The best spots for running in the south - between Marseille and Nice.

The holidays are here and you've decided to spend them in the south of France, between Marseille and Nice. And of course, you're taking the opportunity to bring your running or trail running shoes to go running and discover new places. So what are the best spots for running in the south during your vacation? The list is endless, as the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is full of sublime places between land and sea or in the hinterland. We've selected four for this article, all very different from the center of Nice to the surroundings of Marseille, with running, trail running, flat, hilly, urban circuits, or technical trails. In short, there's something for everyone, with one watchword: make the most of it!

 

The Promenade des Anglais - Nice

 

This is the most urban route. The Promenade des Anglais is in the heart of Nice and runs along the Mediterranean Sea. You can start your run to the east just below Castle Hill and then run to Nice Airport to the west with a magnificent view of the sea on your left the entire way. The distance is approximately 7 km and the course is flat. This is the same route that participants in the Nice-Cannes Alpes-Maritimes Marathon take at the start of the race. Ideally, you should start your run early before it gets too crowded. You'll likely find other runners there, as the promenade is popular for its open route and stunning views of the bay opposite the city.

The Esterel Massif – between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes

The Estérel Massif is located between Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, west of Cannes. It's an extraordinary trail running spot with red volcanic terrain, umbrella pines, holm oaks, and superb views of the Mediterranean and the Alps in the distance. It's a very rugged massif with both technical trails and more rolling sections. As there isn't much shade, it's best to set off early to avoid the heat and the strong summer sun. On the website dedicated to the Massif de l'Estérel, several trail circuits are offered, including a swimrun circuit for those who cannot resist the idea of alternating between running and swimming while running close to the Mediterranean.

https://circuits.esterel-cotedazur.com/trouver-un-circuit/circuits-trail/

Porquerolles – near Hyères

Porquerolles Island is one of three islands located near the town of Hyères. Cars are prohibited there, making it perfect for running. If you're not staying on the island, this trail outing requires a bit of planning. You'll need to take an early morning ferry. But going for a trail outing is a bit out of the ordinary. You can take a ferry from Tour Fondue at the end of the Giens peninsula opposite the island. The crossing is quick. The trail-running routes aren't as technical as those in the Calanques or the Esterel Massif, but the views are also very beautiful, and it's more the idea of going for a run on an island by taking a ferry that makes it an outing like no other. You can also take the opportunity to visit the island after your outing and take the ferry back later in the morning or afternoon.

https://www.provencemed.com/hyeres-porquerolles/porquerolles/randonnees-porquerolles/

                                                                

The Calanques National Park – between Cassis and Marseille

The Calanques National Park is a magical place between land and sea, east of Marseille and west of Cassis. For a summer trail run, it's hard to beat the scenery, with scrubland and pine trees on one side and the Mediterranean Sea in the background on the other. It's imperative to leave early in summer (ideally going for a run between 6 and 8 a.m.) to avoid the heat and the crowds. The views are incredible, with breathtaking sea panoramas. Warning: the trails are demanding, with technical paths full of stones, rocks, roots, and also elevation changes. But the setting is sublime, and you'll come back with images of small beaches and magnificent wild coves, at the very end of the famous calanques. And when you come across one of these coves, why not take the opportunity to take a dip in the middle or at the end of your summer trail outing?

https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/fr/walks-and-hikes-in-the-calanques-of-marseille-cassis-la-ciotat

A few final tips for these summer outings

For these summer outings, especially in the Calanques National Park or the Esterel Massif, or any other outing, especially trail running in the middle of summer and in the great outdoors, here are a few tips to remember. The first is to check the access times to the massifs or parks online and the weather forecast the evening before. In case of fire risk, access may be temporarily closed. For any summer outing, it is of course best to set off running early in the morning to avoid the heat and potentially the crowds. You should also remember to take enough water for the length of your outing (water supplies are not always possible) and to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself. It is always useful to follow a GPS track to avoid getting lost and to stay on the route you have chosen. Finally, you must set off with the right equipment: technical, breathable, and lightweight running or trail running clothing, a hydration pack, and trail running shoes with good grip (and your phone is charged).

All that's left is to plan one or more outings during your next stay in the South of France to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this beautiful region. And once your morning outing is over, the nap after lunch will be even better!