Trails in Lozère

Four natural regions for four times more pleasure

With its 5,167 km² of preserved nature, the Lozère is the only French department where there are more Aubrac cows than voters. It's a paradise for nature running divided into four distinct worlds: the Aubrac with its vast granite plateaus, the Margeride with its mysterious coniferous forests, the Cévennes with steep valleys, and the arid Causses classified by UNESCO 🌍. You might run along the Gorges du Tarn, a spectacular canyon where positive elevation gain is earned by the sweat of your brow climbing dizzying goat trails 🐐. The climate here is mountainous, which means you can experience all four seasons in a single day, so don't forget your rain jacket ☔. As for wildlife, you're more likely to encounter a griffon vulture or a European bison (yes, there really are) than an ATM 🦅.

The Beast, Stevenson, and the Great Stroll

Running here is also about learning between two lactic ascents. You can't mention Lozère without talking about the Beast of Gévaudan, this mysterious animal that terrorized the region in the 18th century by making a hundred victims, a story that will make you look at bushes differently during your night outings 🔦. It's also the chosen land of the writer Robert Louis Stevenson who crossed the Cévennes with his donkey Modestine, thus creating the first "hiking-trail" story in history 🐴. Mende, the prefecture, is so small and charming that it's called the "city in the countryside", dominated by its impressive Gothic cathedral ⛪. A little cinematic anecdote: did you know that the mythical scene of the gliders and pumpkins from The Big Stroll with Louis de Funès was filmed on the Mende causse? That's cult 🎬. The inhabitants, heirs of the proud Gabales, sometimes still speak Occitan and will welcome you with apparent roughness that hides a heart of gold 💛.

Aligot that sticks to the ribs and local champions

After you've worn out your soles on the granite, you'll need to restore your strength, and here, Lozère doesn't mess around. Forget energy gels and dive your fork into a true Aligot from Aubrac, this mashed potato with fresh tomme cheese that stretches endlessly and weighs as much in your stomach as a weighted vest 🥔. You can also taste the Coupétade or the Pélardon, a small Cévenol goat cheese with character 🧀.

The must-sees for your schedule

If you're looking for a race in Lozère, you're spoiled for choice with legendary events. The Lozère Trail is the flagship event that takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the department over two days, a true epic 🚵. The Trail Margeride plays on the local legend to offer you a lively and festive course 🎉.

It's time to leave civilization behind and reconnect with the essentials. Make your choice below, don't wait to book a race number and come experience Lozère! 👇