Top 10 of the most beautiful Trails in France: The great outdoor adventure

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

1. LA DIAGONALE DES FOUS – ÎLE DE LA REUNION

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

Highlights:

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

Registration: Lottery
Prerequisites: Must have completed an ultra-trail of over 85 km in the last two years
Note: Application to be submitted in February, possible waiting list, also plan logistics to get to La Réunion.

2. L’UTMB – ULTRA-TRAIL DU MONT-BLANC – CHAMONIX

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

Highlights:

- The complete tour of Mont-Blanc through 3 countries (France, Italy, Switzerland)
- Grand alpine landscapes, glaciers, passes over 2,000 m
- International level organization, crazy atmosphere in Chamonix

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

3. LE RESTONICA TRAIL – CORSE

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

Highlights:

- Breathtaking Corsican panoramas: mountain lakes, ridges, maquis
- Unique technicality with steep trails
- An immersion in wild nature

Registration: Open access without lottery
Prerequisites: No official requirements, but good mountain experience is highly recommended
Note: Registrations open several months in advance, accommodation and transport should be planned early.

4. MAXI-RACE – ANNECY

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

Highlights:

- The tour of Lake Annecy with 360° views
- Accessibility with several race formats
- Perfect balance between technique, speed, and landscapes

Registration: Direct registration
Prerequisites: Medical certificate required, no specific technical requirements
Note: Spots fill up quickly (often full on the opening day), registration opens at the end of the previous year.

5. TRAIL DU VENTOUX – BEDOIN

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

Highlights:

- Ascent of the "Giant of Provence", also mythical among cyclists
- First trails of the season, perfect test for the comeback
- Varied terrains: undergrowth, scree, ridges

Registration: Direct
Prerequisites: No official requirements, but the course is physical
Note: Good preparation race, growing popularity in recent years.

6. FESTIVAL DES TEMPLIERS – MILLAU

Aveyron | From 30 to 100 km | Variable elevation | October

Highlights:

- One of the most historic trails in France
- Wild terrains: causses, forests, Tarn gorges
- A friendly atmosphere and a very lively trail village

Registration: No lottery, first come first served
Prerequisites: Medical certificate required, experience useful for long distances
Note: Very popular, registrations open in January, fill up quickly.

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

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

Highlights:

- Sea & mountain in a single course
- Spectacular contrast between azure beaches and alpine peaks
- Wild, technical, panoramic

Registration: Open access without lottery
Prerequisites: Previous experience on long distances strongly recommended
Note: Technical course and significant isolation in places, requires real preparation.

8. LA 6000D – LA PLAGNE

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

Highlights:

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

Registration: No lottery, direct
Prerequisites: Medical certificate, open to runners with a good endurance level
Note: Well-organized, excellent atmosphere in the resort.

9. GRAND RAID DES PYRENEES – VIELLE-AURE

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

Highlights:

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

Registration: Direct
Prerequisites: Solid trail experience is recommended, especially for long formats
Note: Very appreciated event for its authenticity and friendliness.

10. L’ULTRA MARIN – GOLFE DU MORBIHAN

Brittany | Up to 177 km | Low elevation | June

Highlights:

- Ideal for a "rolling" ultra by the sea
- Stunning sunsets over the gulf
- Crossing Breton villages and coastal paths

Registration: Direct
Prerequisites: Proof of experience on long trails or certification of a specific training plan
Note: Ideal race to test a long ultra without significant elevation.

Conclusion: Which trail is right for you?

• Want pure mountain? UTMB, GRP, Restonica
• Fan of elevation and extreme challenges? Diagonale, UTCAM
• Looking for variety and accessibility? Maxi-Race, Templiers
• Need a less technical but equally beautiful ultra? Ultra Marin