From the breathtaking Alps to the cliffs of Brittany, France is an inexhaustible playground for trail running enthusiasts. Between technical challenges, spectacular landscapes and unforgettable atmospheres, each race offers its own share of thrills. Here's our Top 10 of the most beautiful French trails, with their highlights to help you choose your next adventure.

1. LA DIAGONALE DES FOUS - REUNION ISLAND

165 km | +10,000 m D+ | October

Highlights :

- A complete crossing of the island, between volcanoes, tropical forests and vertiginous ravines
- Volcanic atmosphere and human warmth of the Reunionese
- A mythical event, among the most difficult in the world.

Registration: Random draw
Prerequisites: Completion of an ultra-trail over 85 km in the last two years
Good to know: Application to be submitted in February, waiting list possible, please also plan logistics for travel to La Réunion.



diagonale des fous



2. UTMB - MONT-BLANC ULTRA-TRAIL - CHAMONIX

Haute-Savoie | 170 km | +10,000 m D+ | Late August

Highlights :

- A complete tour of Mont-Blanc through 3 countries (France, Italy, Switzerland)
- Magnificent Alpine scenery, glaciers, passes over 2,000 m
- World-class organization, crazy atmosphere in Chamonix

Registration: Random draw with Running Stones system (obtained via UTMB World Series races)
Prerequisites: Must have a valid UTMB Index in the 100K or 100M category, plus a certain number of Running Stones
Good to know: Registration procedure to be anticipated one or two years in advance, very high demand.


UTMB MONT BLANC



3. THE RESTONICA TRAIL - CORSICA

Up to 110 km | +8,000 m D+ | July

Highlights :

- Breathtaking Corsican panoramas: mountain lakes, ridges, maquis
- Unique technicality with steep trails
- Immersion in the wilderness

Registration: Free access, no lottery
Prerequisites: No officialprerequisites, but good mountain experience is highly recommended
Good to know: Registrations open several months in advance, accommodation and transport to be arranged early.


RESTONICA TRAIL CORSICA


4. MAXI-RACE - ANNECY

Haute-Savoie | 85 km | +5,200 m D+ | May

Highlights :

- Around Lake Annecy with 360° views
- Accessibility with several race formats
- Perfect balance between technique, speed and scenery

Registration: direct registration
Prerequisites: Medical certificate required, no specific technical requirements
Good to know: Places go fast (often full on the opening day), registration opens at the end of the previous year.


MAXI RACE ANNECY


5. VENTOUX TRAIL - BEDOIN

Vaucluse | 46 km | +2 650 m D+ | March

Highlights :

- Ascent of the "Géant de Provence", mythical among cyclists too
- First trails of the season, perfect test for the recovery
- Varied terrain: undergrowth, scree, ridges

Registration: direct
Prerequisites: No official requirements, but the course is physical
Good to know: Good preparation race, increasingly popular in recent years.


TRAIL DU VENTOUX

6. FESTIVAL DES TEMPLIERS - MILLAU

Aveyron | From 30 to 100 km | Difference in altitude Variable | October

Highlights :

- One of France's most historic trails
- Wild terrain: causses, forests, Tarn gorges
- Friendly atmosphere and lively trail village

Registration: No draw, first come first served
Prerequisites: Medical certificate required, experience useful for long distances
Good to know: Very popular, registration opens in January and fills up fast.



FESTIVAL DES TEMPLIERS

7. ULTRA-TRAIL COTE D'AZUR MERCANTOUR (UTCAM) - NICE

Alpes-Maritimes | 145 km | +10,000 m D+ | June

Highlights :

- Sea & mountains in a single route
- Spectacular contrast between Côte d'Azur beaches and Alpine peaks
- Wild, technical, panoramic

Registration: Free access with no draw
Prerequisites: Previous long-distance experience strongly recommended
Worth knowing: Technical route, very isolated in places, requires real preparation.


UTCAM

8. THE 6000D - LA PLAGNE

Savoie | 67 km | +3,400 m D+ | July

Highlights :

- Ascent to the Bellecôte glacier at an altitude of 3,000 m
- Fast, demanding terrain
- A historic race (created in 1990), nicknamed "the race of the giants".

Registration: No draw, direct
Prerequisites: Medical certificate, open to trail runners with a good level of endurance
Good to know: Well-established organization, excellent atmosphere in the resort.



6000D

9. GRAND RAID DES PYRENEES - VIELLE-AURE

Hautes-Pyrénées | Up to 163 km | +9,800 m D+ | August

Highlights :

- Crossing the most beautiful parts of the Pyrenees, including the Pic du Midi
- Alpine terrain, lakes, ridges and spectacular views
- Warm atmosphere and wild landscapes

Registration: direct
Prerequisites: A solid trail experience is recommended, especially for the long formats
Good to know: A highly appreciated event for its authenticity and conviviality.


grand trail des pyrénées

10. L'ULTRA MARIN - GOLFE DU MORBIHAN

Brittany | Up to 177 km | Low altitude | June

Highlights :

- Ideal for a "rolling" seaside ultra
- Superb sunsets over the Gulf
- Crossing Breton villages and coastal paths

Registration: direct
Prerequisites: Proof of long-distance trail experience or specific training plan
Worth knowing: Ideal race to try out an ultra-long trail without big changes in altitude.



Ultra marin




Conclusion: Which trail is right for you?

  • Are you looking for a pure mountain experience? UTMB, GRP, Restonica
  • Are you a fan of steep climbs and extreme challenges? Diagonale, UTCAM
  • Looking for variety and accessibility? Maxi-Race, Templiers
  • Need a less technical but just as beautiful ultra? Ultra Marin
Whatever your choice, each trail in this top list is a human, sporting and emotional adventure. The hardest part will be choosing which one to start with! To help you prepare, read our article onultra trail equipment.



trail running