The GFNY Cannes starts on the Boulevard de la Croisette, in front of the famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, which hosts the annual film festival and its famous red carpet steps that welcome movie stars from around the world year after year. Experience the emotion of a race on the iconic boulevard, along the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera, palm trees, luxurious palace hotels and the morning sunrise over the Mediterranean Sea. The first 5 kilometers along the Boulevard de La Croisette will be neutralized until you leave the city of Cannes.
Entering the historic seaside town of Mandelieu La Napoule, you leave behind the effervescence of Cannes to sink into the exceptional and unspoilt nature of the
hinterland. After a few flat kilometers, you tackle the first challenge of the day, the Tanneron and its 7.6km with a moderate average slope of 5%, and some sections at more than 10%, on a narrow road of the Esterel massif.
At Lake Saint Cassien, the two courses
separate. The athletes of the long course travel a breathtaking 55 km loop passing through small typical Provencal villages and impressive nature that is almost impossible to imagine so close to a Mecca of coastal tourism like Cannes. Once you have passed through the charming village of Montaroux, the second part of your race will begin with the two-part ascent of the Col d'Avaye and its magnificent narrow and steep road, as well as the imposing views of the rugged and sunny landscape of the Var. From there, enjoy about 30 km of descent from the top of 750 m with some small climbs to return to Lake Saint Cassien.
After the long and medium courses meet again, enjoy a few more descents and admire Lake Saint Cassien, then get ready to return to the coast, which will be far from easy in this massif, with a series of small
hills.
On the last small slope before arriving at the coast, a timing mat with end of your chip
time. From there, enjoy the last 10 flat kilometers of your race along the beaches and palm trees to celebrate your arrival on the Boulevard de la Croisette on one of the most famous coastal roads in the world. Celebrate the end of this prestigious event in this beautiful city of Cannes with your finish medal, post-race meal, music, award ceremony and festivities.