PARIS MARATHON

Interested or have questions? Complete the contact form at the bottom of the page or email team@activeodysseys.com

TRAIN. TRAVEL. TRIUMPH.

Overview

There aren’t many bucket lists that don’t have Paris on them. This trip is for runners, companions, couples, friends and family alike.

HOTEL

Our 4-star Hotel Edouard VII is PHENOMENAL. Seriously, check the reviews. Centrally located (15 minutes from the start / finish line) on a postcard Hausmannian boulevard just footsteps from the spectacular Palais Garnier Opera House (of “Phantom” fame), in a paradise of dining and shopping, it perfectly combines the feel of a typical Parisian boutique hotel with the refurbished luxury of a modern one. And the breakfast? Wow. Exactly the pre-race nourishment every marathoner needs during race weekend. It doesn’t get much better than the Hotel Edouard VII.

TOUR DIRECTOR

A Paris-based Tour Director will be with our group from arrival to departure. Our Tour Directors are the best in the industry and appreciate the unique importance of the trip to our guests. They are passionate about helping everyone realize both their travel and their running dreams. They know the best places to eat, drink, shop and visit, and will have a truly indelible impact on your trip.

MARATHON

60,000 runners from 150 different countries can’t be wrong. Our Parisian friends know how to showcase their city. Starting and finishing in the shadow of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the course provides a mostly flat 26.2 miles of incomparable awesomeness with en route highlights rivalling any marathon in the world, including the Champs Élysées, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Nôtre Dame and, of course, the big old Eiffel Tower. Pro tip – don’t get so caught up in the views around you that you miss a water stop.

Itinerary

Thursday, April 10 - Arrive in Paris by your own means (be sure to book an OVERNIGHT flight departing on April 9 if coming from the U.S.) and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Edouard VII (help with how to get there will be provided). Meet the Active Odysseys team and the rest of the runners and companions. Start exploring the wonders of this unrivalled historic city on a leisurely orientation walk with our Tour Director. They will be with our group for the duration of the trip. Tonight, we will meet for a welcome reception and an overview of the upcoming adventures.
Friday, April 11 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, our Tour Director will guide us on a private coach tour of the city, sharing the untold stories behind some of its most fascinating and awe-inspiring sights. Then we will head over together to the expo to collect our bibs. Leave the expo at your leisure and use the rest of the day to fall in love even more with la vie Parisienne.
Saturday, April 12 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, we will have a free day to explore the wonders of the City of Lights. Our Tour Director will provide unrivaled local knowledge and suggestions to ensure that we can see, eat (and possibly buy) the very best that Paris has to offer - at the best price. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to stick with the group for the day visiting some local highlights. Tonight, the itinerary includes a 3-course dinner in an authentic local restaurant. Then get some sleep…
Sunday, April 13 - Race Day! The start line is 15 minutes from the hotel. Non-running companions will be given the best advice on where to shake their cowbells. After triumphing in your race, the Active Odysseys team will help you get back safely to the hotel. Opt to swap stories with the rest of the group in a post-race celebration near the hotel before enjoying your last, so well-deserved, Parisian meal (our Tour Director can give you some well-priced suggestions and make reservations).
Monday, April 14 - You did it! Wear your medal with pride as you make your own way to the airport or on to more adventures in Europe (please ask if you need help with any additional travel plans).

What’s included:

Guaranteed race entry (at additional cost).
Four nights' accommodation at the 4-star Edouard VII hotel in Paris.
Daily breakfast at the hotel.
All hotel taxes.
ALL HOTEL GRATUITIES. This is a big one! You will not need to leave anything for housekeeping or tip any hotel staff – everything is all already paid.
Full-time local Tour Director and support of on-site Active Odysseys staff, including founder Chris Montgomery (a former professional Tour Director in Paris).
Welcome reception on arrival day.
Private guided sightseeing coach tour (with walking stops) of the city with English-speaking local guide.
Public transport to the expo for number pickup.
Public transport to the race start line and from the finish line.
3-course pre-race dinner on Saturday evening in a local restaurant.
Initial coaching consultation with certified coach Chris Montgomery (runner-guests only).
8 optional bi-weekly, virtual group-coaching sessions in the lead up to the race (runner-guests only).

what’s not included:

Anything not mentioned above, but specifically:

Flights - guests are responsible for arranging their own flights.
Travel Insurance - guests are strongly encouraged to take out their own international travel insurance.
Travel Documentation - guests are responsible for ensuring they possess a valid passport and any additional documentation needed for the trip.
Transport between Paris airport (CDG) and Hotel Edouard VII. Please request this additional service (for arrival and / or departure) if needed.
Tour Director gratuities - while tips are at your own discretion and are not mandatory, they are an industry-standard component of a Tour Director’s income in Europe, much like for workers in the service industry in the U.S. A customary tip for a “job well done” by our Tour Director for the entire Paris trip would be $60 per person. They will be worth every cent!
Any extra hotel nights or services not listed above - please let us know if you want any help extending your stay.