Marathon in La Rochelle to begin soon

The end of November is to welcome the long-awaited 18th outing of France's La Rochelle Marathon.

Scheduled to take place in the west coast city on November 30th, runners and athletics enthusiasts from all around the UK will very likely be interested in the race, which is expecting to attract 5,000 people to take part and countless others to watch.

Each person to cross the line receives a certificate, a medal, a running jacket and "a traditional wooden bourriche of oysters" for their troubles, with any females taking part also getting a rose.

Herve Bouffaux and Claudine Golfieri were the winners of the first marathon in the city back in 1991, which is widely billed as the most important running event in France after others held in Paris and the Medoc.

Free parking and a shuttle bus to the city's centre awaits the ferry traveller, easing their journey into the centre of the popular and picturesque city.

La Rochelle became a free port in 1137 due to Guillaume X, Duke of Aquitaine, making it a very important port from the 12th century, according to the city's tourist office.

There is so much on offer for those looking for a taste of France. Read our guide to France for more information.

Get a ferry crossing quote with P&O Ferries

17 November 2008