Europe

Marseille, France

For More Routes in the Areas, See our Running Guide for Provence

Marseille is the second largest city in France, and its sunniest. Located on the country’s south coast, Marseille is a major commercial, port, and freight center. Our guide to running in Marseille features great routes along the Mediterranean, highlights of the old city, and the nearby geography featuring the Calanques, a rugged coastal area interspersed with small fjord-like inlets. Most of the attractions of Marseille  are located in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th arrondissements.

The signature running route in Marseille is the Kennedy Corniche, a gorgeous coastal run to the Plage du Prado. That can connect to Parc Borély, a major national garden with some lovely trails. We feature a couple of ‘runseeing’ tours, highlighting some of the old city’s notable sites. For a great challenge, take the famous road to Cassis, 20 km one-way, and take the quick train back. For a ‘destination’ trail run, head to the Parc national des Calanques.

Marseille’s weather is among the city’s star attractions. You’ll need a layer or two in winter, and be aware if the sun and heat in summer. Marseille is an easy city to get around, with 2 subway lines, high speed buses, free ferry in old port.

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Some of our favorite runs in Marseille, France

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Marseille has a Mediterranean climate  with mild, humid winters and warm to hot, mostly dry summers. During winter average high temperatures are 12 °C (54 °F) during the day and 4 °C (39 °F) at night. July and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures of around 28–30 °C (82–86 °F) during the day and 19 °C (66 °F) at night. Temperatures are slightly cooler near the sea.

Most of the 592mm (20 inches) of annual  precipitation falls in the winter. Snow is rare, but there are a few days where the temp falls below freezing.

Running Stores

Run The World. 6th Arr., near Vieux-Fort.
Cap-Running. On the Kennedy Corniche, half-way down.
Rando Running. Near Parc Borély.
Nike Store. Centrally located.