Running by the sea

Running while discovering breathtaking places, what more could you ask for? The sea opens up the horizon and runners have plenty to be delighted. The coastline is so important in France that one in ten French people live by the sea (our Swiss or German friends can't say the same 😝). France even has 8 of the 43 most beautiful bays in the world according to the Club of the most beautiful bays in the world (yes, it does exist)! 😂

Captivated by the waves, by the water's edge, your mind drifts away. In extraordinary maritime landscapes, a whole world of smells and sounds will blend with your run and accompany your steps. Be careful if you take on a race on a beach, you better have strong ankles: the sand makes the effort more difficult for the muscles that are more in demand 🥵.

By the sea, the climate and environment can play tricks on you when you run. Mistral, Sirocco, rising and falling tides, dunes, salt marshes, pebbles, and other rocks: a moment of inattention and you can quickly end up with your feet in the water! Don't forget also the essential sunglasses, sunscreen, and cap if you want to avoid major sunburn (and the jokes on Monday at the office 😉).

Coastal areas are often associated with magnificent landscapes, rightfully so! France is teeming with iconic spots along the coastline, and it would take hours to present them all. Let's still allow ourselves to mention the Arcachon Basin and its Pilat dune, Brittany and the Pink Granite Coast, the white stones of creeks and coves near Marseille, or the must-see Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. Not to mention the islands, each as beautiful as the next, witnesses to some of the most beautiful races that exist: Corsica, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Île de Ré, Porquerolles, etc. Beyond the mainland, the overseas territories also make up the pride and richness of the French natural heritage. Small fishing ports and coastal towns also form beautiful playgrounds. Thus, Marseille, the largest maritime port in France, offers 4 major running races each year including the Marseille-Cassis. The port of Le Havre, the old port of La Rochelle, those of Saint-Nazaire and Brest also host several races each year amidst the smells of marine algae, the sound of waves, and the cries of seagulls.

Running enthusiasts are well catered for, France is one of the European countries offering the most road races (10 km, half-marathons, marathons...) and trails by the sea. Examples include: the Pointe du Raz trail, the Cancale Saint-Malo half marathon, the Pointe de Caux trail, the Basque Country half marathon, the Royan Côte de Beauté marathon (and many more yet to be discovered on Finishers 🥰.

And as they say: "after the effort, the comfort". On that account, the seaside reserves its most beautiful treasures for you: seafood platter, fresh fish, and white wine, all to be enjoyed sprawled in a deckchair facing the blue immensity! 😎

As you can see, running by the sea means getting away and escaping. And if the salt water stings your eyes too much, don't worry; take a look at what we offer by the lakeshore.