Best marathons in France
3 rated races, ranked by an overall score built from racer reviews and race reports. How we rate
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3 races, best first
1. Marathon du Médoc
Overall score 3.9Very goodModerate evidence · 9 sources + 5 runner ratings#51 of 312
Pauillac, France
Next race 4 Sep 2027
“THE most fun you can have in a marathon” RaceRaves race page (5 ratings, 2016 to 2026)
Climbing 183 m (600 ft)
1. Marathon du Médoc
Overall score 3.9Very goodModerate evidence · 9 sources + 5 runner ratingsTop 17%#51 of 312 overallPauillac, France · Next race 4 Sep 2027
Racers loveAbout 20 wine tastings and 22 aid stations, with oysters at 37 km (23 mi).
Watch outHot and sunny: highs up to 34 °C (93 °F), two heat ambulances in 2026.
“THE most fun you can have in a marathon” RaceRaves race page (5 ratings, 2016 to 2026)
- Air
- 16–30 °C (61–86 °F)
- Climbing
- 183 m (600 ft)
- Field
- about 8,500
- Best
- Support 4.3
- Weakest
- Entry 1.8
2. Schneider Electric Paris Marathon
Overall score 3.8Very goodModerate evidence · 7 sources + 20 runner ratings#68 of 312
Paris, France
Next race 4 Apr 2027
“The course is a great way to visit Paris” Philippe D, Team Run Run: Paris Marathon race report
Climbing 161 m (530 ft)
2. Schneider Electric Paris Marathon
Overall score 3.8Very goodModerate evidence · 7 sources + 20 runner ratingsTop 22%#68 of 312 overallParis, France · Next race 4 Apr 2027
Racers loveRoute passes the Champs-Elysees, Louvre, Bastille, the Seine quays and views of the Eiffel Tower.
Watch outAid is thin: water in 330 ml (11 oz) bottles, with no gels or sports drink in many years.
“The course is a great way to visit Paris” Philippe D, Team Run Run: Paris Marathon race report
- Air
- 2–12 °C (36–54 °F)
- Climbing
- 161 m (530 ft)
- Field
- about 53,899
- Best
- Course 4.6
- Weakest
- Entry 2.5
3. French Riviera Marathon Nice–Cannes
Overall score 3.2GoodThin evidence · 3 sources + 1 runner rating#207 of 312
Nice to Cannes, France
Next race 8 Nov 2026
Racers love Run 42.2 km (26.2 mi) along the coast from Nice to Cannes.
Climbing 100 m (330 ft)
3. French Riviera Marathon Nice–Cannes
Overall score 3.2GoodThin evidence · 3 sources + 1 runner rating#207 of 312 overallNice to Cannes, France · Next race 8 Nov 2026
Racers loveRun 42.2 km (26.2 mi) along the coast from Nice to Cannes.
Watch outThe 2026 full marathon is sold out.
- Climbing
- 100 m (330 ft)
- Best
- Conditions 3.5
- Weakest
- Entry 2.9
About these ratings
Races are ranked by an overall score out of 5, built from racer reviews and race reports, on the race itself, course, support, conditions, travel and entry. 5 is always the better end. How we rate
Marathon course: 42.2 km (26.2 mi).
1 of 3 scores are thin evidence: fewer than 5 sources each (dashed score, marked provisional). Show only races with 5+ sources.
19 racer reviews and race reports.
Browse all 3 races, A to Z
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