Trails in Indre-et-Loire

If you're looking for a nature run far from asphalt and pollution, you're in the right place, my friend. The department is crossed by the Loire, a wild river listed by UNESCO, as well as the Cher, Indre, and the Vienne, giving us a whole lot of water and lush valleys to explore 🌊. The climate here is known for its "Anjou mildness", or rather Touraine mildness, meaning you won't be too hot or too cold, in short, perfect conditions to get a best time or just enjoy the scenery without risking hypothermia 🌤️. While running in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, keep an eye out to spot the European beaver working on its dams while you're struggling with your footing, or the little tern hovering over the water 🐦. A little anecdote to shine in society: this is where the purest French is spoken, without an accent, so try not to pant too much like an ox to honor the language of Molière 🗣️.

Running here is literally crossing the history of France in shorts and sneakers, which is quite a privilege. You might pass by the Château d'Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci rests, the genius who would surely have invented carbon shoes if he had the time 🎨. Did you know Mick Jagger owns the Château de Fourchette in Pocé-sur-Cisse and it's not uncommon to see him incognito in the area? Imagine the scene: you overtake the Stones' singer during interval sprints, that's international class 🎸. The trail in Indre-et-Loire allows you to skirt remarkable monuments like Chenonceau, the castle that spans the Cher, making you feel like you're running on water like a slightly breathless biblical miracle ⛪.

After burning thousands of calories, you'll need to refuel, and here in 37, they don't mess around with food. You can dive into Rillettes de Tours, which have a PGI, much less fatty (or so we say to feel less guilty) than those from Le Mans 🐷. Don't forget the Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, a goat cheese pierced with a laser-engraved rye straw (yes, it's high-tech cheese-making), perfect for calcium 🧀. For hydration, the vineyards of Vouvray, Chinon, or Bourgueil are there, but we advise you to wait until the finish line before trying the grape varieties, otherwise the end of the course might be blurry 🍷. Even though the gradient isn't alpine, the wine slopes and dense forests like Chinon offer technical courses where you need a mountaineer's foot and a well-tethered heart 💓. It's also the land of François Rabelais, born in Chinon, who created the character of Gargantua: draw inspiration from his gigantic appetite to devour miles without ever stalling 📖.

As for champions, we often think of cyclists in the region, but trail running has its local heroes who wear down the Loire trails by bike or on foot all year round. Check the trail calendar closely, as there are gems not to be missed. The Trail de la Cité Royale in Loches is an institution that takes you through a stunning medieval city with passages through moats and endless staircases 🏰. If you love bubbles (and not the foot kind), the Trail des Bulles in Vouvray lets you run amidst vineyards and troglodyte caves, a unique atmosphere in the world 🍾. You also have the Chinonaise, ideal for discovering the royal fortress from another angle, much more sporty than the classic guided tour. Don't miss the Trail de la Rose in Veigné for a friendly and supportive atmosphere, or the Trail des Vignes in Montlouis which offers grandiose views of the Loire Valley 🍇. Finally, for a truly unique race in Indre-et-Loire, look for night events that give a mystical dimension to illuminated castles 🔦.