Trails in Saône-et-Loire

From the Roche de Solutré to the mystical forests of the Morvan

Forget the pavement and dive into history by launching into a true nature race in the heart of a preserved environment 🐗. Did you know that François Mitterrand used to climb the famous Roche de Solutré every year at Pentecost? ⛰️ It was a bit like the ancestor of the political trail, with its 493 meters of altitude overlooking vineyards that are thousands of years old 🍇. Further north, around the Gallo-Roman city of Autun, the Morvan Regional Natural Park offers you a total immersion for your next forest race amidst oaks and owls 🦉. The biodiversity there is absolutely incredible with flora that changes at every turn 🌿. You certainly won't find any seaside race in the area, but the great Morvan lakes will offer you panoramas worthy of the most beautiful coastlines 💧.

A terroir that gives you wings and whets your appetite

Running is great, but eating after the effort is even better 🥩. The local gastronomy is legendary, so get ready to trade your energy bars for a piece of Charolais beef or a genuine Bresse chicken 🐄. As you pass through the villages, you might hear the elders speaking the Burgundian-Morvan dialect in the north, or Franco-Provençal in the south, two dialects that give the region its unique charm 🗣️. This incredible heritage is a superb source of motivation when you have to tackle positive elevation gain under a semi-continental climate that builds character ☀️.

Athletes, poetry, and mythical trails

Antoine Griezmann is the prodigal child of Mâcon on the grass ⚽. In the trail scene, Louis Travaillot is the rising hope of the department. He was crowned Vice Champion of France U23 in long trail for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) 🏅. He competes in high-level events, such as the UTMB circuit or the Millet XTrail de Courchevel. How can we not mention Kévin Michaud ? This ultra-trail runner from Saône-et-Loire made a name for himself by winning the very demanding 112 km of the Ultra Trail des Coursières (in the Monts du Lyonnais) in 2022. Your trail calendar deserves a stop in this land where every step tells a historical anecdote or an unusual fact 🧭.

Five Burgundian gems to sweat with a smile

It's time to get serious by choosing your next race in Saône-et-Loire among the must-sees 🗺️. You'll love La Foulée des Ducs in La Clayette, a majestic trail that will have you galloping around magnificent historical buildings 🏰. If you prefer a festive and epicurean spirit, the Marathon des Vins de la Côte Chalonnaise in Givry awaits you to roam the vineyards with exceptional refreshments 🍾. If you're looking for a true mountain race, the Ultra Trail des 2 Roches in Davayé will make your calves burn with its wild and challenging courses 🧗. Finally, don't miss the mythical Trail des 3 Châteaux au Creusot, a real journey through time that promises beautiful surprises on its various routes 👑.

Now, you know all the secrets of this department with a thousand faces, always ready to welcome your future exploits 🏅. Whether you're a curious novice or an experienced mountain enthusiast, there's bound to be a trail that suits your expectations and your calves 👟. Think about the delicious local reward awaiting you at the finish line, it will help you overcome the last kilometers with flair 🍻. Prepare your gear and come experience an unforgettable human and sporting adventure 😎. All you need to do now is check out the events below, find your ideal challenge, and book a bib to write your own Burgundian legend 👇.