Get ready to embark on a running adventure through the enchanting landscapes of France. Known for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking vistas, this captivating country offers endless opportunities for runners seeking an extraordinary getaway. From charming cities to picturesque trails, France provides a perfect blend of culture, natural beauty, and running essence. So lace up your shoes and immerse yourself in the joie de vivre of running in France.
When to Run in France
France’s diverse climate means that running can be enjoyed throughout the year. The spring months of April to June and autumn months of September to November are particularly delightful, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Summer (June to August) offers longer daylight hours and a vibrant atmosphere, while winter (December to February) provides a unique charm with crisp air and the possibility of running in a winter wonderland. Choose the season that resonates with your preferences and let France captivate you.
The Must-Run Spots in France
Begin your French running journey in the romantic capital of Paris. Experience the magic of running along the Seine River, passing iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne parks offer expansive green spaces for leisurely runs and peaceful retreats from the city’s hustle and bustle.
For an unparalleled trail running experience, head to the French Alps. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, nestled in the heart of the mountains, is a paradise for mountain trail enthusiasts. Explore the challenging routes that wind through alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and rugged peaks. Be awed by the majestic Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, as you conquer its trails and take in panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Escape to the French Riviera and discover the beauty of the Côte d’Azur. Nice offers a vibrant coastal running experience, with the famous Promenade des Anglais stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the charming towns of Antibes and Cannes, where coastal paths and scenic routes await. For a trail running adventure, head to the Esterel Massif and marvel at the contrast between the red rocks and the azure sea.
Run Travel in France – 2023
June
Run the Alps – Run the Alps Adventure w/ Courtney Dauwalter – Summer ’23
Take on Courtney Dauwalter’s dream Chamonix trip… with the ultra-runner herself! Filled with special touches, this 5-day running tour of the Alps includes mountain paths, the region’s best brewery, a stay in a mountain hut, and more.
Run The World Adventures – Pyrenees France/Spain – June 3 – 9, 2023
Run from the North side of the Pyrenees in to the Mediterranean in Spain in this 7-day run adventure. From the Canigó and the Pyrenees through medieval villages in Catalonia to the Mediterranean Sea, these 140km show you a side of Europe you’ll be dreaming about for years.
Run the Alps – Courmayeur to Chamonix Trail Run – June 19 – 26, 2023
Head from the rustic Italian village of Courmayeur through Switzerland to Charmonix, home of the legendary UTMB series of trail runs as you take on runs from the Aiguille Rouge nature preserve, up to the high balcony routes on either side of the valley, and even the thrilling “Kilomètre Vertical.”
Run the Alps – Trails and Tails – June 20 – 26, 2023
This 7-day running tour in the Alps is dedicated to the dogs that are so integral to mountain life. As you run this point-to-point tour from Chamonix, France to Montreux, Switzerland, you’ll experience amazing trails and amazing moments with dogs, including stops at farms and villages to see firsthand how dogs are a part of the daily Alps life.
Tour de Trails – Geneva to Chamonix – June 27 – July 4, 2023 [SOLD OUT]
What came first, the cheese or the Chamonix? Answer this age-old trail running question with Tour de Trails in June with this 8-day, 7-night excursion through French section of Grande Traversée des Alpes. Enjoy a total of 8,000m of ascent and 135km of beautiful pain/pleasure as you work through a number of charming French and Swiss villages.
Run the Alps – Tour Mont-Blanc Run – June 29 – July 8, 2023
This run adventure is a classic for a reason – it’s that good! Start and finish in Chamonix, France by following the Tour du Mont-Blanc footpath on this inn-to-inn run adventure in France. You’ll pass through Italy and Switzerland as you run the routes of one of trail running’s most famous races.
July
Run the Alps – Tour Mont-Blanc Run – July 2 – 12, 2023
Trail Run Adventures & Vagabond Trails – Tour du Mont Blanc – July 2 – 9, 2023
Get into the rocky, steep terrain of the alps with this weeklong run adventure with Trail Run Adventures and Vagabond Trails. Over days and 156km, you’ll run through high alpine, past glaciers, by peaks, and more. Go from Chamonix, France through Italy, Switzerland, and then back to Chamonix.
Runcation – Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Chamonix Running Vacation – July 7 – 15, 2023
You’ve heard of Mont Blanc. Now it’s time to enjoy the adventure yourself with this 9-day run adventure. Start off from Chamonix and get ready for 170 km of trail runs around Mont Blanc, climbing and descending over 33,000 feet as you run through three countries – and indulge in all of their cuisines! Spend the evenings winding down in comfortable hotels and scenic mountain huts while enjoying Italian, Swiss, and French cuisine, wine, and coffee.
Trail Run Adventures & Vagabond Trails – Tour du Mont Blanc – July 16 – 23, 2023
Run the Alps – Great Cafés of the Alps – July 24 – 31, 2023
Coffee, pastries, and trail running in the Alps. There’s not much more most runners need for a good holiday, and this Run the Alps 8-day running tour has it in spades. You’ll start this adventure in Chamonix, France then head to Zermatt, Switzerland, taking in the trails and tarts along the way!
Run the Alps – Tahoe Wilderness Medicine in the Alps – July 30 – August 5, 2023
Designed for medical professionals engaging in wilderness activities, this 7-day run tour is put on with Tahoe Wilderness Medicine to help you and learn or improve your medical knowledge and trail running skills while enjoying the world-class trails of Chamonix, France.
Run the Alps – Tour Mont-Blanc Run – July 31 – August 9, 2023
August
Trail Run Adventures & Vagabond Trails – Tour du Mont Blanc – August 13 – 20, 2023
Run the Alps – Tour Mont-Blanc Run – August 28 – September 6, 2023
September
Run the Alps – Mirnavator in the Alps – September 8 – 17, 2023 [SOLD OUT]
This 10-day run adventure is lead by the smart, funny, and endearing Mirna Valerio. Ready to see the Alps at your pace? This is the trail for you, because as Mirna makes it clear, the pace is set for “Slow as F*ck.” This tour starts in Chamonix, France before heading to Courmayeur, Italy, then Zermatt, Switzerland, where running meets sampling gourmet Alps cuisine in the shadow of the Matterhorn.
Run the Wild – Tour du Mont Blanc – September 9 – 16, 2023
Run through alpine meadows and high mountain passes as you take in the views of Mont Blanc over six days of running and an 8-day running adventure. Through it all, you’ll run 100 miles, climb 9,000 meters, traverse France, Switzerland, and Italy, and maybe even enjoy a glass of champagne or two along the way.
Run the Alps – September in the Alps – September 11 – 17, 2023
Kick off this Alps running adventure from Chamonix, France, in what is one of the best months to enjoy the Alps. Cool temps, quiet trails, and relaxed vibes await. Run the Alps’ fall running trip starts in the “Vallée du Trail,” then heads up high into the Swiss Alps for a a chance to take part in, or cheer on, the Alps’ oldest trail race, DDM Trail, and its course around the wild Dents-du-Midi range.
Run the Alps – Chamonix Trail Camp w/ Mimmi Kotka – September 12 – 17, 2023
Train on some of Chamonix, France’s most incredible trails with one of its most decorated runners, Mimmi Kotka. Sponsored by La Sportiva, she has won or been on the podium at a number of trail races around the world, including last year’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. This camp is open to all levels of runners as you’ll explore the alps during the day and get tips and advice from athletes throughout the trip.
Run the Alps – Tour Mont-Blanc Run – September 14 – 23, 2023
France Running Camps in 2023
July
Run the Alps – Women’s Trail Camp with Meg Mackenzie – July 4 – 9, 2023
Join North Face athlete and Run the Alps friend Meg Mackenzie. in this special trail running camp just for women. Each day features an exploration of some of the hundreds of kilometers of trails in Chamonix, France and Courmayeur, Italy, along with discussions, advice, and a high-altitude session.
Trail Running Movement – Mont Blanc – July 27 – 30, 2023
This trail run training camp is for runners of all levels and uses trails across France, Italy and Switzerland to get you ready for your next trail race.
2023 Running Retreats in France
February
Amazing Running Tours – Pays de la Loire – Feb 22 – 26, 2023
This “Run To Wellness” long weekend is a way to refocus your mind and energize your body as enjoy running down paths, trails, and tracks in Pays de la Loire. Enjoy a stay on the 27-acre estate of Chateau de la Motte Henry with meditative yoga classes, therapeutic on-site massage, seminars and socializing with like-minded individuals.
May
Amazing Running Tours – Pays de la Loire – May 6 – 10, 2023
Trails and Vines – Bergerac – May 13 – 20, 2023 [SOLD OUT]
Get to know the Bergerac wine region (just outside of world-famous Bordeaux) with this weeklong running retreat that’ll have you enjoying fantastic wine and food, learning the region’s rich history, and soaking up the landscapes as you run through. In addition to indulgence, you’ll also receive regular coaching and technique instruction to help you make the most of your week.
August
Run the Alps – Run Fast, Eat Slow Women’s Retreat w/ Elyse Kopecky – August 19 – 25, 2023
Enjoy a tour of Chamonix, France and Courmayeur, Italy alongside Elyse Kopecky, the author of of Run Fast, Eat Slow. This 7-day running tour features challenging runs, training tips, and even a little cheese-making along the way.
Aire Libre – French Pyrenees – August 30 – September 4, 2023
Over 6 days in the foothills of the Ariège, you’ll go alongside rivers, down valleys, and up mountainous single track as you immerse yourself in the Pyrènèes.
Beyond the 45km you’ll run and hike throughout this running retreat, there will also be yoga, explorations, and nourishing meals featuring delicious end-of-summer produce at the Zero Neuf and the Refuge du Fourcat (which sits at 2400m above sea level).
Run Travel Events in France – 2024
May
Trails and Vines – Bergerac – May 4 – 11, 2024 & May 18 – 25, 2024
Unleash Your Running Wanderlust
France is just the beginning of a world full of remarkable running adventures. Explore the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, delve into the ancient trails of Peru, or get to know the cultural heritage of Japan on your next running holiday. Let our supporting articles inspire you to discover captivating destinations around the globe, fueling your passion for running.
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