The Paris Marathon (Marathon de Paris) is one of the world’s most scenic road races, taking runners on a stunning tour of the City of Light every April. Starting on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe, the course passes the Louvre, Bastille, and Bois de Vincennes before finishing on Avenue Foch. With its iconic landmarks, world-class gastronomy, and passionate spectators, Paris offers a marathon experience unlike any other.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Paris Marathon 2027 |
| Date | Sunday, April 11, 2027 |
| Venue | Champs-Élysées (Start) / Avenue Foch (Finish) |
| Address | Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris |
| Airport | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) |
April in Paris brings mild, variable weather with temperatures around 7–15°C (45–59°F) and a chance of rain. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
The 1st, 4th, and 8th arrondissements put you closest to the start and finish areas. The Marais (3rd/4th) offers charm and great restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) is a classic choice. All areas connect easily via the Métro.
Getting There
From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B Train | 35 min | €11.45 (~2) | Direct to central Paris stations |
| Roissybus | 60–75 min | €16.60 (~8) | Direct to Opéra |
The RER B is fastest and drops you in central Paris. Avoid taxis during rush hour due to heavy traffic.
Where to Eat
Paris is the culinary capital of the world. From corner boulangeries and bustling brasseries to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, the dining options are endless. Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre are all excellent neighbourhoods for eating out.
Local Food to Try
- Croissant — Buttery, flaky perfection from any quality boulangerie — the ultimate pre-race breakfast
- Steak frites — A perfectly cooked steak with crispy French fries, a Parisian brasserie classic
- Crèpe — Thin French pancake filled with Nutella, sugar and lemon, or ham and cheese (galette)
Essential Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Cash vs card. Cards (especially contactless) are widely accepted. Small cafés and markets may prefer cash. Tipping. Service is included (service compris); rounding up or leaving 1–2€ for good service is appreciated. Language. French. English is spoken in tourist areas but a few French phrases go a long way. Weather. Mild and variable, 7–15°C (45–59°F) with possible rain. Safety. Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on the Métro.
What to See
- Eiffel Tower — The iconic iron lattice tower with stunning views from the summit or Trocadéro gardens
- Louvre Museum — The world’s largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica — Beautiful white-domed church atop Montmartre hill with panoramic city views
- Notre-Dame Cathedral — The masterpiece of Gothic architecture on Île de la Cité, undergoing restoration
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | CDG, ~35 min by RER B |
| Venue | Champs-Élysées (Start) / Avenue Foch (Finish) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | French |
| Weather | 7–15°C (45–59°F) |
| Emergency | 112 (EU) / 15 (medical) / 17 (police) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2027.