The French Riviera’s Most Glamorous Marathon Belongs on Your Bucket List

Just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, as the sun rose over glittering cerulean waters, thousands of runners gathered along Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais, readying themselves for the 18th edition of the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes.

Held annually in November, the marathon has grown into one of France’s premier road running events. First held in 2008 with approximately 10,000 participants, the event is now the country’s second-largest marathon after Paris, selling out this year with a record 25,000 participants.

Florian Ung, 30, chose Nice for his marathon debut, bypassing his home city of Paris in favor of the Mediterranean backdrop. Part of the appeal, he said, was simply wanting to take the scenic route. Clément Robert, 22, a Nice local and member of the Riviera Run Club, gets it.

“Nice is one of the best cities in France,” said Robert, who participated as part of a five-member relay team representing the Riviera Run Club. “You have the sea and the mountains. It’s a flat race, and you see all the beautiful cities of the French Riviera.”

The point-to-point route begins on the Promenade des Anglais (which translates to “Walkway of the English,” built under the direction of British aristocrats who were captivated by the Riviera), and takes runners along the Ligurian Sea, passing through seven picturesque towns, including Antibes, one of the Riviera’s jewels, before arriving in Cannes. A panorama of calm blue waters, pebbled beaches, and even snow-capped mountains occasionally appearing in the distance will no doubt leave you awestruck.

Though much of the course is flat, it isn’t without a few winding stretches and sharp hairpin turns, which give certain sections a Formula 1 feel. Then there’s one particularly punishing half-mile stretch just before mile 19 that falls into the “Type 2 Fun” category. The finish line in Cannes, however, makes it all worth it. Runners cross a blue carpet along Boulevard de la Croisette, the legendary location associated with the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. With its glamorous Art Deco buildings and oversized movie star portraits displayed along the promenade, even the most exhausted runner will feel like a star.

Along with the full marathon option, athletes can opt to participate in the 20-kilometer distance or the relay. Running here in November offers a considerable advantage, too. Nice enjoys about 300 days of sunshine and typically mild conditions (Sunday started at 54 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for logging long mileage).

To help get runners to the finish line, the route is stocked with plenty of sugar, including orange and apple slices, Haribo gummies, dark chocolate, cake, and even white sugar cubes. And in a particularly delightful touch, there are pitchers (yes, actual pitchers) of Coca-Cola.

As a city that hosts one of Europe’s premier Ironman events each fall, the marathon feels like a natural extension of Nice’s athletic identity. But between the scenery, the hospitable atmosphere, and the opportunity to run through some of the French Riviera’s most beautiful coastal towns, it’s as much a destination to experience as it is an athletic challenge.

Registration for the 2027 race opens November 12. If you’re dreaming of running on the Riviera, now is the time to start planning. Our guide below covers where to stay, eat, and drink, along with some of the best things to see and do to turn marathon weekend into a French Riviera getaway.

Where to Stay

Hotel Le Soleia

This four-star boutique hotel, opened in spring 2025, is tucked along a quiet stretch of Boulevard Victor Hugo and serves as an excellent base for race weekend. The starting line is just a half-mile walk, a welcome convenience on race morning. The interior leans into understated coastal elegance, with beach-inspired touches and rattan furnishings. With just 46 rooms, the hotel has an intimate, boutique sensibility, complemented by exceptionally comfortable beds and attentive hospitality. A generous breakfast spread—from crepes and freshly prepared egg dishes to an assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, breads, and fresh fruit—will prepare you for a full day of exploring.

Eat + Drink

Vibes

Housed in a former car repair garage, this cocktail bar is an eclectic mix of well-curated flea-market finds celebrating the French Riviera aesthetic that makes the space feel a little offbeat and effortlessly welcoming. The playful drink menu features a daily-changing list of cocktails. Co-founders Yoann Tarditi and Bryan Gaillard are both music buffs who honed their craft in London’s cocktail-bar scene before opening Vibes just over a year ago. Vinyl spins throughout the evening, moving from old-school hip-hop—think the Fugees and A Tribe Called Quest—to funk and soul or whatever else the mood calls for.

Fanfan & Loulou

This wonderfully fun natural wine bar is full of personality, from a disco ball to retro floral wallpaper that looks lifted straight from The Brady Bunch. Don’t be surprised if a beagle wanders past your table or the owner’s toddler makes an appearance. This is very much a family and neighborhood spot. Glasses of wine arrive perched on crocheted coasters, handmade by a regular customer. A rotating guest chef each month keeps the menu diverse and surprising. Previous kitchens have brought Chinese and Corsican flavors, and November’s guest chef cooked Algerian food.

Chez Thérésa

This socca stand draws a steady queue for good reason. The traditional Niçoise chickpea pancake is one of Nice’s most iconic street foods, and this is the kind of place people are happy to wait for. The day before the marathon, in fact, several dozen runners stopped by after picking up their race bibs. While some spots (like Chez Pipo) serve it sliced like a pizza, Chez Thérésa, which has been around since the 1920s, cuts it into bite-sized pieces and tucks it into a paper cone, ready to be eaten as you meander through the market.

Zouzou Riviera

You’ll likely spot fellow race finishers proudly wearing their medals inside this Art Deco-inspired restaurant, located just steps from the Promenade des Anglais and within easy walking distance of Old Nice. Zouzou Riviera is ideal for a leisurely and indulgent Sunday brunch, particularly if you’ve just crossed the finish line. A prix-fixe gastronomic experience celebrates the flavors of Nice, and the spread is memorable. Expect Niçoise aperitif favorites like pissaladière, Riviera-inspired specialties, and two dedicated dessert bars featuring beautifully executed French pastries.

Galinetta

Creperies are hardly in short supply in Nice, but this contemporary version is worth seeking out. Offering a fresh, modern take on the classic Brittany dish, this crepe bar delivers on both sweet and savory. Expect warm, attentive service, a relaxed atmosphere, and particularly good galettes (savory buckwheat crepes) prepared with just the right balance of ingredients.

Solea Boulangerie Pâtisserie

Tucked into the heart of Nice’s Carabacel neighborhood, this tiny pastry shop is full of French indulgence, from perfectly folded buttery croissants and madeleines to freshly baked baguettes and delicious cold-cut sandwiches that are perfect for lunch on the go. And you won’t be able to resist the sea salt chocolate chip cookies, which taste like a small bite of heaven.

Marmar

There’s a reason locals in Nice recommend this intimate, Michelin Guide-noted restaurant. It’s owned by Italians whose shared passion for exceptional food and wine makes for a particularly memorable dining experience. The Mediterranean-inspired menu evolves with the seasons, but past offerings have included creamy risotto with scallops and truffle, fried artichokes with lemon vinaigrette, and classic Italian tiramisu.

What to Do

Cours Saleya

Dating back to 1897, the Cours Saleya is one of Nice’s most enduring landmarks and is said to be the world’s first wholesale flower market. Open year-round, it’s full of vibrant blooms and colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables. You’ll also find a curated selection of local gourmet specialties, from olive oils and honey to spices and artisanal salts that make perfect gifts.

Matisse Museum

Housed in an elegant 17th-century Genoese-style villa, the Matisse Museum is dedicated to the life and remarkable body of work of French modernist Henri Matisse, who created much of his art in Nice until his death in 1954. The collection offers a glimpse into the artist’s evolution through paintings, sculptures, and his celebrated gouache paper cut-outs.

Artem Studio

Part coffee shop, part wellness studio, this beautifully designed contemporary space brings together movement and recovery. Come for strength training and stretching. Or head upstairs to the aptly named “massage cabin” for a myofascial massage designed to address tension. The treatment focuses on releasing trigger points (knots that can develop within the fascia) through gentle, targeted pressure (perhaps an appealing addition to round out race weekend).