The Cote d´Azur will provide a tranquil background to the grueling IRONMAN triathlon
Most people come to the south of France to relax. To kick back with a glass of wine and a view of the sea. But triathletes are not most people.
The IRONMAN Women’s World Championship will be held on September 22, 2024, in the French city of Nice. Competitors will race from the Mediterranean to the mountains and back to the coast for a marathon finish. The backdrop for this punishing quest is gorgeous — the low hills and shimmering shoreline of the Cote d´Azur.
Flying to the French Riviera is a specialty for Global Air Charters. Our clients charter to Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez every summer. Our fleet of ultra-long-range airframes can fly nonstop from the United States to Nice Cote d´Azur Airport (LFMN).
Contact our flight coordinators today to reserve your airframe for Nice this September. Here’s what you need to know about the IRONMAN Women’s World Championships to make the most of your visit.
Watching the Race
The best spots to watch the action center around Nice’s shoreline promenade. There you can see the entire swimming portion, the start and finish of the biking loop, and the final stretch of the running track.
VIP packages are available for race day. These include several perks, including reserved seating, food and drink packages, and other special race access.
Stop by the IRONMAN Village during race weekend at the Promenade du Paillon, the park adjacent to Place Messéna. There will be bike shops, official merchandise, and booths with several IRONMAN exhibitors.
The race begins at the pebbly beach of Plage des Ponchettes. Swimmers make two long laps out into the Baie des Anges, perpendicular to the beachside promenade. The athletes will then leave the beach for a 112-mile bike tour of the gorgeous hillside villages of the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Once they’ve returned to Nice, they’ll set out on foot for the final leg. Runners will take four laps of a sea-level loop that follows the coastline westward from Nice’s Old Town. Stay close to that central transition area to catch all the most dramatic moments.
The Best Hotels
As with any stay in Nice, you’ll want to book a hotel on the promenade near the water. You can’t miss the pink dome of Hotel Le Negresco, an iconic sight on the Niçoise coastline. Its Belle Époque facade gives way to modern elegance on the interior. It features a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chantecler, private beach access, luxury suites, and two elegant bars.
The Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is another five-star stay that’s close to the action. Its pool deck looks out at the promenade and its Turkish baths are the perfect way to unwind.
While You’re in Nice
Spend an afternoon wandering the narrow streets of Nice’s Old Town (Vieux-Nice). You’ll see several historical markers and discover the Cours Saleya. This colorful pedestrian street has flower sellers, fruit and vegetable stands, and a flea market.
Walk a little further into the Old Town and soon you’ll be summiting the Colline du Château. This broad hill is surrounded by a lush park which features a dramatic waterfall and the ruins of a castle. The view from the top is the best in town.
Finish your tour of Old Town with a seafood dinner at Peixes. This petit bistro is short on space and long on charm. The plates are tapas-style, so order a bunch of them, especially the mussels and at least one ceviche.
IRONMAN Women’s World Championship 2024
Our flight coordinators will ensure that your journey to the south of France is seamless and relaxing. Contact us today to learn more about arriving at the IRONMAN Women’s World Championships in style.
