Paris Marathon

Paris Marathon course route

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris starts on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe and finishes on Avenue Foch, passing Bastille, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Seine embankment below the Eiffel Tower, and the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. The central Paris miles are the easiest because the course stays mostly flat, while the park sections are quieter and slightly more rolling. Spectators pack the Champs-Élysées at the start, line the Seine quays through the city centre, and cheer along the tree-lined Avenue Foch finish.

Paris Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Paris Marathon elevation profile

The Paris Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 164 metres of climbing and 157 metres of descent, with a net climb of 7 metres from start to finish.

Paris Marathon elevation profile

Official elevation profile — view on race website

Entry requirements

Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest, with approximately 57,000 finishers — the largest marathon in continental Europe. Registration is not a lottery but first-come, first-served, opening in autumn for the following April race and selling out quickly, often within days. Charity places are available through official partner charities. The race weekend also includes a half marathon and relay event, and accommodation in central Paris fills up far in advance.

Paris Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (2024): fly over the marathon 3D course map!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Paris Marathon elevation profile?

The Paris Marathon has 164 metres of total climbing and 157 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 7 metres of net climb from start to finish.

Where can I find the Paris Marathon route map?

This page includes a Paris Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/information/route-and-profiles. Passes Place de la Bastille, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Bois de Vincennes.

How long is the Paris Marathon?

The Paris Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe to on Avenue Foch.

What time does the Paris Marathon start?

The 2027 Paris Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Paris Marathon course route?

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris starts on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe and finishes on the Avenue Foch in a near-loop. The course heads east through the Marais, past Place de la Bastille, into the Bois de Vincennes (a large eastern park providing a multi-loop woodland section, miles 7–14), then sweeps west along the Seine through central Paris — passing Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay, and under the Eiffel Tower — before looping through the Bois de Boulogne and returning east to finish.

How large is the Paris Marathon and how do I enter?

Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest, with approximately 57,000 finishers — the largest marathon in continental Europe. Registration is not a lottery but first-come, first-served, opening in autumn for the following April race and selling out quickly, often within days. Charity places are available through official partner charities. The race weekend also includes a half marathon and relay event, and accommodation in central Paris fills up far in advance.

Is the Paris Marathon course flat?

The course is largely flat to gently rolling, with total climbing of approximately 164 metres. The primary undulations come from the paths within Bois de Vincennes (miles 7–14) and Bois de Boulogne (miles 22–25), where terrain is slightly less even than city tarmac. The central Paris sections along the Seine are exceptionally flat. Overall it is a realistic personal-best course, though road surfaces in the parks can affect pacing.

When is the Paris Marathon?

Paris Marathon is held in April, typically on the second Sunday of the month. Spring in Paris brings variable conditions: average temperatures are 8–15 °C (46–59 °F), but sunny warm days and cold rainy mornings are both possible. The race's timing near the Easter holiday period means hotels fill extremely quickly — book accommodation immediately upon confirming race entry.

What iconic landmarks does the Paris Marathon route pass?

The course is arguably the most landmark-dense of any major marathon. Runners pass through or alongside: the Arc de Triomphe (start area), the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Bastille, the banks of the Seine (UNESCO World Heritage listed), Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower (viewed from Pont d'Iéna), and both the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. Running a personal best while navigating this gallery of world-famous sights is Paris's unique proposition.