Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

Festival Grandes Heures Nature 2026

Next event date confirmed
See more about the offers
Photo credits: 53x11.studio
MultisportsRoad RunningSwimRunWalkingCanoe
🎌 Ekiden🤝 Relay🌙 Nocturnal👶 Kids & Juniors Courses🔗 In Pair
 See all distances

The event in a few words

The time has come! 🫵

Head to the Doubs, in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, for three days of pure outdoor sport outdoor in mid-June 🌿. If you can't decide your favorite discipline between MTB, kayak 🛶, running or swimming, look no further: the Festival Grandes Heures Nature allows you to combine it all in one weekend 😎. Imagine a base camp set up at Chamars Park, between verdant hills and the curves of the Doubs 💦, where nearly 10 different events intersect. You know, a bit like those top-level athletes who go to train for several days in the heights of Font-Romeu 🫁. You can fully dedicate yourself to sport for more than 72 hours 🥵. This festival that attracts thousands of participants every year is a unique experience of sharing and meeting around the outdoor practice 👊 So, don't miss your chance! 🤘

If you're more into team sports, you might have already heard of Ekiden? 🤝 This marathon distance is to be run in relay as fast as possible, with times recorded nationally 🇫🇷. You can compare yourself to all other recorded results 📋. 42.195 km is easier when split into smaller chunks of 5 km and 10 km 🤪. For our friends who prefer mechanical efforts: a MTB track is also available 🚵. With a 50 km loop and 1,084 mD+, the ride won't be easy, but it will surely offer some beautiful views 🤩. Technical trails abound around Besançon, and it's advised to keep your eyes wide open 👀. The more original among us will also find their share: kayak, swimrun, and even climbing are available 🧗. It's going to be a real celebration of diversity. Imagine if the sun shows up ☀️. You paddle, you tan, and you meet people: wouldn't this be a holiday in advance? 👙. 

But we haven't told you everything yet ❌. If, despite all these options, you still haven't found your fit 👟, listen closely: a gourmet hike just 12 km long with an entrée, main course 🍽️, cheese 🧀, dessert, and drinks opens its doors on Sunday morning. You can follow your partner on their physical journey and then sneak away to enjoy little delicacies lovingly prepared by local caterers and restaurants 🤤. And the children's excuse is not valid either: kids multisport courses are organized on Saturday and Sunday 😋. Take the whole family and head to Greater Besançon 🧭. That weekend, you're in for a truly unique atmosphere. The site buzzes with sports demonstrations and introductions 🥳. It's an event that brings together the entire outdoor community 🏔️, from kayakers to climbers, sharing values of conviviality, self-improvement, and kindness.

Take a look around 👁️, you'll see you're not just anywhere: you're at the foot of the Vauban fortifications 🏰, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (no less). Besançon is also a true cultural city: a certain Victor Hugo was born there, and it served as a film set for iconic scenes of "Red and Black" 🎬. The forests and valleys that surround the small city also give it a natural charm 🌳. To extend the experience, take an unusual tour of the zoological garden or visit the Museum of Time, an icon of the city 🏙️. If you still have some energy left, take an impromptu walk along the Strasbourg Quays. With the sunset 🌇, we assure you won't be disappointed 🕶️. And to recover, buy yourself some Comté cheese or an authentic Morteau sausage 🌭: you'll be raring to go again ⛽️.

In June, meet in Besançon for a breath of fresh air 🧘.

4 reasons to join this race

A variety of disciplines 🤘
Why choose when you can do it all? By participating in the Festival Grandes Heures Nature, that's a question you'll no longer need to ask yourself 🤔. Here, you can calmly watch a climbing contest or see your children start their dedicated raid 🏃, and then jump into your own sports session, same day or the next. And if you're ultra-motivated, you could, for example, combine MTB on the first day with the Ekiden on the second day, a Raid on the third, and a famous Swimrun to finish the weekend in style 🏊. You got it right, everything is possible and combinable. So, take a good look at the program and let your desires guide you 🍃.
A timeless weekend ⏳
As soon as you arrive, you'll be transported through time. Not all French towns receive the "City of Art and History" label 🏰. The military facades, the citadel, and the fortifications will make you feel like you've traveled back in time 🕰️. With such a packed festival program, time will fly by. Here, your only goal is to disconnect and share with the people around you 🫂. Enjoy every moment, it will pass quickly 🫶.
A record-breaking territory 🏆
For a bit of historical trivia, in 2019, Pablo Signoret connected the summit of Bregille to the Citadelle (a distance of 802 m 🫨) on a 2.5 cm wide slackline, suspended 185 m high ⬆️. A first. So, we strongly advise against attempting to replicate the experience 😂, but by participating in the festival, you tread on this land of achievement. Are you also ready to break some records at the Ekiden or Raid Adventure? ⏱️ That's up to you to decide 😌.
Its border proximity 🌎
By attending the Festival Grandes Heures Nature, you open up to various disciplines and participants, and you can extend your adventure further 👀. The Swiss border is just about a hundred kilometers from Besançon. There, you'll find delicious chocolate 🍫, renowned cheeses 🫕, and the charming town of Neuchâtel. There's no better way to continue your medieval discoveries ⚔️. And to relax after the long drive, Lake Neuchâtel is eagerly waiting for you 🦶.

The organizer's message:

"Join us at the Festival Grandes Heures Nature from June 11 to June 14, 2026, featuring lots of new attractions like the new swimrun event, an unprecedented challenge combining swimming and running, or an unforgettable and electric show at the Citadel during the X'trem Citadelle MTB! Also, enjoy the return of classics: the Ekiden, the Raids X’Périences, the Raid Kids, the Gourmet Hike, the Kayak Trek, and the Climbing Contest will all be featured once again. Now that you have the schedule of events, get ready for some training! 😉"

A distance for every taste

Raid X'Périences Adventure

MultisportsThe most popular
See more about the offers
Multisports🎌 Ekiden🤝 Relay🌙 Nocturnal
  • Sat, June 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM ➜ 6/13/2026
  • Elevation gain : 1000mD+
  • Other
    55 km
    Elevation gain 1000mD+

A few more words

🤫 The routes and event profiles are kept secret until the day. You will have to go there to find out what the organization has in store for you 🏴‍☠️.

We will still give you the disciplines found: trail, kayak 🛶, bike & run, MTB 🚵, orienteering and surprise activities… 💪

See more about the offers

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can collect your race bib on the day of the event at the festival village located at Chamars Park in Besançon:

  • Thursday, June 11, 2026, before 7 PM for "X’Trem Citadelle MTB"

  • Friday, June 12, 2026, from 12 PM to 6:30 PM for the "Ekiden"

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9 AM to 9:45 AM for the first start of the "Raid Kids", from 7 AM to 7:45 AM for the start of the "Raid X'Périences Adventure" and from 10 AM to 11 AM for the start of the "Raid X'Périences Discovery".

  • Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 7 AM to 7:45 AM for the "Swimrun M", from 8 AM to 9:30 AM for the "Gourmet Hike", from 9 AM to 9:45 AM for the 2nd start of the "Raid Kids", from 9 AM to 10 AM for the "Swimrun S", from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM for the "Kayak Trek" and from 12 PM to 1:45 PM for the third start of the "Raid Kids".

You will need to present your identity card and your race bib ticket.

The races start over 4 days, according to the following schedule:

  • Thursday, June 11, 2026: start of the "X’Trem Citadelle MTB" at 7:30 PM at the Citadelle.

  • Friday, June 12, 2026: start of the "Ekiden" at 7 PM at Chamars Park.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026: start of the "Raid X’Périences Adventure" at 8:30 AM from Bonnay, first start of the "Raid Kids" at 10 AM and the "Raid X’Périences Discovery" at 11:30 AM at Chamars Park.

  • Sunday, June 14, 2026: start of the "Swimrun M" at 9 AM from Roche-lez-Beaupré, start of the "Gourmet Hike" at 9:30 AM from Champagney, second and third starts of the "Raid Kids" at 10 AM and 2 PM, start of the "Swimrun S" at 11:30 AM and start of the "Kayak Trek" at 2 PM from Chalèze.

Yes, for all timed events, you must present a medical certificate that clears you for competitive sports, an accepted sports license, or your Health Prevention Course (HPC) attestation. Without this valid document, you will not be able to start.

The minimum age varies according to the chosen format:

  • For the "Ekiden", both "Swimrun" events, and the "Raid X’Périences Discovery": you must be at least 16 years old

  • For the "Raid X’Périences Adventure": you must be at least 18 years old

  • For the "Kayak Trek": you must be at least 12 years old

  • For the "Gourmet Hike": you must be at least 6 years old

  • The "Raid Kids" events are accessible to children from 6 years old, and teams of 4 to 6 runners must include at least one adult.

The prices vary depending on the periods and events:

  • For the Ekiden: €90 until May 11, 2026, then €110

  • For the Raid X'Périences: €65 until May 11, 2026, then €90 (Adventure) or €50 until May 11, 2026, then €75 (Discovery)

  • For the Kayak Trek: €40 until May 11, 2026, then €60 (equipment rental included) or €15 until May 11, 2026, then €20 (own equipment)

  • For the Gourmet Hike: €40 until May 11, 2026, then €45 (adult and child)

  • For the Swimrun M: €45 until May 11, 2026, then €60 (solo) or €65 until May 11, 2026, then €80 (duo)

  • For the Swimrun S: €25 until May 11, 2026, then €40 (solo) or €45 until May 11, 2026, then €60 (duo)

  • For the Raids Kids: €30

Here is the number of refreshment stations planned for each event:

  • For the Ekiden: 3

  • For the Raid X'Périences Adventure: 3

  • For the Raid X'Périences Discovery: 1

  • For the Kayak Trek: 1

  • For the Gourmet Hike: an appetizer, a main dish, cheese, a dessert, and drinks

  • For the Swimrun M: 3

  • For the Swimrun S: 2

  • For the Raids Kids: 1

If you have any further questions, you can contact the organizers by clicking right here

Focus

Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
Festival Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature
®

A next-gen platform helping sports enthusiasts of all levels discover territories and heritage through races tailored to them.

© All rights reserved, property of Finishers
Made in France, between Lyon and Nantes