Nice-Cannes Marathon 2026: Date, Route, Transport & Where to Stay

The Nice-Cannes Marathon 2026 returns to the Côte d’Azur on Sunday, November 8 for its 18th edition.

The race is known for a spectacular coastal route linking two of the Riviera’s most famous cities. Runners start beside the Mediterranean on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais before travelling west through several seaside towns and finally crossing the finish line in Cannes.

For international runners, the event also works particularly well as a long weekend. Nice offers direct access to the starting area, the race expo, the airport and public transport, while restaurants, the Old Town and the seafront make it easy to turn race weekend into a short Riviera break.

Whether you are running, accompanying someone or simply planning to watch, this guide covers the key information for the Nice-Cannes Marathon 2026.

Nice-Cannes Marathon 2026: Date, Start and Finish

The race takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The official starting line is located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, opposite the Théâtre de Verdure.

The first start is scheduled at 7:57 a.m. for wheelchair athletes, followed by elite runners at 8:00 a.m. and the rest of the marathon field from approximately 8:03 a.m.

The finish is located in Cannes on the Boulevard de la Croisette, close to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

The Route: From Nice to Cannes Along the Mediterranean

The marathon follows the coastline west from Nice towards Cannes, making the scenery one of the main reasons runners travel from around the world for the event.

Along the way, the route passes through or alongside several well-known Riviera destinations:

The official marathon course is measured according to road-racing standards and covers the traditional marathon distance. The organiser indicates approximately 100 metres of positive elevation over the route.

Although the course follows the coast for much of the race, runners should not assume that it feels completely flat from start to finish. Pacing remains important, especially in the second half towards Antibes and Cannes.

Bib Collection: Do Not Leave It Until Race Morning

Race bibs must be collected before Sunday.

The 2026 Marathon Expo is located at the Centre des Congrès Océanice at the Port of Nice, Quai Amiral Infernet.

Runners should bring their collection voucher, any required licence or valid PPS documentation that has not already been provided, and identification.

Transport Between Nice and Cannes on Race Day

The point-to-point nature of the marathon creates an obvious logistical question: you start in Nice and finish more than 40 kilometres away in Cannes.

Fortunately, the organisers have made regional rail a major part of the race-day transport plan.

For November 8, 2026, the organiser states that a runner’s race bib will act as a transport ticket for unlimited ZOU/TER train travel between Nice and Cannes in both directions throughout the day.

This makes staying in Nice particularly practical: runners can start the morning close to the starting area, complete the race in Cannes and then return to Nice by train.

Dedicated paid bus transfers are also available for individual marathon participants who selected that option in advance.

Spectators should check the organisers’ latest information regarding accompanying-person transport passes and train arrangements before race day.

Where to Stay for the Nice-Cannes Marathon

For most marathon runners, staying in Nice is the easiest option.

The race starts in Nice, bib collection takes place at the Port of Nice and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport provides the main international gateway for the weekend.

Promenade des Anglais and Carré d’Or

This is one of the most convenient areas for race morning because the starting line is located directly on the Promenade des Anglais opposite the Théâtre de Verdure.

Staying nearby reduces the amount of transport needed before an early start and makes it easier to return to your accommodation after collecting your bib or preparing the evening before.

Nice City Centre

Central Nice provides a good balance between race logistics and the rest of your weekend. You remain within walking or tram distance of the Promenade while also having access to Nice-Ville railway station, restaurants and shopping.

Old Nice and the Port

The Port and Vieux-Nice can work particularly well if you want to combine the marathon with a city break. The Marathon Expo is held at the Port, while the start is still accessible from this part of the city.

If you are travelling for the race, explore our apartments in Nice and choose a location that makes bib collection, race morning and post-marathon recovery easier.

Practical Tips for Runners

Race weekend is easier when the logistics are organised before arriving in Nice.

Turn the Marathon Into a Riviera Weekend

The advantage of travelling to Nice for a marathon is that the race is only one part of the experience.

Before race day, keep the itinerary simple: walk along the Promenade, explore Vieux-Nice, collect your bib at the Port and choose restaurants that fit your usual pre-race routine.

After the marathon, an additional night in Nice can make the weekend considerably more comfortable. Instead of travelling immediately after finishing in Cannes, return by train, recover and enjoy one final evening on the Riviera.

For accompanying friends or family, the point-to-point route also provides several opportunities to experience the coastline while supporting runners along the way.