The Top Sports Highlights of 2024 in Nice Côte d’Azur
5 January 2024
The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area stands as an ideal playground for enthusiasts of nature and sports alike. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that numerous exciting sporting events unfold here annually. Whether it’s cycling, trail running, swimming, triathlon, or more, you can actively participate in thrilling challenges or cheer on competitors while immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural landscapes of this picturesque region.
Arrival of the Paris-Nice – March 9 and 10
A “Course du Soleil” with a taste of the Tour de France 2024!
During the last weekend of the Paris-Nice, cyclists will follow several routes from the final stage of the upcoming Tour de France 2024!
Stage 7: Nice – Auron: 173 km – Mountain stage with 3750 m elevation gain
Route: Nice, Gattières, Gilette, La Bollène-Vésubie, Col Saint-Martin, La Colmiane, Saint-Sauveur sur Tinée, Isola, Auron. The second-to-last stage will take climbers to high altitudes, reaching Auron and passing near the cols of La Couillole and Isola 2000.
Stage 8: Finish in Nice: 109.3 km – Hilly stage with 2200 m elevation gain
Nice, Saint Martin du Var, Levens climb, Chateauneuf climb, L’Escarène, La Turbie, Col d’Eze, Nice.
On March 10, 2024, the final stage of Paris-Nice will crown the overall champion of the 82nd edition, concluding a 1,219 km competition. During this last day, which partially follows the route of the final time trial of the Tour de France 2024, competitors will tackle the iconic Col d’Eze (6 km at 7.6%) before crossing the finish line on the legendary Promenade des Anglais.
Take on the Paris-Nice Challenge
Take on the challenge under the same conditions as the professional race!
Not a pro but love cycling? The Paris-Nice Challenge is designed for you! On March 9, 2024, come face the ultimate stage of Paris-Nice, under the same conditions as the professionals, one day before the “peloton” passes through! On the agenda: a stunning route, a demanding distance of 120 km, and most importantly, a 2200m elevation gain, all in an idyllic setting! –> More information
Nice International Half Marathon – April 21
The Nice International Half Marathon celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. This half marathon is a qualifying race for the French Championship. Year after year, it asserts itself as one of the most significant events in our country, both in terms of the number of participants (3,000) and the level of performances achieved. The course combines the seaside and the heart of the city, extending to the harbor for the half marathon distance! In this exceptional setting, various distances will be offered based on preferences and abilities: 21.1 km, the premier distance, as well as a 10 km and a 5 km (running/walking), not to mention family races with no age limit and races for children from 7 years old! –> www.nicesemimarathon.com
IronMan and IronMan 70.3 – June 16
Every year, 6,000 athletes from around the world come to compete in three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. Considered one of the most beautiful races in the world by the specialized American magazine Triathletes, IronMan France Nice takes participants through the most scenic locations in the metropolitan landscape of Nice. With a start in the Mediterranean (3.8 km swim), followed by a 180 km cycling loop in the rugged hinterland, and concluding with a marathon of 42.195 km, IronMan France Nice is a highlight of the sports season. –> www.ironman.com/im-france
For those interested, there is an option to register for IronMan 70.3, which offers the same events at half the distances. –> www.ironman.com/im703-nice“
Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour – June 21 to 23
The Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour is one of the most challenging trail events in the world. However, the event becomes accessible to a wide range of participants by offering 8 races of varying difficulty levels. The different courses (ranging from 5 km to 125 km) traverse villages, alpine pastures, forests, up to the peaks of Mercantour, providing breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur landscapes, between sea and mountains.
Regardless of the result, the important thing is to participate and soak in the experience! Endurance, environmental respect, closeness to nature, solidarity… ultimately, it’s the most beautiful human experience for the 600 participants! –> utcam06.com/
Tour de France 2024 Arrival – July 19 to 21
For the first time in its history, the Tour de France will conclude somewhere other than Paris due to the proximity of dates with the Olympics. This 111th edition will kick off from the city of Florence, Italy, on June 29 and conclude in Nice on July 21, 2024.
Three stages will take place in the Nice Côte d’Azur region:
- July 19: Embrun – Arrival at Isola 2000 – 145 km
- July 20: Nice – Col de la Couillole – 133 km
- July 21: Time Trial: Monaco – Nice – 34 km
By hosting the arrival of the Tour de France 2024, the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan area continues to make its mark in the history of cycling. In 2020, the Grande Boucle had already set off from Nice.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games – July 24 to 31
Nice Côte d’Azur will have the privilege of hosting several football matches (3 matches for the men’s tournament and 3 for the women’s tournament) during the 2024 Olympic Games, providing a unique opportunity for sports enthusiasts to experience the excitement of this international competition on the French Riviera.
For the men’s tournament, the matches are scheduled at the Allianz Riviera Stadium:
- On Wednesday, July 24, at 5:00 PM
- On Saturday, July 27, at 9:00 PM
- On Tuesday, July 30, at 5:00 PM
It is worth noting that France will compete in an elimination match on July 27.
For the women’s tournament, the matches are scheduled at the Allianz Riviera Stadium:
- On Thursday, July 25, at 9:00 PM
- On Sunday, July 28, at 7:00 PM
- On Wednesday, July 31, at 9:00 PM
Nice will also have the privilege of being one of the cities on the Olympic Torch Relay route on June 18, 2024!
VinFast IronMan Women’s World Championship – September 22
In addition to the IronMan France Nice and IronMan 70.3 competitions, Nice has been selected to co-host the Ironman World Championship 140.6 (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42 km run) alongside Kona (Hawaii), the historical birthplace of triathlon. After hosting the men’s edition in September 2023, Nice will host the women’s edition on September 22, 2024, further solidifying the city’s position as the premier destination for long-distance triathlon in Europe. www.ironman.com/im-world-championship-nice
The men’s 2024 World Championships will take place in the Hawaiian city of Kona. In 2025, the men will return to Nice, while the women will head to Kona. This alternating pattern will continue until 2026, with both cities jointly hosting the event. The IronMan World Championships stand as the pinnacle in the world of triathlon, an event every triathlete should aspire to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Transvésubienne – September 29
Established as a legendary and benchmark mountain biking race since 1988, the Transvésubienne unfolds, connecting the peaks of Mercantour to the azure blue of the Baie des Anges. It serves as the stage for the world’s elite mountain bikers, navigating through highly technical and challenging descents. Spanning from Saint-Martin-Vésubie to the Bay of Angels in Nice, the Transvésubienne promises 84 km of extreme adventure and pure mountain biking! Featuring 2,900m of positive elevation gain, 4,100m of negative elevation, and, above all, the backdrop of extraordinary landscapes! –> www.ucc-sportevent.com/transvesubienne/“
Nice Côte d’Azur By UTMB® – October 3 to 6
From the towering peaks of the high mountains to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB© stands as the preeminent trail running event in the Mediterranean basin. The UTMB® World Series Events bring together the finest trail running competitions worldwide, meticulously organized with stringent criteria for quality and safety. These events offer runners a chance to immerse themselves in the UTMB® experience, rooted in essential human values such as self-transcendence, fair play, respect for individuals and the environment, and solidarity.
Anticipated to be as spectacular as its predecessors, this 3rd edition features four distances spanning from 20 km to 165 km. Runners have a multitude of opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, from the towering peaks of Mercantour to breathtaking panoramic views of the French Riviera. The journey culminates in the heart of the city of Nice, along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. In 2023, the race drew over 4,000 competitors. –> nice.utmb.world/fr
Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice Cannes – November 3
The 16th edition of the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes will take place on November 3, 2024. Sun, sea, palm trees, and glamour – an exceptional setting for a ‘5-star Marathon’! Starting from Nice, runners will trace the stunning Baie des Anges, heading towards Cannes after passing through the most beautiful coastal towns of the French Riviera: Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, and more. It’s one of the most beautiful marathons globally, with a stunning 95% along the seaside!
With over 175,000 registered runners since its inception in 2008 and participants from 60 nations at the starting line across all offered distances (42.195 km, 2 x 21.1 km, 20 km, marathon relay), the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes captivates competitors worldwide with its picturesque landscapes and mild, temperate climate. –
In 2024, sports will once again take center stage in Nice! Following the hosting of the Rugby World Cup, the Hopman Cup, and the Men’s IronMan World Championships in 2023, Nice Côte d’Azur continues to etch its name further into the sports legend every day!
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