On 8 November 2026, the 18th Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice–Cannes will take place along the French Riviera. The race begins on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and finishes on the Croisette in Cannes, opposite the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
A marathon weekend requires slightly more planning than a conventional Côte d’Azur break: the start and finish are in different cities, bibs must be collected in Nice beforehand, and race-day road restrictions affect normal transport.
One of the main practical questions is therefore whether to stay in Nice close to the start or in Cannes close to the finish.
At the time of publication, the individual marathon is already marked sold out by the organiser, so this guide is primarily intended for registered runners and their accompanying friends or family.
Start in Nice, Finish in Cannes
The marathon takes place on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The start is located on the Promenade des Anglais opposite the Théâtre de Verdure.
The official regulations provide for successive starts: 07:57 for handisport athletes, 08:00 for elite runners and the main field from 08:03. Participants should follow the timing of their assigned wave and enter their starting area at least 30 minutes beforehand.
The finish is on the Esplanade des Alliés in Cannes, opposite the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The maximum permitted race time is six hours.
The course therefore connects two of the French Riviera’s best-known cities along the Mediterranean coast.
Staying in Nice: The Most Convenient Option Before the Start
For the runner, Nice is generally the most practical base for the night before the marathon.
The main advantage is straightforward: the race starts here, eliminating the need for an intercity transfer early on Sunday morning.
Nice is also home to the Marathon Expo, where runners must collect their bibs before race day.
When and Where to Collect Your Bib
The Marathon Expo is held at the Centre des Congrès Nicéa / OcéaNice at the Port of Nice, Quai Amiral Infernet:
- Thursday 5 November: 12:00–19:00;
- Friday 6 November: 10:00–19:00;
- Saturday 7 November: 09:00–20:00.
Runners should bring identification, their official collection voucher and, if required, a valid licence or PPS documentation.
No bibs are distributed on Sunday morning. This makes staying in Nice particularly convenient for anyone arriving on Friday or Saturday.
Current bib-collection information is available on the official Marathon Expo page.
Where to Stay in Nice
When choosing accommodation, consider not only the distance from the Promenade des Anglais but also the simplicity of reaching the start area early in the morning.
Central areas with straightforward walking or public-transport access to the Promenade and Place Masséna are particularly practical.
Marathon runners can leave their official runner bags at Place Masséna between approximately 06:30 and 07:20. The organiser then transfers the bags to the finish area in Cannes.
Staying in Cannes: Convenient After the Finish
An alternative is to make Cannes your main base.
This can be particularly convenient for family and friends who plan to meet the runner at the finish and spend Sunday evening around the Croisette.
For the runner, being able to return directly to nearby accommodation after 42.195 kilometres can also be a significant advantage.
Getting from Cannes to the Start
The organiser offers a dedicated bus option for individual marathon runners for €15.
Runners who have booked the service should meet at the Esplanade de la Pantiero in Cannes, close to the car-park entrance, between 05:30 and 06:45 on race morning.
The buses take participants to Place Masséna in Nice, where the runner bag-drop area is located.
The option must be purchased in advance; tickets are not sold at the Marathon Expo or on race day.
How to Travel After the Marathon
Transport between Nice and Cannes is significantly easier for registered participants.
On 8 November, the race bib acts as a free travel pass for unlimited ZOU! train journeys between Nice and Cannes in both directions throughout the day.
This benefit applies to runners taking part in the different race formats organised during the event.
Bus Back to Nice
Marathon runners who purchased the €15 bus option can also use the return transfer after finishing.
Services leave from the Port of Cannes between 11:00 and 16:00.
Companion Travel Pass
For accompanying friends and family, the organiser and ZOU! now offer an €8 Pass Accompagnant Marathon.
It provides unlimited train travel between Nice and Cannes on marathon day, making it easier to support a runner at more than one point along the route.
The pass is available online, at selected stations along the route and from the ZOU! stand at the Marathon Expo.
Current details can be found on the official marathon transport page.
What Should Accompanying Friends and Family Do?
For accompanying guests, the marathon can become the centrepiece of a full autumn weekend on the French Riviera.
It is sensible to keep Saturday relatively relaxed, giving the runner time to collect the bib, prepare equipment and rest before the race.
On Sunday, companions can choose one intermediate point to watch the race before travelling to Cannes for the finish.
The organiser specifically recommends Juan-les-Pins as one of the practical railway stops for supporters and asks spectators to avoid unnecessarily crowding the smaller Villeneuve-Loubet station, which is important for relay and 20 km participants.
A dedicated meeting area will also be provided after the Cannes finish so runners can reconnect with family and friends.
Following a runner by car along the whole course is not advisable because road closures and traffic restrictions operate during the event.
Nice or Cannes: Which Is Better?
For a short marathon trip, the choice can be reduced to a simple distinction.
Nice is generally easier for the runner:
- the Marathon Expo is here;
- bib collection takes place here;
- the race starts on the Promenade des Anglais;
- there is no need for an early intercity transfer.
Cannes is convenient after the race:
- the finish is beside the Palais des Festivals and Croisette;
- family and friends can wait close to the finish;
- the runner can return directly to accommodation after the marathon;
- a dedicated early-morning bus service is available to reach Nice.
A Third Option: Nice Before the Race, Cannes Afterwards
For a longer weekend, it is possible to divide the stay between the two cities.
For example, spend Friday and Saturday in Nice, collect the bib and walk to the start on Sunday morning, then continue the trip from Cannes after crossing the finish line.
This requires organising luggage and changing accommodation, but it closely follows the geography of the marathon itself: the weekend begins in Nice and naturally ends in Cannes.
Trains Between Nice and Cannes
Under normal conditions, the rail connection between the two cities is frequent. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport indicates approximately 15-minute weekday frequencies on the Cannes–Nice–Monaco–Menton corridor, with later services at weekends.
Because 8 November is a major event day, however, check the final timetable directly with ZOU! or SNCF Connect shortly before travelling.
What to Check Before the Marathon Weekend
Even with accommodation and transport organised in advance, check the official event information again during the final days before the race.
- your assigned start wave and access time;
- the latest Nice–Cannes train timetable;
- bus arrangements if you purchased the shuttle option;
- road closures and traffic restrictions on 8 November;
- runner bag-drop and collection instructions;
- transport arrangements for companions.
Where to Stay for the Nice–Cannes Marathon
ServiceAzur can assist with seasonal accommodation in Nice, Cannes and other parts of the Côte d’Azur according to the length of the stay, number of guests and preferred marathon-weekend logistics.
For runners, easy access to the start and a quiet night before the race may be the priority, while families or groups of supporters may prefer to stay close to the Cannes finish.
Individual properties, rates and availability must be confirmed for the requested dates.
Explore ServiceAzur accommodation on the French Riviera or contact our team for a personalised selection.
