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This French marathon has tasting stops at 23 wineries

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
Forget PBs, this race through Bordeaux’s vineyards comes with 23 wine stops, gourmet food and zero pressure to finish fast.

Every September, thousands of runners lace up their sneakers – and don outrageous costumes – for what might just be the most French marathon on earth: the Marathon du Médoc, a 42.2-kilometre race through the famed vineyards of Bordeaux. But forget personal bests and negative splits, this is a marathon with 23 wine stops, oysters on the route and more cheese than a Parisian picnic.

A race through wine country

Runners in the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France
This one-of-a-kind event winds through over 50 châteaux. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Set in the Médoc region of southwestern France, this one-of-a-kind event winds through over 50 châteaux and picturesque villages, with scenic vines as far as the eye can see. But the main draw isn’t just the postcard-perfect views, it’s the 23 official wine tastings along the course. Every few kilometres, runners can slow down and sip vintages from some of the most iconic winemakers in Bordeaux. Yes, during the marathon.

Costumes aren’t optional – they’re mandatory

Runners in the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France
Costumes pair perfectly with the Marathon du Médoc. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Adding to the festival feel, all participants must run in fancy dress, and the themes change annually. The 2025 theme is “The Sea". Past events have seen thousands of runners dressed as everything from Ronald McDonald and The Mask to wine bottles and caviar. If you’ve ever wanted to run 42.2 kilometres dressed as a baguette, this is your moment.

Oysters, cheese and ice cream… mid-race

Runners in the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France
Stop in for some gourmet snacks. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Wine might be the star of the show, but it’s not the only thing on offer. Gourmet snacks are handed out like water cups – think oysters, steak, cheese, pastries and even ice cream. In true French fashion, fuelling the race means indulging, not carb-loading.

No rush to the finish

Runners in the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France
Runners have 6.5 hours to finish. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

While technically a marathon, the Médoc is anything but high-pressure. With a generous cut-off time of six-and-a-half hours, most runners treat it like a rolling festival rather than a race. Many take their time to enjoy the wine stops, food stations, music and spontaneous dancing.

A cult classic for runners and revellers

Runners in the Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France
It’s easy to see the appeal of the marathon. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Now more than 30 years old, the Médoc Marathon has earned cult status among the global running community. It’s become a bucket-list race for those who want to combine fitness with French flair, and it’s easy to see why.

Registrations are no longer open for the 2025 Médoc Marathon, but it’s a good time to start planning your 2026 run.

From the château backdrops to the wine-fuelled revelry, it’s less about the finish line and more about soaking up the experience (and the wine).

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is International Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company, through various roles, she has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore the world. Her previous job was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing – equipping her with a diverse skill set that enhances her storytelling and audience engagement. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring under-the-radar destinations. Next on her travel wish list? Mexico and an African safari.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

    This French marathon has tasting stops at 23 wineries