Paris, France – Motorists planning to travel near the Eiffel Tower this weekend should anticipate significant traffic disruptions. The 19th edition of the EcoTrail Paris-Île-de-France, taking place on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, will necessitate temporary road closures and traffic modifications in the 7th and 16th arrondissements of Paris.
The most substantial disruption will be the complete closure of the Pont d’Iéna to motorized traffic, beginning Saturday, March 21st at 1:00 AM and lasting until Sunday, March 22nd at 10:00 AM – a total of approximately 33 hours. Authorities advise drivers to avoid this route entirely throughout the weekend.
Quai Jacques Chirac Also Affected
Traffic on the Quai Jacques Chirac will also be impacted, starting Saturday, March 21st at 4:00 PM and continuing until Sunday, March 22nd at 12:15 AM. Restrictions will include a prohibition of traffic heading East between Avenue de Suffren and Avenue de la Bourdonnais. Traffic heading West on the upper Quai will be prohibited between the Pont d’Iéna and Avenue de Suffren, and again between Avenue de la Bourdonnais and the Pont d’Iéna.
Although, the lower section of Quai Jacques Chirac, between Avenue de la Bourdonnais and Avenue de Suffren in the West-to-East direction, will remain open to traffic.
Record Field Expected for EcoTrail Paris
Organizers are anticipating a record-breaking 18,500 participants across the seven trail races and two Nordic walking events this weekend. A new addition to the event this year is a 120km trail race, which will commence Saturday morning from the Château de Rambouillet and culminate at the Pont d’Iéna. This expanded event is contributing to the extensive traffic management plan.
The EcoTrail Paris-Île-de-France has grown into a significant event on the trail running calendar, attracting both seasoned ultra-runners and newcomers to the sport. The course design emphasizes the natural and cultural heritage of the Île-de-France region, offering runners scenic routes through forests, hills, and past iconic landmarks.
For those unfamiliar with the area, the 7th arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower and many other Parisian landmarks, while the 16th arrondissement is a largely residential area known for its elegant architecture and proximity to the Bois de Boulogne. The Château de Rambouillet, located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Paris, is a historic royal residence and a popular starting point for outdoor activities.
The Pont d’Iéna, a steel arch bridge spanning the Seine, provides a direct link between the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Its closure will undoubtedly create significant congestion in the surrounding areas.
The EcoTrail isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of nature within an urban environment. Founded in 2008 by Jean-Charles Perrin, the event aims to showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the Île-de-France region. The event’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism is a core principle, aligning with growing global awareness of environmental issues.
Beyond the 120km race, the EcoTrail offers a range of distances to cater to all levels of runners, including the traditional 80km, 45km, 35km, 30km, 20km, and 10km options. The 80km course, a particularly challenging route, begins at the Colline d’Élancourt and finishes at the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, passing by the Observatoire de Meudon and the Domaine de Saint-Cloud. The 45km trail starts at the Château de Versailles and ends at the Pont d’Iéna, also passing through the Domaine de Saint-Cloud.
The event’s popularity continues to grow, attracting participants from across France and internationally. The organizers have worked closely with regional authorities to minimize disruption to local residents and ensure the safety of both runners and the public.
As the EcoTrail de Paris prepares to welcome a record number of participants, those traveling in the affected areas are strongly encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time. Staying informed about the latest traffic updates will be crucial for a smooth weekend.
The next update from organizers regarding the event will likely be a live tracking of the 120km race, starting Saturday morning. Follow the official EcoTrail Paris website for real-time information and updates.
