Trail Runs and Races in the South

Head off to explore the Regional Natural Parks of the South on a challenging trail run. Beginners, enthusiasts and children too, there is a trail for every type of thrill-seeker here.

January

Climb the Stairs at Cannes in Your Trainers

And Admire the Ochres of the Luberon

For a good start to the year, head to Cannes for an all-terrain urban trail run. With your feet in the sand of La Croisette beach, on a path in the Parc de la Croix des Gardes, or on the stage of the Palais des Festivals, this route will take you across the many settings of Cannes. Then fill up on colours on a wilderness race at Terraventoux while exploring the magical landscapes of the Ochres of the Luberon.

Cannes Urban Trail Run
Cannes Discovery Run: 9 km (150m climb)
Little Cannes Run: 15K (350m climb)
Big Cannes Run: 25K (600m climb)

Terraventoux Ochres and Silts
24K (950m climb)
12K (400m climb)

April

Pair Up or Prepare to Climb High

In the Mercantour and on Mont Ventoux

We’re off for the ONE&1 trail run, an intense two-day experience on the paths of the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d’Azur. Between the land and the mountains, you and your partner will test your limits on an 85-kilometre route across the exceptional landscapes of the Massif du Mercantour, genuine balconies that loom above the Mediterranean. In the evening, recharge your batteries under the stars in a hanging bivouac in Gourdon. This village, listed as one of the most beautiful in France, offers a stunning view of the Gorges du Loup. In late April, re-lace your running shoes to attempt the Mont Ventoux climb on the Grand Raid du Ventoux. On the way, you can admire the Gorges de la Nesque and the Dentelles de Montmirail.

One&1
Day 1: From Vence to Gourdon – 55K (3,200m climb)
Day 2: From Gourdon to Tourrettes-sur-Loup – 30K (1,500m climb)

Grand Raid du Ventoux
TNVD 100: 100K (4,500m climb)
TVD55: 55K (2,100-3,300m climb)
DD27: 27K (1,200m climb)

May

Choose Your Own Adventure

Between Scents and Landscapes of the South

The Trail Des 5 Monts Toulonnais features 3,000 metres of elevation to ascend solo or in a team of four runners. The course of around 60 kilometres will lead you through typically Mediterranean vegetation. Scents of thyme and rosemary will accompany you to the finish line. In late May, head to the Trail de Haute-Provence, an exciting trail run that is open to all. 10K or 80K races or a 15K two-person relay: everyone will find a race to challenge themselves in a magnificent Provençal setting.

Trail des Cinq Monts Toulonnais
65K solo or relay (3,000m climb)

Trail de Haute-Provence
Eight races over three days
From 10K to 80K (300 to 3,650m climb)
Solo or relay, adults and children

June

Head to the Gorges of the Verdon

And Thrills in the Mercantour

The craggy paths of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon are all yours! The oldest French trail run, the Var Verdon Canyon Challenge is an essential event in the South. For this race, you have the choice of two challenge trials (one long trail run and a short trail run) and two non-challenge trials (discovery trail run and wilderness run). Whichever you choose, the Var Verdon Canyon Challenge will offer you dizzying panoramas over the gorges and their turquoise waters. Want to try an adventure on the rocky paths of the Parc National du Mercantour? Go to the Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour. A number of courses – from 15K to 150K – are on offer.

Var Verdon Canyon Challenge
Challenge trials
Long Trail Run – 60K (4,000m climb)
Short Trail Run – 30K (1,700m climb)
Non-Challenge Trials
Discovery Trail – 17K (1,190m climb)
Wilderness Run – 10K (600m climb)

Ultra Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour
150 km solo, two or four-person relay course (10,160m climb)
110K Course (7,030m climb)
40K Course (3,130m climb)
15K Course (890m climb)
Vertical Course (1,160m climb)

July

Journey to the Alps

For a Head Lamp Race

With the Ultrachampsaur, try to conquer the verdant valley of the Champsaur, a unique wild setting surrounded by snowy summits. In addition to a 55K main course, four other races allow everyone to let loose – including a 5K night route lit by a headlamp. Then, head to Montgenèvre for the Sky Race. This magnificent route across the oldest Alpine resort is proud to be one of the ten most beautiful trail runs in France. You can choose between four races, ranging from 7K to 42K, plus a children’s course fo fun for the whole family.

Ultrachampsaur
Ultrachampsaur Course – 55K (4,000m climb)
Les Fonds de Rouanne Course – 26K (1,800m climb)
Prologue Course – 10K (300m climb)
Women’s Course – 5K (30m climb)
Children’s Course – 1K

Sky Race
Sky Race Chaberton: 42K (3,000m climb)
Sky Race des Anges: 27K (1,500m climb)
Sprint Sky Race des Anges: 13K (700m climb)
Sky Race Kids: from 500 metres to 3K

August

Make Way to the Mountains

In Ubaye and Dormillouse

Go to the highest summits of the Vallée d’Ubaye, where the legendary Ubaye Trail Solomon is bathed in abundant sun. At the border of the Alps and Provence, this course will lead you through the backwoods and Alpine pastures, on paths fringed with lavender and wormwood. Choose from three circuits of 12K, 23K or 42K. If you still want more, pop over to the Trail de Dormillouse, a short walk from there. This race in the wilds with three courses on very varied terrains (forest track, single-track roads and Alpine pastures) promises magical views over the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the valleys of the Ubaye and the Blanche.

Ubaye Trail Solomon
Elite Course: 42K (2,560m climb)
Discovery Course: 23K (1,070m climb)
Le Brec “Open”: 12K (600m climb)
Les Alaris “Hikers”: 12K (600m climb)

Trail de Dormillouse
Les Crêtes Course: 42K (2,100m climb)
Le Col Bas Course: 24K (1,300m climb)
Pré La Selle Course: 10 K (500m climb)
Kid’s Trail Course

September-October

Manage your High-Altitude Breathing

In Serre-Chevalier and Gap

We’re off for the Serre Che Trail Salomon, an intense sporting adventure in the Massif des Cerces, at the foot of the Écrins and La Meije glaciers. In this ultra-preserved high mountain setting, you can choose between three courses of 50K, 26K or 12K and a special course for children. To explore the Gap Basin and its passes, join Gapen’Cimes, a series of trail runs where everyone will find a suitable race from a 6K for beginners to a 61K for seasoned runners.

Serre Che Trail Salomon
Grand Tour des Cerces: 50K solo or relay (4,000m climb)
Petit Tour des Cerces: 26K (1,800m climb)
Tour des Chapelles: 12K (600m climb)
Serre Che Kids: from 1 to 3K

Gapen’Cimes
Trail Edelweiss: 61K solo or relay (3,000m climb)
3 Passes Marathon: 44K (1,900m climb)
Trail des Crêtes: 25K (1,350m climb)
Trail de Saint-Mens: 14K (650m climb)
Trail Rose: 6K (250m climb)
Children’s Trail

November-December

Pair your Run with Culture and Music

In Manosque and Carpentras

To combine sport and a cultural journey through the Provençal landscapes that were revered by writer Jean Giono, rush over to the Trail des Collines de Giono. In this hilly setting ablaze in autumn colours, you can choose a 24K, 14K or 7K course. You will traverse the Plaine de la Durance and enjoy the view of the Montagne de Lure, Mont Ventoux, or Sainte-Victoire. To finish the year with a bang, make way to the starting line of La Ronde du Terroir, a 13-kilometre wilderness race, punctuated by musical events.

Trail des Collines de Giono
24K (1,100m climb)
14K (550m climb)
7K (280m climb)

La Ronde du Terroir
13K (330m climb)