Trails in Charente-Maritime

Between ocean and marshes, a wildly diverse playground

Landscapes worthy of the big screen in Charente-Maritime

Running here feels like moving through a permanent cinema set 🎬. You can run on the fine sand during a seaside race with a view of the mythical edifice of Père Fouras, or plunge beneath the towering pines of the Coubre for a refreshing forest session 🌲. The natural heritage is incredibly rich, harboring abundant biodiversity in the famous Marais poitevin, often nicknamed the Green Venice 🦆. It's the perfect opportunity to discover a nature run where every kilometer offers a new visual surprise, from fishermen's stakes to towering lighthouses 📸.

A historical heritage that takes your breath away

From La Rochelle to Roman arenas

The prefecture, La Rochelle, with its famous towers guarding the Old Port, is just the gateway to a land steeped in history ⛵. When searching for your next trail in Charente-Maritime, you are sure to cross paths with Rochefort, home of the imposing frigate Hermione ⚓. You might also stop at Saintes, a magnificent city famous for its impressive Gallo-Roman amphitheater 🏛️. Rumor has it that gladiators of the time would have been formidable trail runners even without carbon plate shoes 👟. Don't forget to say a word in Saintongeais, the local dialect, to warmly greet volunteers at the refreshment stations 🗣️.

The myth of the flat land finally debunked

When sand replaces mountains in Charente-Maritime

Just because the highest point in the department barely reaches one hundred seventy-three meters in altitude doesn't mean your thighs will rest ⛰️. Signing up for a race in Charente-Maritime will prove to you that the lack of significant elevation is more than compensated by the technicality of the coastal paths and the harshness of the sandy stretches 🥵. Local athletes, frequent podium finishers, like the formidable all-terrain Charentais runner Thierry Guibault, know just how insidiously these courses exhaust the body 🏃‍♂️. You'll see that the continuous relaunches in the local dunes are natural fat burners 🔥. After the effort, tradition demands trading your recovery drink for a dozen Marennes-Oléron oysters accompanied by a dash of Pineau des Charentes 🦪.

The five must-see gems of the 17

Make your choice and get your calves ready

To whet your appetite, let me introduce you to some flagship events directly available on the platform 🤤. You can first tackle the legendary Ultra Trail of Île d'Oléron, an epic adventure between oyster parks and ocean spray 🦀. Then, the Fort Boyard Trail in Saint-Georges will offer you grandiose panoramas of the most famous maritime fortress on French television 🏴‍☠️. For a more rural atmosphere, the Cours'son Nature in Courçon is a friendly gem with a muddy vibe and rural cheer 🌾. If you prefer more intense formats, Les Foulées de Léoville will quickly raise your heart rate to new heights ⏱️. Finally, the famous 12 Kilometers of Vaux in Vaux-sur-Mer will guarantee you an electrifying summer atmosphere along the stunning cliffs of the Gironde estuary 🌅. Each of these races has a unique soul and top-notch organization to dazzle you! 🧅

Now that you know all the secrets of this exceptional territory, you have no excuse to stay on your couch 🛋️. Take a close look at all the detailed courses on this page and calmly choose the event that best fits your current sporting level 📏. The Atlantic starting line is eagerly waiting for you, so click on your favorite race to book a bib 🎟️. Put on your best-gripped sneakers and come make your own athletic mark in the region 💪. We'll catch up soon at the finish line to celebrate your great victory with an authentic Charentais galette! 🍪

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for health, to be consumed in moderation.