Marseille: European Capital of Sport in 2017
02/02/2017
- Event
The opening ceremony of the “European Capital of Sport in 2017” took place in the Vieux-Port on January 14.
A favorite destination for both top athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts, it is no surprise that the Association of European Capitals of Sport nominated Marseille for this honor this year. Since 2001, this award has recognized cities with populations of over 500,000 in which sports promotes inclusiveness and diversity in all layers of society.
Each month, the city will be the focus of one or more sporting events. Be sure not to miss:
- In February: The Tour de la Provence (cycling) and the Open 13 Provence (tennis)
- In March: The Meeting Open Méditerranée (swimming) and Run in Marseille (running)
- In April: Championnat de France de Basket Handisport (French Championship of Handicapped Basketball) and the sailing world’s World Cup
- In May: the Ironman 70.3 of Pays d’Aix (triathlon) and the semi-finals of the Rugby Top 14
- In June: the Marseillaise des Femmes (charity run) and the Sosh Freestyle Cup
- In July: the Mondial la Marseillaise (petanque) and the Tour de France
- In August: the Championnat d’Europe Junior (swimming) and the RollerSoccer Club World Cup
- In September: the Urban Elements series (outdoor sports) and the Défi Run (obstacle course)
- In October: the Championnat du monde de danse sportive (World Championship of Competitive Dance) and the Marseille-Cassis race
- In November, the Night of Champions (combat sports) and the Squash World Championship
- In December: the Corrida du Vieux-Port (bull fighting), which will wind up this incredible year of sports!
The City of Marseille has announced “15 national or international championships” in the plans for this year of sports, and 420 projects have been outlined!
So Marseille will host many European and World Champions, including:
- Downhill ice skating World Cup
- Skate Cross World Cup
- Windsurfing World Cup
- VTT Junior World Cup
- Trials World Cup
- World Boxing Championship
- European Brazilian Ju Jitsu Championship
- Team Judo French Championship
- Table Tennis French Championship
- VTT French Championship
A rich program, full of the sports you love, awaits you this year! You can obtain the full program at mpsport2017.marseille.fr/programmation.
To make your visit to the European Capital of Sport easier this year, make sure you take advantage of all of the Q-Park car parks, located in the center of the city and on the outskirts of town.