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Why it's going to be a nightmare to get around Paris all weekend

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The Editor

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We all know that driving in Paris is a real nightmare, even on a normal day. There are traffic jams, slowdowns, traffic lights, accidents—basically, it’s a true obstacle course. And unfortunately for all the drivers, motorcyclists, and truckers, it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better this Sunday, April 13.

This weekend, we're giving you a heads up, it’s going to be quite the sport in the streets of Paris, both literally and figuratively. Literally, because after the half-marathon, the Ecotrail de Paris, the 10 km Étoiles, and the 10 km du Neuf, the capital is getting ready to host the famous Paris marathon. And figuratively, because this event could create a bit of chaos for cars with a number of traffic and parking restrictions to keep in mind. Whether you’re about to take your place at the starting line or slide behind the wheel of your car, we recommend starting to warm up right now.


A race like no other

Without a doubt, it’s the highlight of the sporting news in the capital. After months of training, Instagram posts showing off their Strava performances, and engaging in conversations about…Raving about the best sneakers and the best gels, the seasoned runners of the capital are finally ready to take off on the sacred race: the Paris Marathon. The 48th edition of this extraordinary race will take place on Sunday, April 13, leading the bravest runners of Paris from the Champs-Élysées… to the Champs-Élysées. The athletes will complete a lovely little loop that goes through the heart of the capital, with a beautiful stretch along the quays, as well as the Vincennes and Boulogne woods, the Place de la Concorde, Bastille, The Louvre, and Grand Palais, in short, names that make you dream a little.


Prohibitions Galore

To ensure the setup of the course and especially the safety of everyone running here, no motor vehicles will, of course, be allowed during the timeframe designated by the prefecture of Paris. This will especially affect 6 districts of the capital, namely the 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, and 16th. For the other 14, you should be pretty much at ease. In the affected areas, however, all streets near the course will be completely inaccessible, and this starting from the evening of Friday the 11th for parking in certain streets.

As for the traffic, it's the same fight, there are about forty places, streets, avenues, and other little alleys that will be completely inaccessible, including part of the peripheral highway, by order of the Paris prefecture. For the most part, the restrictions will start from early morning on Saturday the 12th and will last until the evening of Sunday the 13th. But honestly, since the lists of all these prohibitions are incredibly long, we won't insult you by copying them all, and we invite you to discover them for yourselves in the official decree from the prefecture, which you can check out right here!