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Trail du Lac de Paladru 2027

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Photo credits: Trail du Lac de Paladru
TrailNordic Walking🏅 UTMB® Index Races
🛶 Lakes & ponds⛰ Mountain🌲 Forest⛱ Sand🏞 Nature🙌 Charitable Cause👶 Kids & juniors courses📌 Stage race🤝 Relay🌙 Nocturnal🔗 As a duo
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The event in a few words

“Burnt earth in the wind of the moors of...” 🎼

We're not here to sing the praises of Lake Connemara, but of the sublime Lac de Paladru, often compared to the lagoons of the Caribbean for its heavenly blue! 😍 With an area of 390 hectares, the lake will require good cardio to run around it 😈. But don't worry, there are enough courses for everyone to find their match! So, head to Isère, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 🏔️, in the heart of the Pays Voironnais, for the Trail du Lac de Paladru. Ideal for kicking off the trail season in April ☀️, this race is a must for fulfilling your future sporting goals 👀.

What a great opportunity to take part in a trail around a lake and discover the magnificent landscapes of the surrounding area! To give you your bearings, you'll be about 45 km from Grenoble and at an altitude of 492 m 👆, in the charming village of Montferrat, at the north of the Blue Lake (as the locals call it 😉), near the Chartreuse Massif 🍾. Don't forget the old adage: “in April, don't shed a thread”! Because even though running warms you up, the cool temperatures could be lurking 👀. We've described the setting and the temperature, but the most important part is missing: the courses. In total, several distances are offered, including one for kids 👧 and four for walkers:

Let's start gently with “La Montfrinoise” 🌆 at 12 km with 400 mD+, which kicks off the weekend on Friday evening. Follow up with “La Découverte” 🏔️ at 16 km with 390 mD+. Small is beautiful! You can also opt for the “Semi-Nocturne” 🌙 at 17 km and 740 mD+. Let's build up with “Les Hauts du Lac” at 32 km with 1,000 mD+. If you're even more motivated, we offer the “Grand Tour du Lac” at 55 km. With 2,000 mD+, its course is... leg-breaking! 😅 We've saved the most demanding for last: “L'Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais” at 85 km with 3,200 mD+. Yes, it's tough, we know! But you can do it 😎.

You can also take on three stage races. Two of them begin with Saturday's 17 km "Semi-Nocturne" 🌕 and continue the next day with the 16 km or 32 km race 🤩. The third starts on Friday evening with the 12 km "La Montfrinoise", before moving on to the 17 km and then the 16 km 🔥.

Needless to say, you'll need to be tough and manage your body well 💪. For something more laid-back, you can also take part in one of the two hikes for walkers: “La Montagne” at 10 km and “Le Tour du Lac” at 20 km. Two timed Nordic walks round out Sunday's program: “Les Hauts de Paladru” at 16 km and “Découverte” at 11 km 🚶.

****In the Prealps, surrounded by rolling landscapes, you'll have plenty to enjoy! It's a human-scale event, with a balanced distribution of runners across each race 🏃‍♂️ and perfect for making the trails your own 👌. Most races start and finish at the Détente et Clapotis campsite, on the shore of the Lake 📍 — except for La Montfrinoise, which starts and finishes in the town center of Montferrat, and the Semi-Nocturne, which starts from the Charavines Tourist Office (shuttles mandatory from Montferrat) 🚐. So, watch out not to twist an ankle right at the start because of the sand! After that, your strides will take you on roads, dirt trails and gravel, surrounded by forests 🌳 and fields 🌾. Get ready for a feast for the eyes! You'll pass the Chapelle des 3 Croix, from where you'll have a superb view of Mont Blanc 🤩. You'll also go by the Pierre de Libre Soleil ☀️, one of the highest points in the area. Continuing with viewpoints: La Croix des Cochettes will cross your path (depending on the route you choose 😉). From there you'll see the lake like you've never seen it. Finally, you'll run on the grounds of the Château of the Clermont-Tonnerre Family 🏰, enriched by the remains of the Tour de Clermont, built in the 11th century. Isn't that chivalrous? 🤺

Speaking of “chivalrous”, did you know that this lake has a rather special history? 🤔 Lac de Paladru is the fifth largest natural lake of glacial origin in France! 🧊 It's also known for its incredible archaeological site, where remains from more than 1,000 years ago were discovered. They are now housed in a museum. In short, this site has a true cultural and historical heritage 📚 that you can discover all along your route, or after your race!

Once your Trail du Lac de Paladru is finished, a crazy atmosphere awaits you at the campsite 🏕️. A small village will be set up for the occasion, with showers available to you. On the program: Poke Bowl on Saturday evening 🥗, live bands 🎶 and plenty of activities 😋. As you can tell, the activities are very varied and suitable for the whole family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. You can even stay at the campsite, where a superb heated pool awaits you! And if you haven't had enough, before heading home, we suggest visiting the Lac de Paladru museum. It's worth it! To finish in style, don't forget to taste the famous ravioles du Dauphiné 🥟 and the Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage, with a good glass of Isère wine (always in moderation).

Go sign up for this race that sells dreams! 🤩

5 reasons to join this race

Mind-blowing scenery 🌅
Lac de Paladru is truly a place worth discovering. The setting is simply splendid and is sometimes even compared to the Caribbean. Yes, we never oversell! You'll be on the shore of a lake, but you'll already picture yourself by the sea with the shoreline in the distance. So now all you have to do is imagine yourself running through the heart of the French Caribbean. A real daydream within reach! 🙌
An ultra that counts toward your qualifications 🏅
If you're preparing for a big goal, the 85 km Ultra du Pays Voironnais earns 4 ITRA points and counts as a Qualifier for a 100 km UTMB. In mid-April, you can tick that box without compromising your season 👌.
A family atmosphere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
What's great about this event is that there's something for everyone: little ones, grown-ups, beginners and the most experienced! The organizers wanted to please as many people as possible and make life easier for runners and parents, who can enjoy a real family weekend in Paladru. And if the family aspect is so important, it's because the Trail du Lac de Paladru is also a family story (a little wink to our organizers) 😉.
A touch of solidarity ❤️
The Trail du Lac de Paladru supports numerous charities such as “Les Amis des Enfants du Monde” and “Pour un Sourire de Manoa”. You can make a donation to one of the charities on the registration platform. Between conviviality and mutual support, the event brings a lot of emotion 🥲.
A race that has gone green 💚
Protecting nature is at the heart of the Trail du Lac de Paladru's organization. No more plastic bottles at the aid stations! You bring your own cup, which is part of the mandatory gear 🥤. To support short supply chains, meals are made as much as possible with local and seasonal products 🐣. And of course, no littering in nature 😤.

Message from the organizer:

"A family event, ideal for the start of the season. The Trail du Lac de Paladru is open to everyone and accessible to all levels regardless of age, experience and athletic ability, with hikes, Nordic walks and kids' races as well. Whether to set yourself a challenge, discover a long distance or prepare for future goals, the Trail du Lac de Paladru is the ideal event."

A distance for every taste

85 km : The Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais Relay

Trail
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Trail🛶 Lakes & ponds⛰ Mountain🌲 Forest⛱ Sand🏞 Nature🙌 Charitable Cause🤝 Relay
  • Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 6:00 AM
  • Elevation gain : 3200mD+
  • 85 km

A few more words

The 85 km course is tempting, but you'd rather share it? This relay format follows exactly the same route as the solo ultra, with the same 6:00 a.m. start at the Camping Détente & Clapotis in Montferrat 🏕️ and the same cut-off times 🤝. One registration and one payment for the whole team, and the bib is handed over along the way. The perfect opportunity to experience an ultra as a group, without taking it all on your own legs 😉.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are the race dates and times:

  • “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km: Friday, April 16, 2027 at 6:30 PM (start and finish in the town center of Montferrat)

  • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km (solo and relay): Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 6 AM

  • “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km: Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 7 AM

  • 10 km and 20 km hikes: Saturday, April 17, 2027, free start from 8 AM to 10 AM

  • Kids' races: Saturday, April 17, 2027 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM

  • “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km (solo and duo): Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 7:30 PM, starting from the Charavines Tourist Office

  • Stage Race 17 km + 32 km: Day 1, Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 7:30 PM. Day 2, Sunday, April 18 at 9 AM

  • Stage Race 17 km + 16 km: Day 1, Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 7:30 PM. Day 2, Sunday, April 18 at 10 AM

  • Stage Race 12 km + 17 km + 16 km: Day 1, Friday, April 16, 2027 at 6:30 PM. Day 2, Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 PM. Day 3, Sunday, April 18 at 10 AM

  • “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km: Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 9 AM

  • “La Découverte”, 16 km: Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 10 AM

  • Nordic walking “Les Hauts de Paladru”, 16 km: Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 10:15 AM

  • Nordic walking “Découverte”, 11 km: Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 10:30 AM

Unless otherwise stated, starts and finishes will take place at: Montferrat Beach - Camping Détente et Clapotis (La Véronnière 1678, route des Chevaliers de l’An Mil, 38620 Montferrat). There are two exceptions: “La Montfrinoise” starts and finishes in the town center of Montferrat (150 place Célestin Adolphe Pegoud), and the Semi-Nocturne starts at the Charavines Tourist Office (230 rue des Bains, 38850 Charavines) and finishes at Montferrat beach.

A briefing will be held 15 minutes before each start.

  • Prices increase in tiers as registrations fill up:

    • “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km: €8 (first 85 bibs), then €10 (next 85), then €12

    • “La Découverte”, 16 km: €12 (first 200 bibs), then €14 (next 200), then €16

    • “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km: €12 (first 85 bibs), then €14 (next 85), then €16

    • “La Semi-Nocturne” as a duo: €24 (first 15 duos), then €28 (next 15), then €32, price per team

    • “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km: €23 (first 200 bibs), then €25 (next 200), then €28

    • “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km: €37 (first 175 bibs), then €39 (next 175), then €42

    • Stage Race 17 km + 16 km: €23, then €25, then €28

    • Stage Race 17 km + 32 km: €32, then €35, then €38

    • Stage Race 12 km + 17 km + 16 km: €32, flat rate

    • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km: €66 (first 100 bibs), then €71 (next 100), then €83

    • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais” as a relay: €68, then €76, then €84, price per team

    Meal prices (optional, at extra cost):

    • Saturday lunch: €12 per person

    • Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch: €13.50 per person

  • “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km: none, self-sufficiency required

  • “La Découverte”, 16 km: 1 full aid station at km 7

  • “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km: none, self-sufficiency required

  • “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km: 2 full aid stations (km 12 - km 20) and 1 water point at km 26

  • “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km: 3 full aid stations (km 13 - km 25 - km 38) and 1 water point at km 48

  • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km: 5 full aid stations (km 13 - km 26 - km 38 - km 55 - km 69) and 1 water point at km 79

Individual assistance is only allowed within 20 meters before and 20 meters after the aid station areas set up by the organization.

No, medical certificates are no longer accepted. To take part in a timed event at the Trail du Lac de Paladru as an adult, you must provide one of the following:

  • an Athlé Compétition, Athlé Entreprise or Athlé Running license issued by the FFA, valid on the date of the event (Santé and Encadrement licenses are not accepted);

  • or a Pass Prévention Santé (PPS) number, valid on the date of the event, to be completed within the three months before the event. It costs €5 at https://pps.athle.fr/

For minors: an Athlé Compétition, Entreprise or Running license (Santé, Encadrement and Découverte licenses are not accepted), or a Health Questionnaire (QS) number generated free of charge via the FFA's PPS platform. A dated and signed parental authorization is also required.

Tuesday, April 13, 2027, Gozzi Voiron Espace Montagne store (50 bd Becquart Castelbon, 38500 Voiron): all events.

Friday, April 16, 2027, Montferrat town center:

  • “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km: from 5 PM to 6:15 PM

  • All other events: from 5 PM to 7 PM

Saturday, April 17, 2027, Montferrat beach:

  • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km: from 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM

  • “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km: from 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM

  • “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km: from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM

  • Stage races: from 3 PM to 6:30 PM

  • “La Découverte”, 16 km and “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km: from 3 PM to 6:30 PM

  • Kids' races: registration from 1 PM

Sunday, April 18, 2027, Montferrat beach:

  • “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km: from 7 AM to 8:30 AM

  • “La Découverte”, 16 km: from 7 AM to 9:30 AM

For “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km:

  • emergency blanket

  • 1 L water reserve

  • whistle

  • mobile phone

  • race headquarters and doctor/rescue phone numbers (information shown on your bib)

  • a working headlamp with new batteries

  • a cup for the aid stations (course and finish)

For “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km:

  • emergency blanket

  • 1/2 L water reserve

  • whistle

  • mobile phone

  • race headquarters and doctor/rescue phone numbers

  • a cup for the aid stations (course and finish)

For “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km:

  • emergency blanket

  • 1/2 L water reserve

  • whistle

  • race headquarters and doctor/rescue phone numbers

  • a cup for the aid stations (course and finish)

For “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km:

  • emergency blanket

  • 1/2 L water reserve

  • whistle

  • mobile phone

  • race headquarters and doctor/rescue phone numbers

  • a working headlamp with new batteries

  • a cup for the aid stations (course and finish)

For “La Découverte”, 16 km and “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km:

  • a cup for the aid stations (course and finish)

A mandatory gear pack (headlamp, whistle and collapsible cup) can be added as an option at registration, for the Ultra, the Semi-Nocturne and the stage races. Spot checks may be carried out at any time (start pens, aid stations...) and may result in penalties up to and including disqualification.

Open to Espoirs, Seniors and Masters (born in 2007 or earlier):

  • “L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km, solo and relay

  • “Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km

  • “Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km

  • “La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km, solo and duo

  • The 17 + 16 km and 17 + 32 km stage races

Open to Juniors, Espoirs, Seniors and Masters (born in 2009 or earlier):

  • “La Découverte”, 16 km

  • “La Montfrinoise”, 12 km

  • 10 km and 20 km hikes

Kids' races: children born between 2011 and 2021, divided into five categories — Bébés Athlés (2020-2021), Éveil Athlétique (2017-2019), Poussins (2015-2016), Benjamins (2013-2014), Minimes (2011-2012).

Here are the cut-off times for each race:

“L’Ultra Trail du Pays Voironnais”, 85 km:

  • Km 13 (Le Pin aid station): after 2h20 of racing

  • Km 38 (Oyeu aid station): after 6h50 of racing

  • Km 55 (Fregata aid station): after 9h15 of racing

  • Km 68 (return from Fregata): after 12h10 of racing

“Le Grand Tour du Lac”, 55 km:

  • Km 13 (Le Pin aid station): after 2h15 of racing

  • Km 26 (Oyeu aid station): after 4h20 of racing

  • Km 38: after 6h35 of racing

“Les Hauts du Lac”, 32 km (also in the stage race):

  • Km 20 (Le Plan aid station): after 3h45 of racing

“La Semi-Nocturne”, 17 km (also in the stage race):

  • Km 11.1 (passing through Bilieu): after 1h55 of racing

Yes! The top 6 overall finishers in each men's and women's category will be rewarded. Please note that no prizes are awarded by age category.

For the stage races, an interim ranking will be made at the end of stage 1 (17 km semi-night race). If a stage race competitor is among the top 6 overall men or women of stage 1, they will be invited to the podium but will not receive a prize. The prize will only be awarded at the end of the event, based on the combined times of the two stages.

Yes, the restrooms and showers at Montferrat beach are available to participants.

You can check the race rules here

Results - Trail du Lac de Paladru

2023 editionView results

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Trail du Lac de Paladru
Trail du Lac de Paladru
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