This will be one of the great moments of the Games in 2024, the high point of an event that promises to be rich in emotions and sharing. Last major event of the Games (August 10 for men and August 11 for women), the marathon – open for the first time to the general public – promises to offer the most beautiful of Paris. Thanks to a “promenade” between an exceptional number of historical monuments that mark out the route. From the Hôtel de Ville to the Invalides, passing by the Opera, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles or the Eiffel Tower, we can already imagine breathtaking aerial views.
“We wanted a meaningful journey. »
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024
With the Seine as a red thread, the route can be enjoyed without moderation. But behind the postcard hides a strong message. This route is a tribute to the women’s march of October 5, 1789. One of the “Great Days” of the French Revolution during which thousands of starving women made their way between the Hôtel de Ville in Paris and the Palace of Versailles. to force Louis XVI to accept their grievances and recognize the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The next day, the king is forced to return and settle in Paris. The Olympic marathon will make it possible to recall this universal message of the defense of the rights of women and men everywhere in the world.
First strides on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville
Starting signal ! We set off from the forecourt of the town hall first towards… the Opéra Garnier. Rue de Rivoli, rue du Louvre, rue Réaumur… The arteries taken to get there offer a breathtaking view of Notre-Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, which announce the color of the first 11 kilometers. The start of this marathon is monumental in the literal sense of the word!
“Leaving the Hôtel de Ville is an important symbol. Because the Hôtel de Ville is the home of Parisians. »
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
The first steps on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville concentrate all the beauty of Paris. A start all the more pleasant as the course is extremely flat. But we say to ourselves that this necessarily hides something for the future…
Carte
The climb to Versailles… under the eyes of Louis XIV
At the beginning of the 12th kilometer, the route leaves Paris, crosses Boulogne-Billancourt and takes a little altitude to reach Versailles and its legendary castle. Between the Hauts-de-Seine and the Yvelines, the runners will take a breath of fresh air in the forests of Fausses Reposes and Meudon. The road rises between Sèvres and Ville d’Avray.
“A motivating course, which will test the athletes and magnificent to watch on TV. »
Paula Radcliffe, women’s marathon world record holder
After turning around opposite the statue of Louis XIV, the runners head back in the direction of Paris and take advantage of a long downhill false flat to pick up speed and cross Viroflay, Chaville, before facing the “wall” of the coast of the pavé des Gardes (1 km at 10%). At the top, the route takes up that of the classic Paris-Versailles pedestrian route upside down, plunging towards the banks of the Seine near Issy-les-Moulineaux.
Carte
Before and after Versailles, two phases of elevation complicate the race. The first is quite long, but regular, it starts from the Pont de Sèvres, passes through Saint-Cloud and Ville-d’Avray. The second is more abrupt. A wall that impresses between Chaville and Meudon.
Carte
End of recess between Chaville and Meudon
After leaving the Château de Versailles in the Yvelines, we take the famous Côte des Gardes downhill, towards Paris. From the Pont de Billancourt, the last quarter of the marathon route runs along the left bank of the Seine for several kilometres, following the route of the RER C tracks to the Eiffel Tower.
“This course is spectacular, unique and very demanding. »
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024
All that remains is to go down Avenue de la Bourdonnais to the lawn and Place de Breteuil, then go up Boulevard des Invalides to reach the esplanade.
Carte
Mission accomplished for our four runners
Running enthusiasts, our reporters had the pleasure of previewing the 42.195 kilometers of a marathon that already promises to be legendary. They enjoyed themselves. To listen to them, it’s spectacular, but it stings a little… a lot. This marathon of the Paris Games promises to be as magnificent as it is selective.