What are the most beautiful trails in France?

France's legendary ultra-trail races

The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc

The Mont Blanc Ultra Trail needs no introduction. It's the iconic once-in-a-lifetime race. It generally takes place in late August or early September. It's based on a draw, and you need to have completed a number of UTMB races beforehand to qualify. It's getting harder and harder to qualify, but there are different formats that are more accessible than the UTMB.

Diagonale des Fous

Diagonale des fous, also known as the Grand Raid de la Réunion, is a highly technical ultra-trail that leaves no one indifferent, with 170km and 10,000m of ascent. The popular fervor encountered during this race has left every participant with untouched memories and, above all, the desire to return. It's a unique experience to be had at least once in your life, although the trip to Reunion Island isn't cheap. The trails are technical compared to the UTMB.

 

The classics

Festival des Templiers

The Festival des Templiers is one of France's historic trail races. It was this race that really gave trail running its impetus, even though it was organized shortly after the 6000D.

Its mission is to make trail running accessible to as many people as possible, through its various race formats. There are a total of 10,500 runners in all the races, and 1,000 volunteers. It is located in the Millau area.

Ultra formats are October 20, 106km & 4580m of positive ascent.

L'Echappée Belle

L'Echappée Belle is one of the most famous trail races in the world, with a complete traverse of the Belledonne massif, a wild mountain range that runs along the GR738.

On the program for the weekend of August 25, 26 & 27, 2023

149km/11300mD+ 🔴

88km/6500mD+ 🟢

Grand Raid des Pyrénées

Because it's not just the Alps, it's the benchmark race in the demanding Hautes-Pyrénées. You need to have completed a previous race before embarking on the 160km. It's a good challenge for any runner looking for a thrill. I intend to do it within the next 2 years.

This year, it will take place from August 24-27.

The long format is 163.7km & 9943 m D+.

The mountain people

The Grand Trail Serre-Ponçon

Magnificent scenery, including the most beautiful peaks on the shores of Lake Serre Ponçon. A sum of money is donated to help maintain the trails - that's part of the trail spirit.

This year, it will take place on September 15, 164km & 10,600m D+ limited to 400 participants.

Another format exists with 74km and 5200m D+ limited to 330 participants.

Ultrariège

That's the race I'll be taking part in, but on the 100km course with 6500m of positive ascent. It was the most affordable ultra-trail, and I also wanted to try out a race in the Pyrenees. The long format is 165km & 10,500m D+.

This year's race takes place from July 21 to 23.

Volvic Experience

The Volvic Experience is 7 trail courses in the Auvergne, with 3 ultra formats.

The longest format is 224km & 8400 D+ for just 120 participants. A far cry from the UTMB's 170km.

There's also the possibility of a 110km & 3500m D+ event for 650 participants.

The last format gives those who want to try the ultra-trail adventure a more affordable distance, similar to the Sainté-Lyon with 80km & 2700 D+ for 650 participants.

 

This year's edition took place from May 17-19.

Ultra Tour du Beaufortain

This ultra trail is particularly worth a visit. It lies between the Mont Blanc and Vanoise massifs.

This year, it takes place on July 22, with 114km & 7200m D+.

Ultra Trail des Montagnes du Jura

This ultra crosses 3 départements, 2 regions, 2 countries in the heart of the Jura Massif, with exceptional scenery.

This year's race takes place on September 29 and covers 175km and 7000m D+.

The race can also be run as a relay. Other ultra formats include the 105km & 400m D+ and the 75km & 2600m D+.

Which stage ultra trail to choose?

UT4M

Because in the world of ultra-trail, it's not just the 160km events, but also the stage races, which are just as demanding.

This ultra tour covers 4 massifs in the Alps: Belledone, Vercors, Chartreuse and Taillefer.

There's something for everyone. But for those who want to experience a different kind of adventure, this stage trail will bring participants together for a weekend of extraordinary adventure, with one mountain per day and a bivouac every evening. It's a unique experience, and one that's also at the top of my list.

This year, it will take place from July 21-23.

The long format is 174.6km & 11,510m D+ and for the Challenge 1 massif per day.

The Muzelle challenge

It's a 4-stage trail through the 2 Alpes with a passage through the Ecrins National Park, 4 restorative nights before setting off again the next day.

This year's race will take place from July 31 to August 4, 100km & 7500m D+.

Another 51km event in 4 stages is also possible.

Ultra Trail Causses et Vallées Lot Dordogne

Because there's more to life than the trail, this race offers the chance to combine trail and mountain biking for the most adventurous and courageous :)

This year's ultra trail took place on May 13 & 14, 2023, 185km 4110m D+.

Other format 92km and 1810m D+.

Bonus: combine trail with mountain bike (185km of mountain bike and 92km of trail).

Ultra Lozère Trail

It's a 110km trail in 2 stages with a bivouac (Georges du Tarn), in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This year's race takes place on May 27-28, with 110km & 5600m D+.

Ultra trail South of France - Côte d'Azur & Corsica

Ultra Trail Côte d'Azur Mercantour

This is the benchmark trail on the Côte d'Azur. Clearly breathtaking scenery, one of the ultras that's right at the top of my to-do list.

This year's race will take place from July 7 to 9, with 125km and 7800m D+.

Alternatively, there's the 75km format.

Haute Provence Trail

This trail is located in the heart of Provence, between Lure and Lubéron, with a 360° view of Mont Ventoux. Its strength lies in the diversity of its terrain, halfway between the Alps and the Mediterranean.

This year's race took place from May 19-21 with 167km & 7700m D+.

There is another foirmat of 81km & 3530m D+.

Restonica Trail Corsica by UTMB: across the GR20

The mythical GR 20 hiking trail needs no introduction. I think that's reason enough to let yourself be tempted by the adventure of this ultra trail in Corsica organized by the UTMB.

This year's race takes place on July 6 with 106km & 6271m D+.

Atypicals

Grand Raid des Cathares

This ultra is one of a kind. You'll pass by places steeped in history.

From the landscapes of the southern Carcassonnais through the arid plateaus of the Corbières, the wild forests of the Corbières, the mountains of the Aude Pyrenees...

A closing meal with a medieval show, departure and arrival from the medieval city of Carcassone.

The race will take place from October 26 to 28 with 161km & 7200m D+.

Tarn Valley Trail

Between the Cévennes and the Grands Causses, the Tarn Valley Ultra Trail is divided into three main geographical and geological sections, from the source of the Tarn to Millau.

Here are a few arguments to convince you for next year:

• An organization that respects biodiversity

• Enhancing the value of the new GR 736

• A Trail'Origin organization like Western State and Hardrock 100

• An event rooted in the region

• TEMPLIERS Events expertise

A single format 158.2km & 6280m D+ (over 6,000ft)

It took place on May 6 this year, with 400 participants.

Trail du Saint Jacques by UTMB

You know the journey to Santiago de Compostela, it's the same as hiking but running :)

I think UTMB likes to turn hiking trails into trail paths.

This year' s race takes place on June 2 and covers 126km & 5250m D+.

Ultras in Brittany

Grand Raid du Finistère

The first edition, called edition 0 by the organizers, took place in 2020 with 31 participants; in 2022, edition 0 bis was expecting 75 runners; and for the 2023 edition, over 500 runners are expected. The special feature of this ultra is that it is run without markers. The route takes in the whole of the Ile de Crozon, including the GR 34 and GR 37. This absence of markers makes for a unique experience that differs from most trails and its Breton neighbor, the ultra-marin.

Only one format exists with 166km & 3700m D+.

This year's event takes place on September 15-16.

Grand Raid Ultra Marin

It's very rolling, with little change in altitude compared to a mountain ultra, but can it still be considered an ultra-trail? One thing's for sure: the scenery is breathtaking.

Only one format exists: 175km & 1430m D+.

This year's race takes place on June 30.

 

I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for, if you're looking for freedom and self-improvement, among these ultras, which are among the most beautiful trails in France.

Which ultra in France should I add to this list?