Trails in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Discovering Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 🌞

Formed around 6 departments (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Vaucluse), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a densely populated region, generous in summer 🌞 as in winter ⛄️ with its visitors. Especially with nature lovers! The Alps reign on the eastern side of the region, the Camargue to the west… And the coastline of the Mediterranean links these two natural treasures. Let's start from the major metropolises of the region to explore its natural treasures.

Between sea and mountains: the region's natural treasures 🌿

Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques Massif falls into the Mediterranean, offering wonderful spots for swimming 🏊🏼‍♀️… Highest point of these mountains ⛰? The Mont Puget at 563 meters. From there to the end of your run, you can observe the Phocean city, nestled between land and sea. In Nice, once you've run an urban trail in the old town, what about an excursion in the Gorges du Verdon? One of Europe's largest canyons, a true paradise for climbing 🧗🏼‍♀️, slacklining, kayaking 🛶, hiking 🚶🏻‍♂️ enthusiasts… To enjoy the gorges, aim for the commune of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, located near Lake Sainte-Croix, connected to the gorges. On the way, stop by if you can in the beautiful perched village of Castellane. At certain times of the year, the flowering lavender fields are not far away… North of Nice, the Mercantour National Park awaits you for a beautiful ride. Highest point of the park, the Cime du Gélas at 3143 meters even allows you to cross the Italian 🇮🇹 border through the heights. A bit higher on the map, still in the Alpine massif, the Écrins National Park is also a feast for the eyes 😍. Another very characteristic place in the region, the Alpilles Regional Natural Park, south of Saint-Rémy de Provence, is an invitation to live Provençal style. Why not in Tarascon, seated in the shade of a pine tree, with a good glass of local wine 🍷 and a few black olives… All after a stroll through the market. Isn't life beautiful? Villefranche-sur-mer and its seaside promenades is an ideal place to end the trip smoothly, after so many lovely walks across the region! And if you want to tear yourself away from the continent, the islands of Porquerolles, Lérins, or Levant (facing Hyères) await you… from solid land.

The most beautiful trails in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 🏃‍♂️

Convinced? Then how about taking a look at the trail calendar in Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur? There are plenty of choices; let's clear the path a bit! What do you think of starting with the highest peak of the Vaucluse, with the Grand Raid Ventoux? A rendezvous for ultra-trail runners. A short trail and a long trail are also on the program of this beautiful race, which will take you to the heart of the local nature. In the Bouches-du-Rhône, in Ensuès-la-Redonne, L'Escapade lives up to its name. A great discovery trail perfect for beginners. More challenging, the Alpin Trail de Pichauris offers a test through the reliefs north of Marseille every year. An ultra-trail called "Expert" and qualifying for the UTMB® World Series, you definitely must be cautious... However, the whole family is invited on a small loop of a few kilometers. Nice! A children's race is also part of the Serre Che Trail Salomon program in Monêtier-les-Bains in the Hautes-Alpes. You'll have a blast, and suffer a little too, in the magnificent context of the Massif des Cerces and its highest peak, the Grand Aréa. A quick urban trail for the road? Head to the Cannes Urban Trail! A start on the sand of the Croisette precedes a beautiful walk in the surrounding nature in Cannes... You'll discover the city of the famous film festival with a new perspective!

Good luck 😄 for the choice now, there are plenty of other great races on the program👇🏼 ...