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SeptemberCulturalWorth the trip

Marathon du Médoc: Trip Planning Guide

Pauillac, France

September
When
€85–€85
Entry
6 days
Suggested trip
Bordeaux-Mérignac
Nearest airport

Going to Marathon du Médoc?

The world's most convivial marathon winds through 59 prestigious Médoc châteaux, with wine and food stations instead of energy gels. Runners dress in elaborate costumes and the route passes through some of Bordeaux's greatest vineyards. The atmosphere is more carnival than competition.

Your trip blueprint

1
Arrive a day early
Settle in and visit a local producer before the crowds arrive — fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD).
2
Festival (3 days)
First or second Saturday of September. Best for groups and adventurous.
3
Extend into the region (2 days)
Bordeaux has 525 mapped wineries — add 2 days to explore at your own pace.
Insider tip

Register as part of a French wine club or hospitality group to gain access to private tastings at first-growth châteaux the day before the marathon. The real collectors' opportunity is the pre-race château receptions where you'll find vertical tastings of back vintages not served on the route itself.

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the undisputed capital of fine wine, producing some of the planet's most collectible bottles. Split by the Gironde estuary into Left Bank (Médoc, Graves) and Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol), the region offers wildly different terroirs and styles.

Read the full Bordeaux wine region guide →

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Pre-filled for Bordeaux · Add your festival dates · Get a full day-by-day plan

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Festival info: www.marathondumedoc.com