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The Paris Marathon is one of the largest in Europe and runs through the centre of the city rather than around it. The route starts beside the Arc de Triomphe, swings east through the historic core, and finishes on Avenue Foch next to the Bois de Boulogne.

The course

The opening kilometres run down the Champs-Élysées towards Place de la Concorde, then turn east along the river. The course passes the Louvre, the Bastille and the edge of the Marais before heading out to the Bois de Vincennes, where it loops through the park in the middle third of the race.

The return leg follows the Seine westwards, passing Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower in the closing third, before a short climb into the Bois de Boulogne and the finish on Avenue Foch.

Aid stations and the half split

Aid stations are dense in the city sections and sparse inside the two parks, which is where the modelled map shows the larger gaps. The half marathon split falls inside the Bois de Vincennes loop. Expect water, fruit and sugar at most stations, with gels at the major points.

What to watch for

• Cobbles and paving. Parts of the city centre are paved with setts, which are harder underfoot than asphalt.
• Park sections. The Vincennes and Boulogne loops have fewer spectators and less shelter.
• Two parks, two climbs. Neither is long, but both come late in the race.
• Start logistics. The start is on the Champs-Élysées with strict access times, and bag drop is separate from the start pen.

Records

Practical notes

• Race day: early April. The next edition is scheduled for 11 April 2027.
• Entry: online registration plus a ballot for the most popular waves, with charity and tour operator places available.
• Getting there: the start near the Arc de Triomphe is served by Charles de Gaulle to Étoile, lines 1, 2 and 6. The finish is near Porte Dauphine.
• Weather: usually 6 to 16 °C, with April showers possible.