If you are looking for an adventure like nothing else, if you love running and love wine or if you just want an unforgettable weekend then the Marathon Du Medoc is for you.
Known as the wine marathon it is a 26 mile run through the beautiful vineyards of Pauillac, near Bordeaux, with at least 22 wine stops in Chateaux’s along the way. Yes that’s right at least 22 glasses of wine, plus cheese, meat, oysters, steak it’s the marathon with everything.
The best part however of this mad race across beautiful southern France is the people. Everyone dresses up and everyone is there to have the best weekend of their lives. The Chateaux’s all put on their own live music, and all are so unique. Some have rock bands some have jazz but no mile of this race is the same. It is because of this that I really believe ANYONE can complete it. We ran with people who had never run a marathon before, to people who hadn’t run more than 5km in the last year.
AND for 100 euro for a start number it is a complete bargain. Some of the Chateaux’s you pass through have £50 – £100 bottles of wine, that you are drinking. The booze is unlimited and you get a bottle of wine at the finish line. This is without all the delicious food on the way round.
So below is an extensive plan for the lead up and the run. Everything you need should be here, and any questions please feel free to email us.
How to get a place
This is actually the hardest part. If you manage to get a place the actual marathon will seem easy. To put this in perspective they cannot go above 8,500 spots each year and tens of thousands apply. But some dedication and it is very much possible, I managed to get one my first year of trying. Places are released in March, but the exact date is not shared. It may seem tedious but the best thing to do is check each day from the first of March. They will then release in two waves, once the first wave has gone they give you five days before they release the second, and this is the best opportunity to get a spot as you have a heads up on timings.
This is the link – https://www.marathondumedoc.com/en/registration-global/
The spots sell out fast, in 16mins this year. So get your group ready before March then all you have to do is check the page each morning to see if its live. The spots with accommodation do not sell out as fast and can usually be brought a couple of days later, but to warn you these are quite an expensive option.
Once you have a place sorted the logistics of organising your group may seem like a big hurdle. But do not worry. There are a couple of options on where to stay and how to get there.
How to Get to Bordeaux and Pauillac for the Marathon du Médoc
Planning your trip to Bordeaux for the iconic Marathon du Médoc? Whether you’re looking for the best travel options or convenient places to stay, here’s a guide to help you navigate your way efficiently and save money.
Flying to Bordeaux
The most straightforward option is flying directly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD). If you’re searching for cheap flight tickets, one of the best platforms is Trip.com, where you can find competitive prices. However, due to the popularity of the event, flights can be more expensive this weekend. Booking early is key to securing a good deal.
Alternative Routes to Bordeaux: Paris or Toulouse
If flights to Bordeaux are pricey, another smart travel tip is flying into Paris or Toulouse, and then taking a train to Bordeaux. I personally booked my tickets through the Ouigo website, which offers budget-friendly train tickets. It’s a comfortable and affordable way to travel.
Alternatively, you can use Trainline to book your train tickets, although I found Ouigo to be better value. Trainline is still a great option for those who prefer a more user-friendly interface. This method can significantly reduce your travel costs compared to flying directly.
Travel and Accommodation in a Campervan
If you’re seeking a more flexible option, renting a motorhome or campervan is ideal. Many marathon participants choose to camp near the start line. We spotted plenty of motorhomes parked close to the event, giving people the freedom to stay on-site and soak in the marathon atmosphere. It will mean you might take extra time off though, to get the motorhome there.
Getting from Bordeaux to Pauillac
To travel from Bordeaux to Pauillac (the starting point of the Marathon du Médoc), shuttle buses are provided by the marathon organizers. These buses are easy to use, departing from two streets in Bordeaux. Just make sure you’re on time—there’s no formal check-in process. Simply show your email confirmation and hop on!
For those who prefer trains, there’s also a direct train from Bordeaux to Pauillac. Trains run every two hours over the weekend, providing a comfortable and easy journey. However, be cautious—on race day, the first train arrives at 9 AM, which is cutting it close for the marathon’s start. You might want to consider booking a taxi or catching an early bus.
Pro Tip: Post-race, buses can be irregular, so I recommend taking the train back to Bordeaux for more convenience.
Best Stops Along the Train Route to Pauillac
If you’re considering staying outside of Bordeaux or along the train route, here are some noteworthy stops and good accommodation options:
- Merignac Arlac
- Cauderan-Merignac
- Le Bouscat Sainte-Germaine
- Bruges
- Blanquefort
- Parempuyre
- Ludon-Medoc
- Macau
- Margaux
- Moulis-Listrac
Where to Stay for the Marathon du Médoc
Finding accommodation for the marathon can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some top picks depending on your preferences:
Stay in a Campervan or Motorhome
As mentioned earlier, a motorhome or campervan is a great choice for flexibility. You can park in Pauillac and avoid any stress related to post-race travel. However, keep in mind that you’ll need extra time if you’re renting from a location outside of Bordeaux.
Stay in Bordeaux
We stayed in Bordeaux, which allowed easy access to the city and post-race amenities. Here’s a list of recommended apartments and hotels in Bordeaux:
Apartments:
Hotels:
- Affordable and Central Hotel
- Great Value, Good Location
- Charming Old Hotel with Excellent Location
- Beautiful Hotel in Central Bordeaux
Stay Along the Train Route
For those who prefer staying outside of Bordeaux but still want easy access via the train, here are some great places to consider:
Conclusion
No matter how you decide to get to Bordeaux and Pauillac for the Marathon du Médoc, there are plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences. Whether you choose to fly directly, take a scenic train route, or stay in a cozy campervan, your marathon adventure will be a memorable one.
Make sure to book your travel and accommodation early, as this popular event can lead to higher prices and limited availability!
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