Trails in Indre-et-Loire

A royal terrain for an imperial stride

If you are looking for a nature run away from the pavement and pollution, you're in the right place my friend. The department is crossed by the Loire, this UNESCO-listed wild river, but also by the Cher, Indre, and Vienne, giving us a fair amount of water and lush valleys to explore 🌊. The climate here is known for its "Angevin mildness", or rather Touraine, which means you're neither too hot nor too cold, in short, perfect conditions for setting a record or just enjoying the scenery without risking hypothermia 🌤️. While running in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, keep your eyes open to spot the European beaver working on its dams while you struggle with your footing, or the little tern fluttering 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 Molière's language 🗣️.

Culture, heritage, and Mick Jagger

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'd had the time 🎨. Did you know that Mick Jagger owns the Château de Fourchette in Pocé-sur-Cisse and that it's not uncommon to see him incognito around here? Imagine the scene: you overtaking the Stones’ singer in a split workout, that's international class 🎸. The trail in Indre-et-Loire allows you to pass incredible monuments like Chenonceau, the château that spans the Cher, giving you the impression of running on water like a slightly breathless biblical miracle ⛪.

Gastronomy and sporting challenges: the winning combo

After burning thousands of calories, you'll need to recharge the machine, and here the 37 does not joke with food. You can dive into Rillettes de Tours, which have a PGI, much less fatty (or so we tell ourselves to alleviate guilt) than those from Le Mans 🐷. Don’t forget Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, the goat cheese pierced by a laser-etched rye straw (yes, that's high-tech cheese), perfect for calcium 🧀. For hydration, the vineyards of Vouvray, Chinon, or Bourgueil are there, but we recommend waiting until the finish line before testing the grape varieties, otherwise the end of the course might be blurry 🍷. Even if the elevation isn't alpine, the vineyard slopes and dense forests like those of Chinon offer technical courses where you need a mountain foot and a strong heart 💓. It's also the land of François Rabelais, born in Chinon, who created the character Gargantua: be inspired by his giant appetite to devour the kilometers without ever stalling 📖.

The must-attend events of 37

When it comes to champions, people often think of cyclists in the region, but trail running has its local heroes who polish the Loire paths by bike or on foot all year round. Look carefully at the trail calendar, as there are gems not to be missed. The Trail de la Cité Royale in Loches is an institution that takes you through a sublime medieval city with passages in moats and endless stairs 🏰. If you like bubbles (and not the ones on your feet), the Trail des Bulles in Vouvray gets you running through the heart of the vineyards and troglodyte cellars, a unique atmosphere in the world 🍾. You also have the Chinonaise, ideal for discovering the royal fortress from a different, much sportier perspective 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 panoramas over the Loire Valley 🍇. Finally, for a truly unique race in Indre-et-Loire, seek out the night events that add a mystical dimension to the illuminated castles 🔦.

So, ready to trade your couch for a finisher's throne and live the castle life sport version? It's time to choose your distance, lace up your shoes, and reserve a bib to show the Kings of France what you're made of 🪵.