Trails in Oise

Running here is a bit like training for the Olympic Games of the Napoleonic era. The forest of Compiègne, the third largest forest massif in France, is not just a mere backdrop for a forest run; it’s a labyrinth full of legends. It is here, in the Rethondes Clearing, that the Armistice was signed in a railway carriage, ending the Great War. As you climb towards the Beaux-Monts Avenue, you will feel like a guest of Napoleon III, who had this 5 km perspective cut out to please Empress Eugenie. It's the perfect spot for a nature race where the terrain will surprise you more than once 🌲.

If you prefer galloping to trotting, head to Chantilly, the horse capital of the world. Here, strides are no laughing matter, and the elevation often hides within the valleys of the domain of the Dukes of Aumale. Imagine running alongside the castle housing the collections of the Condé Museum (the second richest after the Louvre!), while thinking of the famous whipped cream by Vatel. But be careful not to be distracted by the smell of Bonnivet cake or Beauvais Tiles if you want to finish on the podium. The sandy trails of the Chantilly forest will put your footing to the test, but the visual reward is worth every drop of sweat 👟.

To fill your agenda, here is the chef's selection for a successful trail in Oise. The Trail des Beaux-Monts in Compiègne is a must for its imperial views. For a more intimate but equally physical atmosphere, go for the Trail des Aigles or the Trail of Château de Verneuil. If you like original challenges, the Trail de la Ligne Rouge in Thiescourt will have you running in the footsteps of the Great War in a poignant setting. Finally, L'Orrygeoise, Course des Deux Châteauxte, or The Aventuraid EDHEC will let you feel like a prince of asphalt and trails throughout the department. Each event is an opportunity to discover villages like Gerberoy, ranked among the most beautiful in France 🌹.

Whether you are a fan of coastal running

(well, here it's more like Oise-side) or a purist of muddy trails, 60 has everything to please you. Here, we speak the Picard dialect with heart and run with guts. From the boatmen's city of Longueil-Annel to the Gallo-Roman ramparts of Senlis, every kilometer tells a story, every hill is a challenge. So, don't miss your chance to shine under the vigilant gaze of the statues in the Town Hall Square of Compiègne. Choose your format, sharpen your cardio, and come conquer the lands of Oise by grabbing your bib for your next adventure ⛰️.