Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur 2027 – France

What to expect in 2027

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur 2027 will bring back one of the world’s most famous long-distance cycling events. Organized by the Audax Club Parisien, the event is a legendary endurance challenge that takes riders from the Paris region to Brest in Brittany and back again on a self-supported route. Unlike a traditional race, Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur is a randonnée where cyclists ride at their own pace while aiming to complete the route within the official time limit.

The event is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious long-distance cycling adventures in the world. The first edition was held in 1891, and since 1931 it has been organized as a non-competitive endurance cycling event open to qualified riders. It takes place every four years and attracts thousands of cyclists from many countries.

The 2027 edition will offer participants a classic Paris-Brest-Paris experience with new route features and updated organization. The organizer has announced that the event will continue to combine the traditional journey between Paris and Brest with improvements designed for riders, volunteers and spectators.

Participants can expect:

• A legendary ultra-distance cycling challenge
• A route covering more than 1,200 kilometres
• Multiple official checkpoints along the course
• International participation from amateur endurance cyclists
• A self-supported riding experience with official event assistance at controls
• A unique atmosphere created by local communities welcoming riders day and night

The event is not only about completing the distance but also about experiencing the history, traditions and community atmosphere surrounding one of cycling’s most respected endurance challenges.

Match/event dates

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur 2027 will take place from August 22 to 26, 2027.

The event will run over several days, allowing participants to complete the long-distance route within their selected time category. Riders will start in waves according to their chosen starting group and completion target.

The organizer has published the official 2027 regulations, including starting categories, qualification requirements, registration information and time limits.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur does not take place inside a traditional stadium or fixed sports venue. Instead, the event uses a long-distance road cycling route through towns, villages and countryside areas across France.

The official start and finish location will be Rambouillet, located southwest of Paris. The Château de Rambouillet park will serve as the departure and arrival area, continuing the setup used in the previous edition.

The event route connects the Paris region with Brest in Brittany before returning to the starting area. Riders pass through numerous control points where they can receive official support, validation and access participant services.

The major locations connected with the route include:

• Rambouillet
• Mortagne-au-Perche
• Villaines-la-Juhel
• Fougères
• Tinténiac
• Pontivy
• Pleyben
• Brest

The final detailed route information and control locations are provided by the organizer as the event approaches.

Full fixture or event schedule

The complete event schedule includes participant registration activities, bike checks, departure waves, control-point visits and arrival procedures.

The main programme includes:

• Participant check-in and equipment collection
• Starting wave organization
• Long-distance cycling route
• Official checkpoints
• Finish validation
• Medal and participant recognition services

Before departure, riders must complete administrative procedures and collect their official event equipment, including safety-related items and participant materials.

During the ride, participants pass through official controls where their progress is recorded. These checkpoints are an essential part of the Paris-Brest-Paris format because riders must prove completion of the route.

The organizer provides services at controls, but participants remain responsible for their own personal preparation, accommodation choices and additional food requirements.

Teams, athletes & participants

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur is open to endurance cyclists rather than professional cycling teams.

The event attracts thousands of riders from around the world, with the official organizer expecting approximately 8,000 participants representing around 70 countries.

Participants must meet qualification requirements before taking part. Riders need to complete qualifying Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) organized under the control of approved Audax Club Parisien organizers.

The qualification system ensures that participants have experience with long-distance cycling before attempting the demanding Paris-Brest-Paris route.

Riders include:

• Experienced ultra-distance cyclists
• International randonnée enthusiasts
• Amateur endurance athletes
• Cycling tourists seeking a historic challenge

The event welcomes different types of bicycles that comply with organizer regulations, including solo bicycles, tandems, tricycles and other approved special bicycles.

Tournament format & competition structure

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur is not a competitive tournament with rankings, knockout stages or team competitions.

The event follows a randonnée format where riders complete the route independently within an official time limit. All successful finishers are recognized for completing the challenge rather than competing for traditional race positions.

Participants choose starting waves based on their preferred completion time and bicycle category. The official regulations include different time limits for different starting groups.

The main structure includes:

• Start from Rambouillet
• Ride to Brest
• Return to Rambouillet
• Pass through official checkpoints
• Complete the route within the assigned time limit

The route covers approximately 1,200 kilometres with significant elevation gain, making preparation, pacing and endurance essential parts of the challenge.

Match/event times

The official starting schedule is organized through different waves.

The organizer provides several departure categories, including faster solo riders, special bicycles, women-only starting options and general solo-bike groups.

Starting waves allow the large number of participants to leave in a controlled manner and help reduce congestion on the course.

The event uses different completion time limits depending on the starting group, including 80-hour, 84-hour and 90-hour categories.

Participants should check their assigned starting wave and official instructions before arrival because start organization is an important part of the event experience.

Ticket types

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur does not use traditional spectator tickets because it is a participation-based cycling event.

The main registration type is:

Participant registration

This provides qualified cyclists with access to the official event, including route participation, control access and participant services.

The registration package includes official event items and services such as:

• Participation in Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur
• Official water bottle
• Reflective vest
• Luggage storage at departure
• Route documentation
• Participant tracking services
• Access to checkpoints
• Emergency support services
• Finisher medal for successful riders

Spectators can watch riders along the route without purchasing a conventional event ticket.

Ticket release phases

Registration follows a qualification-based process rather than a standard public ticket sale.

Pre-registration priority depends on riders’ qualifying BRM achievements. The organizer opens access according to the longest qualifying brevet completed during the qualification period.

The registration process includes:

• Pre-registration based on qualification history
• Online registration through the official website
• Payment confirmation
• Final participant validation

The organizer limits participation for safety reasons, with a maximum number of starters established for the event.

Cyclists interested in participating should prepare their qualification rides before registration opens.

VIP & hospitality options

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur does not operate as a professional sporting event with traditional VIP hospitality areas.

The event focuses on rider participation, community support and long-distance cycling culture.

Participants can access official services included within registration, while additional personal arrangements such as hotels, meals and transport are generally organized independently.

Some local communities along the route provide support areas, food services and welcoming spaces for riders, creating a unique atmosphere throughout the journey.

The organizer’s official services focus primarily on participant safety, route management and logistical support rather than commercial hospitality packages.

Stadium & event rules

Participants must follow the official Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur regulations.

Important rules include:

• Riders must meet qualification requirements
• Participants must use approved bicycles
• Riders must follow official checkpoints
• Riders must respect traffic regulations because roads remain open to normal traffic
• Personal support is limited to conditions allowed by the organizer

The event is completed in a self-supported format, meaning riders must manage many aspects of their journey independently.

Safety equipment requirements include items such as visibility equipment and approved bicycle equipment.

The organizer may introduce control procedures to ensure riders follow the official route and regulations.

How to get there

The main event location is Rambouillet, southwest of Paris.

Rambouillet is accessible from Paris by train, car and bicycle, making it a practical location for international participants arriving through the French capital.

International visitors commonly travel through Paris airports before connecting to Rambouillet.

Recommended travel planning includes:

• Arriving in the Paris region before the event
• Transporting bicycles safely
• Allowing enough time for registration procedures
• Planning return travel after completing the route

Participants should review official travel information before finalizing arrangements because bicycle transport requirements can vary between airlines and transport providers.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is one of the most practical ways to reach Rambouillet.

The town has rail connections with the Paris region, allowing participants to travel without relying entirely on private vehicles.

Parking arrangements around the start area are controlled according to event organization plans. Participants should check official instructions regarding bicycle transport, parking locations and access restrictions.

Because thousands of riders and support teams gather around the start area, early planning is recommended.

Accommodation areas

Accommodation planning is an important part of Paris-Brest-Paris because participants may need lodging before departure and after finishing.

Recommended accommodation areas include:

• Rambouillet for easy access to the start and finish
• Paris for international arrivals
• Towns near major transport connections

During the ride, many participants use their own support strategies, including hotels, local accommodation facilities or rest areas near checkpoints.

The organizer provides information about control locations, but participants are responsible for arranging personal accommodation and recovery plans.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and hydration are essential because riders complete a very long-distance endurance challenge.

Official checkpoints provide participant services, but riders must also plan their own nutrition strategy.

Participants should prepare for:

• Long hours on the bicycle
• Personal hydration needs
• Energy requirements
• Recovery after each section

The registration package includes access to official checkpoints and services, while additional meals, accommodation and personal expenses remain the responsibility of riders.

Local communities along the route are also known for welcoming riders with food, drinks and encouragement.

Accessibility

Accessibility arrangements focus mainly on participating cyclists rather than stadium-style spectator facilities.

Because the event takes place over a long road route, accessibility conditions vary depending on location.

The start and finish area at Rambouillet provides the most organized environment, while roadside locations and rural sections may have limited facilities.

Participants with specific accessibility requirements should contact the organizer before travelling to receive the most accurate information.

The event regulations also specify approved bicycle categories to ensure safe participation.

Best matches/events to attend

Paris-Brest-Paris is experienced differently from a traditional sporting event because spectators follow a long-distance journey rather than a single venue.

The best experiences include:

The start in Rambouillet

The departure atmosphere is one of the most memorable parts of the event, with thousands of cyclists preparing for the challenge.

Control points

Checkpoint locations provide opportunities to see riders, experience local support and observe the endurance challenge.

The Brest turnaround

Reaching Brest represents the halfway point and one of the symbolic moments of the journey.

The finish in Rambouillet

The arrival area celebrates riders completing one of cycling’s greatest endurance challenges.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition of Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur was held in 2023, continuing the event’s tradition of bringing together long-distance cyclists from around the world.

The event maintained its reputation as one of the largest and most respected endurance cycling challenges.

Thousands of riders completed the journey between the Paris region and Brest, supported by volunteers, local communities and cycling organizations.

The 2027 edition continues a tradition that began in 1891 and remains one of the most historic events in international cycling.

Official tickets

Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur uses official registration rather than spectator tickets.

Cyclists must register through the official Paris-Brest-Paris website and complete the required qualification process.

Official registration information, regulations, route details and participant updates are available through: https://www.paris-brest-paris.org/en/

The organizer recommends following the official website for the latest information regarding registration, preparation requirements and event instructions.