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Solo Female Running in Marseille and Paris

Posted by on

My husband and I will be in Marseille for a week and then Paris for 5 days. This is not only my first time in France but my first time leaving the US; I AM SO EXCITED :)

I am an endurance athlete and love exploring cities and new places by running. I prefer to start my day with a 5-6 mile run (or longer, depending on the weather etc.). I am hoping to maintain as much of my current training as possible. My first question is, does anyone have suggestions or tips for running in both of these cities? Is it safe to run by myself (as I typically do in the US)? Anything I should be aware of/avoid? I have looked at a few websites and found a couple interesting routes but my main concern right now is safety. Are the french accustomed to endurance athletes sharing the road/sidewalk occasionally?
Any suggestions on creative ways to sneak some exercise in in both of these cities? Biking/kyaking/free yoga classes?

Posted by
3964 posts

I would say that “the French” are not accustom to sharing the road with pedestrians and runners. Stick to the parks, paths along the rivers, etc. Use caution and obey pedestrian rules when crossing any city street.

Posted by
187 posts

Luxembourg Gardens is large enough to get in a 5-mile run and it is much safer than running on city streets. I ran by myself and had no worries. There are generally enough people around that you will feel safe. Lots of families and children use the park and it is a beautiful park.
No experience with running in Marseille.

Posted by
162 posts

When I was in Paris I was with a friend who ran every morning. We were staying on Ile St Louis and she just ran along the river down to/toward the Eiffel Tower. She usually went early and saw some other runners - she stayed on the sidewalks and had no trouble. Paris is a pretty safe city and I wouldn't worry about that. sue

Posted by
243 posts

My wife and I have run multiple times in Paris and many smaller towns in France. We have not run in Marseille. PM me if you want recommendations for other towns.

As far as Paris, A second vote for Luxembourg Gardens. The elevated pathway, the Promenade Plantee, (not sure of the name but listed in RS France book). It was a place to great run and saw only a few other runners. This may have be of concern but we felt safe. We did run in the rain so it may have been less populated because of weather. Also grassy area near the Eiffel Tower is nice. The Tuileries and area around the Louvre is great in the morning. It is free from tourists waiting to get into the museum if you start early enough and this is were we saw the greaonber of runners.
The real problem is the narrow sidewalks and streets. Allez courir a Paris!

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