About the trip
Travel facts
The race
Programme
Tour leaders
HotelsBeaujolais Wine Marathon (42/21/13 km)
The joy of running, vineyards and a French party atmosphere
The Beaujolais Marathon isn’t just a race – it’s a feast for body and soul. Together with Springtime and other wine enthusiasts, you are invited to a weekend where every step is taken in the name of wine and pleasure.
This isn’t just any marathon – it’s a chance to run through some of France’s most scenic wine country, while enjoying local hospitality, wine tastings and an atmosphere filled with joy. Choose from several distances – 13, 21 or 42 km – and make every kilometre taste of France.
Your trip starts on Thursday with a smooth transfer from Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport to your hotel, the Hotel Mercure Ici & Là, where you’ll check in and get ready for a great weekend. In the evening, you’ll be invited to a festive Beaujolais Nouveau party in the charming village of Lacenas – a perfect start to your wine journey!
Friday starts with an invigorating morning jog, and with the day to discover the charming village of Villefranche. Today you can also take the opportunity to visit ParcExpo to pick up your licence plate. Another nice tip is to take the train into the beautiful city of Lyon, stroll around the old town and taste delicious pastries and chocolates. In the evening, we will gather for a lovely Pasta Party and load up for the marathon.
Saturday is the highlight! Run the legendary marathon starting in the beautiful village of Fleurie, or 21 or 13 km in and around Villefranche sur Saône. After the race, enjoy the Beaujolais Night festivities in Villefranche, with food, wine and live music.
Sunday takes us to the picturesque village of Romanèche-Thorins for a visit to the Hameau Duboeuf and a delicious lunch. After this we end the journey with a transfer back to the airport.
A perfect mix of running, wine and culture – join Springtime and experience the Beaujolais Marathon in the best way!
BEAUJOLAIS MARATHON
Travel facts
About the race
The race takes you through the rolling countryside of Beaujolais, an area known for its picturesque vineyards and charming villages. Starting in the historic town of Fleurie, the course winds through the vineyards where the autumn colours provide a magnificent backdrop. Finish in Villefranche-sur-Saône. The beautiful scenery, old stone houses and lively crowds create an atmosphere that makes every kilometre a pleasure.
One of the most unique aspects of the Beaujolais Marathon is the gastronomic element. Instead of the usual sports drinks and energy gels, runners are treated to wine tastings and local specialities at several stations along the course. Take a break and enjoy a glass of the region’s famous Beaujolais Nouveau, along with cheese, charcuterie and other delicacies.
Carnival atmosphere and the joy of running
The Beaujolais Marathon is as much about the experience as the race itself. Many runners take part in fancy dress, and along the course you’ll be greeted by music, dancing and cheers from the crowd and fellow runners. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive, allowing even those who don’t usually run marathons to enjoy the race without the pressure of performance.
Several distances for all levels
Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner or a beginner, there’s a distance to suit you. In addition to the classic marathon, half marathons and shorter distances are also offered, so that more people can take part in this unique running festival.
An unforgettable finish and celebration
After the finish, there is a big party where runners and spectators gather to celebrate the day’s achievements. Food, wine and music are served in an atmosphere more reminiscent of a local festival than a sports competition. For many participants, this is one of the highlights of the event, where friendship and community are at the centre.
When and where?
The Beaujolais Marathon takes place every year in November, a perfect time when the wine year reaches its peak and the long-awaited Beaujolais Nouveau is officially launched. The race starts in Villefranche-sur-Saône, about 20 miles north of Lyon, making it easy to get here from both France and the rest of Europe.
Sign up and experience running in a new way
Do you want to combine running with gastronomy, culture and an unbeatable atmosphere? The Beaujolais Marathon is more than a race – it’s a feast for the senses and an experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you run for pleasure, for the challenge or to share a unique experience with friends, this is a marathon that really stands out.
Secure your place and be part of this spectacular running party!
Preliminary Programme
Programme (Example)
Thursday 19 November
- Arrival in Lyon and transfer to the hotel for check-in
- Meet & greet mingle
Friday 20 November
- Morning jog
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Day free for own activities.
- Number plate collection & visit to Marathon Village
- Pasta Party!
Saturday 21 November
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to the marathon start in the village of Fleurie.
- 08:30 Marathon in Fleurie
- 11:30 Half marathon in Villefranche
- Beaujolais Night at ParcExpo Villefranche
Sunday 22 November
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Check-out
- Transfer to the village of Romanèche-Thorins for a visit to Hameau Duboeuf with lunch
- Transfer by private bus to Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport for the return journey
Program
Our hotel
Hotel Mercure Ici & Là Villefranche
Hotel Mercure Ici & Là Villefranche 384 Bd Louis Blanc, 69400 Villefranche-sur-Saône, France Also known as Mercure Villefranche-en-Beaujolais, is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Villefranche-sur-Saône, near Lyon. The hotel offers modern and elegant rooms decorated with carefully selected materials and colours. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s bistronomic restaurant, “A l’Epicerie”, which serves …
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