Race Abroad in France: Run the Paris Marathon - 10 Days

Highlights

• Run the 2026 Paris Marathon, following a scenic city route past iconic landmarks
• Celebrate your achievement with a multicourse dinner in the Eiffel Tower
• Stroll around the cobblestones and cafés of bohemian Montmartre
• Taste your way through the outdoor markets of Aix-en-Provence
• Cruise along the French Riviera in a silent, eco-friendly catamaran

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Free Afternoon

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Light." The French capital blends thousands of years of history with modern energy, chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, after which you're free to step out and see some of the sights.

Get your bearings with a walk or run along the Seine, or head to Canal Saint-Martin, a nearly 3-mile (4.6 km) canal that connects the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine. Here, you'll find art galleries and quiet parks, as well as cafés if you'd like to grab a bite. Art lovers may also want to check out some of Paris' smaller museums—you'll visit "Le Louvre" later in the trip, but you could drop by the Musée d'Orsay or the Musée de l'Orangerie today to admire renowned collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

Day 2: Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit, Evening at the Louvre 

Join a private guide this morning for an in-depth introduction to two of the city's most important 13th-century monuments. You'll start at Notre-Dame, where you'll learn about the birth of Gothic art and the painstaking restoration process following the 2019 fire. Then, continue to nearby Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel with soaring golden arches and intricate stained glass windows that depict over 1,000 biblical scenes. 

Later in the day, you'll get the chance to experience one of the world's busiest museums in a unique way—after hours. Head to the Musée du Louvre when darkness falls, and explore the museum's permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere. Your skip-the-line ticket includes a prescheduled entry time, with guaranteed access within a 30-minute window. 

Day 3: Free Day in Paris: Sightseeing & Relaxation

Plan to keep today's schedule light so you can rest and prepare for tomorrow's race. If you're keen to do more sightseeing, join a guided e-bike tour to explore some of the city's lesser-visited corners with ease. Pedal along the banks of the Seine and up to the lofty Montagne Sainte-Geneviève as you hear stories about Paris' monuments, and cruise through neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés to uncover romantic spots, quiet bridges, and trendy cafés. 

If you want to prep with one last run, the Jardin du Luxembourg is an idyllic spot popular with locals, with wide avenues inspired by the gardens of 16th-century Florence. Pass by the Orangerie, admire the Medici fountain, and try to count all 106 statues as you loop around the 61 acres (25 ha) of formal French and English gardens. For a more relaxing afternoon, visit one of the city's hammams, which range from luxury options like Les Cent Ciels in the 11th arrondissement to the simple and traditional Grande Mosquée de Paris in the 5th, where you can unwind in steam rooms and hot pools while sipping mint tea.

Day 4: Run the 2026 Paris Marathon

Today, you'll join over 50,000 runners from around the globe at the starting line of the 49th annual Champs-Élysées Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (Paris Marathon). One of the largest marathons in the world, it's also one of the most scenic, following a mainly urban route past some of the iconic city landmarks and enthusiastic crowds.

Setting off from the Arc de Triomphe, you'll pass historic sites like the Opéra Garnier and the Place de la Bastille, and loop through portions of woodland and nature in the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. The home stretch passes views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower as you return to the Champs-Élysées for the big finish.

Day 5: Montmartre Art & Culture Walk, Eiffel Tower Dinner

Today you'll rest and recover with a free morning. If you're ready to get moving again later on, join a private guide for a stroll around the hilly, cobblestone streets of Montmartre, a village-like neighborhood once frequented by legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Learn about the area's bohemian past and the Moulin Rouge, climb to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur for panoramic views of Paris, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Place du Tertre with its street artists and cafés. 

As evening falls, toast yesterday's achievement with a celebratory dinner at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy far-reaching views over the Seine and out toward Paris landmarks like Place du Trocadéro as you dine on an innovative multicourse menu of molecular gastronomy paired with Champagne and an exceptional wine list. 

Day 6: Train to Aix-en-Provence, Explore the Provençal Capital 

Pack your bags this morning and join your driver for a private transfer to the Gare de Lyon train station. Then, sit back and enjoy views of the French countryside on the direct, three-hour train ride south to Aix-en-Provence. Upon exiting the Gare d'Aix-en-Provence TGV station, another driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the regional capital of Provence.

Drop your bags at the hotel and freshen up, then use the rest of your afternoon and evening to explore more of "Aix," a charming university town famous as the birthplace of Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne. You could shop at local artisan boutiques or relax in the squares of this "city of a thousand fountains." If you're a food lover, try local specialties such as macarons, calissons (iced fruit candies), goat cheese, olive oil, honey, and fantastic local wines. Wander around the Pavillon Vendôme, with its French-style gardens, then enjoy dinner at one of the city's farm-to-table restaurants.

Day 7: Gourmet Market Experience, Afternoon Luberon Hilltop Villages Trip

Start your first morning in Aix with a gourmet food tour. Led by a passionate local guide, this three-hour exploration begins at one of France's oldest markets, which has been a staple of the community for over seven centuries. As you stroll through the bustling stalls, your guide will share stories of the market's history and the time-honored traditions of Provençal gastronomy. You'll sample fresh, local produce such as creamy goat cheese made just the day before, learn about the olive-curing process from harvest to table, and end with a glass of local rosé.

Later on, you'll join a small group for a trip into the nearby countryside of the Luberon, home to the region's famous lavender fields and typical Provençal hilltop towns. Wind your way through the rolling hills of the Parc du Luberon, stop by the village of Roussillon, known for its vivid red cliffs and ocher quarries, and continue to Lourmarin, where you'll have a few hours free to immerse yourself in village life. Make a final stop in hilltop Gordes, considered one of the country's most beautiful villages, and learn how its unique light and sweeping views inspired artists like Marc Chagall.

Day 8: Transfer to Nice, Sunset Riviera Cruise

Your journey continues today when you meet your driver for a private two-hour transfer east. Pass the peaks of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, famously painted by Cézanne, and cut through the rural Var region to reach Nice. Located near the border with Italy and nicknamed "Nissa La Bella" (Nice the Beautiful), this historic city is famous for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, and pebble beaches. 

After dropping your bags at the hotel, start with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, or pay a fee and spend a few hours at one of Nice's beach clubs. This afternoon, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the nearby village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, where you'll board a private—and quiet—solar-powered catamaran with a dedicated skipper. Glide past coastal villas and luxury yachts, and stop for a swim if the April waters aren't too bracing. After a colorful sunset, you'll head back to port, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. 

Day 9: Scenic Riviera Drive to Èze, Monaco & Monte Carlo 

On the penultimate day of your French adventure, you'll hit the road for a half-day trip to some other highlights of the Riviera. Leave Nice with your driver/guide for a ride on the Moyenne Corniche, a famous road packed with spectacular Mediterranean scenery. Stop in the medieval village of Èze, beloved for its cobblestone streets and exotic gardens, then descend to Monaco for a tour of its Old Town (known as Le Rocher), where you can visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, and the Oceanographic Museum.

Afterward, follow the famous Formula One Grand Prix track to Monte Carlo and hit the highlights, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the lavish Gardens Casino, and the 19th-century Hôtel de Paris. Return to Nice in time for lunch, heading into the pastel-colored Vieux Nice (the historic Old Town), where you'll find many local restaurants that combine traditional Provençal dishes with influences from Italy and the Mediterranean region. For a special sunset spot and an opportunity to get active, climb Colline du Château (Castle Hill) for panoramic views over the area.

Day 10: Depart Nice

Your eventful 10 days in France draw to a close today. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport in Nice to catch your departing flight. Au revoir! 

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