Mad Jacques: a trek in the Sud region | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

What are Mad Jacques treks?

Adventure, pals, evenings. And what you need to eat well!

Mad Jacques are sports and human adventures into the heart of the most refreshing landscapes … in France. Because, as the creators of the concept put it so well, « La Nouvelle Frontière, c’est la Creuse, pas Djakarta ». No need to go to the end of the world, France, with the South at the fore, is full of natural and patrimonial beauty. And what’s more, it’s good for your carbon footprint. Mad Jacques are also physical (and mental, in the good meaning of the word) challenges. These long-distance treks over 3 or 5 days are guaranteed with no mental overload, because all the logistics are managed by the team. All you have to do is concentrate on the height difference, and sometimes you’ll discover unsuspected muscles. The next day, your aches and pains will be only a minute detail compared with the feeling of pride which will take over when you cross the finish line. But, beware, Mad Jacques are not what could be called a comfortable stay: the itineraries are taken with your rucksack and at night, you’ll bivouac in a tent. A real adventure! And the treks are a great opportunity to party with some really great people in the evening. You’ll also enjoy some good food and local specialities with food trucks and producers’ markets. Not bad eh?

A festive evening at the Mad Jacques — ©After the trek, it's time to celebrate!|ALeroy

Participants in the Mad Jacques trek, backpack on, near the start line — ©A group of girlfriends on the Mad Jacques trek|ALeroy

Mad Jacques Trek Provence Verdon

A festive trip in the Provencal hinterland

From 18th to 20th April 2025, 3 days of long-distance hiking, around 40 km (two routes to adapt to all levels)

The concept: « you, your firends and your rucksack in the hinterland of Provence ». This somewhat athletic exploration of green Provence and its lush rural landscapes starts in the village of Bras. You are at the entrance to the Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park. And off we go through the neighbouring village of Cauron and its pine forests, and a night in a bivouac at Saint-Martin-de-Pallières. The village is a listed « village de caractère » dominated by a chateau surrounded by narrow streets with a view over the Durance plain. Off again the next morning. And we can already see the wineries with their coteaux d’Aix designation and the village of Artigues, renowned for its prehistoric cave. Andhere we are at the finish line, in Rians, at the foot of the mythical Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

And apart from walking? The programme is cool too. After the walk, yoga and massage, wandering and discovery at the association booths, conferences. But also local products in the evening at the bivouac, food trucks and local brewers. And to top it all: a local products market where you can slip a bit of Provence in your rucksack before you go home.

©Parc Naturel Régional de la Sainte-Baume|J.Auray

Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park

Located at the gateway to large cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, the Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park was created in 2017. It became essential to classify this...

Wine and gastronomy

In addition to high quality, terroir-driven products, such as olive oil and truffles, Provence boasts top wine estates and an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants. Plus,...

le-point-sublime-gorges-du-verdon-provence-ad04-tverneuil.jpg — ©Ad04 Tverneuil

Verdon Regional Natural Park

The Verdon Regional Natural Park is crossed by the Verdon River, which, over the centuries, has carved it’s bed dramatically into the rock.

Montagne Sainte Victoire

Mad Jacques Trek Roya

A perched and authentic adventure in an Alpine valley

From 28th May to 1st June 2025, 3 days – around 15 km – or 5 days – around 55 km – distance hiking. Warning, severe height difference!

The concept: « epic mode activated! » in the Roya Valley, in the Mercantour National Park, at the limit of the Alps and the Mediterranean, France and Italy. Let’s face it, this trek is a real challenge. But what could be better than to push your limits in the middle of the peaks with their crowns of clouds, typical villages and thousand-year-old stones? Nothing. The must: the night in a bivouac at Fort Central, a military structure which dates back to the late 19th century, surrounded by peaks as far as the eye can see. The start is in Saorge (option 5 days), listed among the « plus beaux villages de France », which looks as if it’s floating above the valley. Then we head for La Brigue and its paved streets. Tende (start of the 3-day option), the entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles, with its rock engravings dating back to Neolithic times. At the finish, in Casterino, it’s time to party with a live concert and DJ set in the middle of the mountains. We just can’t understand what’s stopping you from buying your ticket straight away. Now.

And apart from walking? The programme is just as cool. More yoga, massage and friends. And also events, conferences on travelling, a regional market with craftsmen and producers. The very best of local life.

Participants in the Mad Jacques trek with the Roya valley in the background — ©La Mad Jacques Trek Roya|ALeroy

The Saint-Michel chapel, at the centre of an island on Lake Serre-Ponçon — ©La Chapelle Saint-Michel, Lake Serre-Ponçon, Alps|RMorel

Mad Jacques Trek Serre-Ponçon

A magical escapade between Provence and the Alps

From 19th to 21st September 2025, 3 days long-distance-hiking (more info to come)

The concept: « You, your pals and your rucksack on the greatest lake in the Sud » We are waiting for more specifications on the course. But we can already say that the start will be in Chorges and the finish at the lake of Saint-Apollinaire. Between the two, you will walk through the fascinating landscapes of the lake of Serre-Ponçon, the biggest artificial lake in France. We’re not exaggerating, it’s not the Southern style, but you could call it a small sea in the mountains. With, of course the legendary generosity of the Provencal sun.

Practical info

How to get there?

Mad Jacques Trek Provence Verdon

Chartered shuttle from Aix-en-Provence TGV station on the outward journey and for the journey to and from Bras.

Mad Jacques Trek Roya

Starts not linked by the Train des Merveilles (undegoing work at the moment), option bus out and back from and to Nice-Ville station or the car parks in Tende and Fontan-Saorge.

But also…

We recommend you come with a rucksack weighing less than 10 kg (see list of equipment recommended for each Mad Jacques). And of course be sure that you’re happy with the idea of sleeping in a tent with none of the usual comfort.