Top 10 Marathons in France for 2025

1. For prestige: Marathon de Paris

Who hasn’t dreamed of running the legendary marathon distance in one of the world’s must-see cities? In 2024, half of the participants were taking on the distance for the first time at the most Parisian of marathons. Every year, nearly 60,000 runners set off along the world’s most famous avenue. The course is no pushover, with 200 m of elevation gain, but the atmosphere lining the route will carry you all the way to the finish, right in front of the Arc de Triomphe. One thing is certain: from the Champs-Élysées to the finish line, the Marathon de Paris course is breathtaking.

You’ll also get to admire Notre-Dame de Paris, the Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and the Château de Vincennes. If this marathon makes so many runners dream, it’s because it remains the most prestigious race of its kind in France. In short, Marathon de Paris is the Holy Grail for running enthusiasts.

Next edition: April 13, 2025

2. For the aid stations: Marathon du Médoc

© Marathon des châteaux du Médoc. © Yves MAINGUY

Haven’t you heard the saying, “run more, eat more”? In the Médoc, they take it very seriously. If you’re the kind of runner who says, “I spend a lot of time at aid stations,” we have the perfect race bib for you in 2025. The Marathon du Médoc is easily the wildest race on the calendar. As well as battling the muscle pain accumulated over the miles, you’ll face around 20 wine tastings. And if your head starts spinning, live bands and brass bands will be there along the course.

This event is about much more than the race itself. Your weekend in the Médoc is already shaping up to be a busy one. Enjoy tastings of wine, andouillettes, oysters and cheese. Take part in the entertainment and evening parties before a marathon with plenty of liquid refreshment. As for the dress code, swap your race T-shirt for your best costume. The organizers have thought of everything, including scheduling the race on a Saturday, just in case recovery turns out to be a little more complicated than expected.

Next edition: September 6, 2025

3. For a pressure-free race: Marathon de la Bière

Imagine a marathon where every stride brings you closer to a glass of beer. At the Marathon de la Bière, the goal isn’t the finish time, but raising a glass at every aid station. Now a must on the Loire running calendar, the beer marathon offers a taste-filled experience throughout the weekend. You’ll pass through villages decked out for the occasion, with decorations at every crossroads, a genuine boost once raising your glass starts to become a challenge. As if running 42.195 km weren’t enough, you can keep the effort going at the grand Gallic banquet the following day.

Still hesitating? Picture outrageous costumes, craft breweries in full celebration mode and a finish line worthy of a foam party. To conquer the beer marathon, you’ll need a good cadence and a good downhill gear.

Next edition: June 8, 2025

4. For the mountains: Marathon du Vercors

This is one of the most exciting new additions to the French marathon calendar in 2025. A race held at more than 1,000 m above sea level, it is quite simply the first of its kind in Europe. The fully paved course unfolds in an entirely green setting. That’s 42.195 km through a regional nature park, or more precisely, through France’s largest regional nature park. Scheduled for late June at an altitude of more than 1,000 m, the season’s hottest temperatures should be less of an issue for runners. For this first edition, there’s no doubt participants in the Marathon du Vercors will enjoy an intense adventure that takes their breath away. Nature lover looking for a new marathon challenge? The roads of the Vercors are waiting for you this June.

Next edition: June 28, 2025

5. For a deep field: Marathon de Deauville

Looking for a marathon where you can set a personal best over the classic distance in 2025? Normandy could be the place to do it. The Marathon de Deauville stands out for its exceptional depth of fast runners: in 2024, 25% of finishers broke 3:30. It’s the perfect race for athletes chasing an ambitious time. With a favorable profile and just 100 m of elevation gain, the course is built to maximize your performance and help you push your limits over 42.195 km.

The finish on Deauville’s famous Les Planches promenade, lined with beach cabins bearing the names of American cinema legends, will produce some spectacular sprints from runners trying to shave a few seconds off their time. The course, half urban and half country road, gives spectators several chances to make themselves heard. Another plus is the relatively affordable entry fee, €60 for FFA-licensed runners. Gusty winds, rain and sunshine are included, because yes, this is Normandy.

Next edition: November 15, 2025

6. For the scenery: Marathon du Lac d’Annecy

The people of Annecy are proud of it, and rightly so. The Marathon du Lac d’Annecy undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful settings around, between lake and mountains. Cover 42.195 km while taking in the views beside France’s second-largest lake. The race starts on the broad Avenue d’Albigny and follows the western shore of the lake. Keep your eyes open as you pass through the villages of Saint-Jorioz and Sevrier.

With just 86 m of elevation gain, the Marathon du Lac d’Annecy course is one of the most performance-friendly around. After a few hours of effort, you can raise your arms as you cross the finish line on the famous Pâquier. Once the race is over, you’ll struggle to resist the call of a croziflette, a staple dish of the Savoie region. And for recovery? Explore Annecy’s city center, with its canals, flower-lined banks and bridges, which have earned it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.”

Next edition: April 27, 2025

7. For a budget-friendly race: Marathon de Rennes

The mountains Brittany, you’ll love it! The Marathon de Rennes is about to celebrate its 14th edition and has become a fixture on the French running calendar. Its entry fee is particularly attractive: just €57 for FFA-licensed runners, the equivalent of €1.35 per kilometer. The most Breton of marathons offers a 100% urban, exceptionally fast course, ideal for anyone chasing speed. In the heart of Brittany’s capital, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to open up your stride and go after a personal best. Pacers will be there to help you stay on target all the way to the finish.

Taking part in the Marathon de Rennes also means supporting an environmental cause. One tree is replanted somewhere in the world for every kilometer run. Participants in the 2024 edition helped fund the planting of 237,111 trees. Low entry fee, a fast course, excellent organization and a strong commitment to sustainability: Marathon de Rennes ticks plenty of boxes, which is why it made our list of the top marathons in France for 2025.

Next edition: October 26, 2025

8. For a big time goal: Marathon Nice-Cannes

Obsessed with your finish time? Stop scrolling. In 2025, make a personal best your goal over the classic distance. What could be better than a fast course, meticulous organization and a setting that makes you forget all about the marathon wall? The Marathon Nice-Cannes is the race to choose if you want to beat your best time and impress your colleagues when you get back to the office. With just 70 m of elevation gain over 42.195 km, the Riviera will provide the backdrop for a fierce battle between the runners and the clock.

The course takes you through a picture-postcard setting, with stunning views over the Mediterranean. By picking up your bib, you’re booking a genuine trip through the Alpes-Maritimes. The hardest part? Resisting the temptation to stop in the shade of a palm tree. Ready to smash it?

Next edition: November 9, 2025

9. For the party: Marathon du Beaujolais

Imagine the longest marathon in the world. Not because it goes beyond 42.195 km, but because it unfolds over an entire weekend. Three days of partying wrapped around the wildest marathon of them all. It’s a serious test of endurance, taking you from the pre-party to the after-party. The Marathon du Beaujolais course winds through the region’s charming wine villages and beautiful rolling landscapes, making it a breathtaking experience. One thing is certain: water won’t be your fuel of choice that weekend.

Running the Marathon du Beaujolais means stretching out your stride between vineyards and châteaux, and raising a glass at every aid station. Follow the rhythm of the bands and live music all along the course. Entertainment and playful signs will give you an extra boost. You probably won’t run your fastest marathon, but you’ll take away your best memories of the distance.

Next edition: November 22, 2025

10. For a team effort: Ekiden de Paris

“Alone, we go faster; together, we go farther.” Want to run a marathon as part of a team? The Ekiden is made for you. The concept is simple: cover the marathon distance as a relay. A team of six runners shares the 42.195 km through relay legs of 5, 10 or 7.2 km. That gives everyone a chance to find the distance that suits them. All the relay runners follow the banks of the Seine on the same loop, completing it as many times as their distance requires.

This course is ideal for cheering on the participants several times over. The relay handovers take place just a few meters from the iconic Iron Lady. It’s a real boost when lactic acid starts flooding your legs. The Ekiden de Paris is the perfect way to take your first steps toward the marathon distance, all in a lively atmosphere. This relay marathon, set in the heart of the City of Light, turns the legendary distance into an unforgettable team adventure.

Next edition: November 2, 2025

Mark your calendars! Whether you love team races, festive atmospheres or chasing a fast time, this top 10 of French marathons for 2025 should inspire you as you choose your next challenge. Lace up, sign up soon and get ready for a few unforgettable miles.