Beaujolais Marathon 2026: Sport and Wine Celebration in Villefranche-sur-Saône

Villefranche-sur-Saône prepares to host the Beaujolais Marathon on November 21, 2026, featuring races, festivities, and the traditional unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

Generic image of runners crossing a finish line in a festive atmosphere, with vineyards in the background.
AI

Generic image of runners crossing a finish line in a festive atmosphere, with vineyards in the background.

The city of Villefranche-sur-Saône will buzz with the Beaujolais Marathon on Saturday, November 21, 2026, an event expected to draw nearly 35,000 participants from 98 nationalities, including the traditional Beaujolais Nouveau unveiling.

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, Villefranche-sur-Saône will host the Beaujolais Marathon, an event combining sport, conviviality, and celebration of the new wine. The city anticipates nearly 35,000 athletes from 98 different nationalities for its 22nd edition.
Festivities will kick off on Saturday with several races in the city center, including the Marathon (42.195km), the Half-Marathon (21km), the 13km du Rhône, and the Foulée des Conscrits. All finishes will be on Boulevard Jean-Jaurès. The integration of partner ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) aims to ensure the event's sustainability while preserving its values of sport, celebration, and solidarity.
The day will feature the traditional unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau (mise en perce) on the steps of the Hôtel de Ville at 6:30 PM, followed by a show, mapping, and fireworks, offering a moment of shared celebration.
On Sunday, November 22, festivities will continue in Gleizé with three trail races (15, 24, and 43km), a Solidarity Hike (12km), and the Family Marathon (2.5km and 5km).
Traffic and parking measures will be in effect from Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 4 AM to Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5 AM.
Based on information from the official source: Ville de Villefranche-sur-Saône (30/10/2026)