Trail & running
Run through Europe’s largest canyon: two legendary races — the Var Verdon Trail Canyon in Aiguines and Roc’n Trail Verdon in Castellane — and a Trail Area of over 300 km of marked paths, from the lake’s shores to the ridges above the gorge. Trail country for every level, all year round.
The Verdon is trail-running country. Two benchmark races bookend the season — one in June at Aiguines, the other in September at Castellane, both on technical, panoramic courses. For the rest of the year, a network of marked paths opens the canyon, balconies and ridges to runners, from beginners to experienced trail runners.
One of France’s pioneering races, in the heart of Europe’s largest canyon. Four formats — 40, 24, 17 and 8 km (up to 1,900 m elevation gain) — certified by ITRA and counting towards the UTMB Index. Start and finish in Aiguines, above Lake Sainte-Croix. The 2026 edition is on Saturday 6 June.
The autumn race from Castellane: three courses — Trail des Cadières (~40 km), Trail de Barcel (~22 km) and Trail des Blaches (~9 km) — plus a dry vertical race on Saturday. Balcony paths, Lakes Castillon and Chaudanne, technical single tracks. Part of the Challenge des Trails de Provence. The 2026 edition is on 19 and 20 September.
Dates and distances change from one edition to the next: confirm them on each race’s official website before entering (registration often opens several months ahead).
Outside competitions, the “From the Springs to the Gorges du Verdon” Trail Area offers over 300 km of marked routes across four sectors. Starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, five permanent loops cover every level:
A gentle loop between Moustiers, the Valensole plateau and a return along the lake’s turquoise shores. The perfect introduction to Verdon trail running.
The wild Vénascle plateau and a return via the Roman road, with plunging views over Lake Sainte-Croix.
Up to Le Pavillon (1,625 m): a 360° panorama over the plateau, the lake and the Alpine peaks. A serious outing.
The athletic route along the ridge above the gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix. For strong legs only.
The Verdon’s great routes are also runnable: the Blanc-Martel path deep in the canyon, the Route des Crêtes and its viewpoints, and the left-bank balcony paths. Deep in the gorge, take care: heat, few escape routes and EDF dam releases — prepare your outing and start early.
Mountain guide offices and leaders run day trail outings and treks, helping you discover the best paths safely and improve on elevation gain.
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions — they’re also when the two major races take place. In summer, run in the cool of the day; in winter, on the plateau or on snow at Val d’Allos. After your effort, head for a swim at the Lake Sainte-Croix and plan your dates with When to visit.
Two major events. The Var Verdon Trail Canyon, at Aiguines in early June, has four formats (40, 24, 17 and 8 km) certified by ITRA and counting towards the UTMB Index — one of France’s pioneering races. And Roc’n Trail Verdon, at Castellane in mid-September, with its three courses (Cadières, Barcel, Blaches) and a dry vertical race, part of the Challenge des Trails de Provence. The two bookend the fine season.
The “From the Springs to the Gorges du Verdon” Trail Area offers over 300 km of marked routes across four sectors, for every level. Starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, five permanent loops range from an easy route by Lake Sainte-Croix (13 km) to athletic ridge routes (Plein Voir, 23 km / 1,590 m D+). The Haut-Verdon, around Val d’Allos, rounds out the offer — and can even be run on snow in winter.
It’s run in early June at Aiguines (the 2026 edition is on Saturday 6 June). Four courses: 40 km (1,900 m D+), 24 km (1,650 m D+), 17 km (1,300 m D+) and 8 km (300 m D+). The races are ITRA-certified and count towards the UTMB Index; the 24 and 40 km courses earn ITRA points. Confirm dates and terms on the official website before entering.
Yes. Start with the easy loops of the Trail Area, such as the Lake Sainte-Croix circuit (13 km, 480 m D+), or the shorter race formats (8 km at the Var Verdon Trail Canyon, 9 km at Roc’n Trail). The terrain can turn technical and the elevation gain serious as soon as you climb onto the balcony paths: build up gradually and carry the marked route’s GPX track.
Spring and autumn are ideal — and it’s no accident that the two major races are held in June and September. In summer, the heat is harsh on the balcony paths and at the bottom of the canyon: set off early in the morning and carry plenty of water. In winter, trail running continues on the plateau and, around Val d’Allos, on snow.