can see your loved ones multiple times and fully experience the race. One thing is certain: on April 12, all of Paris will be behind these 60,000 runners, ready to live the experience of a lifetime.

✓ All information about the Paris Marathon 2026

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