Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out in the world of trail running, you're probably looking to discover demanding and rewarding races. Here's a quick overview of the best trail running in France, offering trail enthusiasts varied and spectacular terrain. Discover the best trails in France and thanks to our selection, you'll find the finest routes and breathtaking panoramas, pushing yourself in a memorable sporting experience.
Located at the tip of Finistère, the Trail du Bout du Monde takes you through superb maritime landscapes of cliffs, lighthouses, coastal paths and beaches. This Breton trail offers 20, 37 and 57 km routes in a friendly atmosphere. It offers something different and its maritime character is a major factor in its popularity and the enthusiasm it generates. What's more, the beauty of this part of Brittany is no legend: it's enchanting with every stride! All the information on this trail here.
The beauty of the Pyrénées is undoubtedly an ideal setting for a renowned trail. This one is athletically demanding whilst offering a wide choice and allows the discovery of stunning locations like the Néouvielle massif and its numerous high-altitude lakes or the Pic du Midi. Without doubt one of the best trails in France.
3 routes are generally offered:
Finally, the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is certainly the world's most famous trail. It's also probably the toughest: 168 kilometres and 9600 metres of elevation gain! Enough to seriously hurt your legs! In any case, in a majestic and stunningly beautiful setting, this trail crosses three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy. It's certainly the dream of all trail fanatics to be able to take part at least once! The selection is genuinely rigorous and demanding, and the organiser uses a draw to separate the excessive number of candidates. The lucky chosen ones certainly have the privilege of suffering on this demanding course but they also get an incredible panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif. All the information on this trail here.
So there you have 6 outstanding trails in France! They all offer a real athletic challenge whilst putting different and majestic landscapes before your eyes. There are still many trails in France and many deserve the same praise but everyone has their own subjective selection of the best trails in France!
Our selection of the best trails in France
The Grand Trail des Templiers
The Grand Trail des Templiers is one of the most authentic trails around, showcasing the raw beauty of the Grands Causses landscapes. The athletic challenge is serious with a 76 km course and over 3000 metres of elevation gain. Different from other trails in major mountain ranges, this one offers an exceptional setting of plateaus and gorges and remarkably preserved nature. All the information on this trail here.The Trail du Bout du Monde
Located at the tip of Finistère, the Trail du Bout du Monde takes you through superb maritime landscapes of cliffs, lighthouses, coastal paths and beaches. This Breton trail offers 20, 37 and 57 km routes in a friendly atmosphere. It offers something different and its maritime character is a major factor in its popularity and the enthusiasm it generates. What's more, the beauty of this part of Brittany is no legend: it's enchanting with every stride! All the information on this trail here.
The Grand Raid des Pyrénées
The beauty of the Pyrénées is undoubtedly an ideal setting for a renowned trail. This one is athletically demanding whilst offering a wide choice and allows the discovery of stunning locations like the Néouvielle massif and its numerous high-altitude lakes or the Pic du Midi. Without doubt one of the best trails in France.
3 routes are generally offered:
- The Tour des Lacs: 80 km and 5000 m of elevation gain
- The Tour des Cirques: 120 km and 7000 m of elevation gain
- The Ultra: 160 km and 10000 m of elevation gain
The Trail du Ventoux
The Giant of Provence is rich in magnificent landscapes and offers scenery very often enhanced by the sun which can be scorching. It's therefore in a demanding setting that the Trail du Ventoux is organised. This famous and very popular trail attracts huge numbers of participants and registration lists are often stormed and quickly closed. This trail offers three route choices, 46 kilometres (2850 metres of elevation gain) or 26 kilometres (1450 metres of elevation gain) or 15 kilometres (450 metres of elevation gain). The harshness of Mont Ventoux which peaks at 1912 metres and its desert-like scenery make it undoubtedly one of the best trails in France. All the information on this trail here.The 6000D or the Course des Géants de la Plagne
Here's a trail which, starting from Aime la Plagne, takes runners to the summit of the Glacier de Bellecôte, passing through most of the high-altitude resorts of this massif. With a total course of 65 kilometres and 3000 metres of elevation gain this trail is marked to guide runners but it also offers 6 other varied accessible routes. Over the years the 6000D has become increasingly popular among trail enthusiasts and the increasingly international participation is testament to this well-deserved enthusiasm. All the information on this trail here.The Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc
Finally, the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is certainly the world's most famous trail. It's also probably the toughest: 168 kilometres and 9600 metres of elevation gain! Enough to seriously hurt your legs! In any case, in a majestic and stunningly beautiful setting, this trail crosses three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy. It's certainly the dream of all trail fanatics to be able to take part at least once! The selection is genuinely rigorous and demanding, and the organiser uses a draw to separate the excessive number of candidates. The lucky chosen ones certainly have the privilege of suffering on this demanding course but they also get an incredible panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif. All the information on this trail here.
So there you have 6 outstanding trails in France! They all offer a real athletic challenge whilst putting different and majestic landscapes before your eyes. There are still many trails in France and many deserve the same praise but everyone has their own subjective selection of the best trails in France!
