Trail du Petit Saint-Paulien 2026
- Next event : Sun, September 27, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
It’s in the small town of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, located in Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, that we’ll meet up for the Trail du Petit Saint-Paulien 🤏. This village enjoys an original geographical position due to a geological fault separating limestone and sandstone soils, giving this place a special charm. You’ll sometimes pass through hamlets, which add variety to the scenery and each has its own distinct features 😍. We’ll have time to tell you more about the landscape that awaits you during this race! So first, let us introduce the event 👇.
During the month of September, when temperatures are milder, the late-summer warmth can heat up your arms and calves ☀️ for one last summer dance 💃. On the program, 2 routes: a 15 km race and a 5 km. Distances for all tastes! 😁 Finisher or just here for the good vibes, you’ll find the right shoe distance for you! 👟 Note that the 5 km is open to hikers and to people with reduced mobility in joëlettes. The elevation gain will also be part of the deal 📈. Nothing insurmountable, but enough to get you up high and enjoy the panorama! That’s what we look for in trail races too... a bit of a challenge and a few climbs to delight our legs and our eyes! 🤩
Alright, it’s time to tell you about your routes and the incredible setting that awaits you for this exceptional trail! The paths you’ll take will let you discover the beauty of nature 🌳🐝, notably through wooded 🌲 trails, the waterfall 💧, and the hidden corners of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune. The geographical fault lets you enjoy different types of terrain: you’ll run on limestone ground before crossing the village and reaching the pinewoods on sandstone soils. There’s also a section through an old railway tunnel! 🚂 The race will finish where it began 📍: Place de la Gare 🚞. We told you, it’s an exceptional, human-scale trail 🧍.
Once you’ve finished your race 🏁, don’t hesitate to stroll through the streets of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune 🧒 . Just a couple of strides away, you can also visit the Musée de la Mine Gagnières or take a trip to the Château de Banne 🏰. And if you still haven’t had your fill, you can always head out to discover Ardèche 🥰. This region is full of places to visit, including the must-see cave Chauvet Pont-d'Arc and its prehistoric masterpieces 🐾. For day-trip cravings, we recommend the Ardèche Gorges and their dizzying cliffs ⛰️. As you can see, you’ll have plenty of activities to do on site. When it comes to gastronomy 🍽, the Ardèche department—especially Southern Ardèche—is rich in culinary specialties. Among them, we can recommend the famous Picodon (goat cheese 🧀), the well-known chestnuts 🌰 with cousina (chestnut soup), and Lou Pisadou (a dessert with chestnut cream 🤤).
Come take part in the Trail du Petit Saint-Paulien to experience the race on a grand scale!
4 reasons to join this race
A word from the organizer:
"Saint-Paul-le-Jeune, made up of a main village and several hamlets, is a small historic village in southern Ardèche, located between the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park and the Cévennes National Park. On one side, you’ll find white oaks, junipers, and olive trees that form vegetation characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. And on the other, maritime pines, chestnut trees, and strawberry trees, which are typical of the Cévennes forest. These two types of vegetation are intimately connected by trails that are as beautiful as they are pleasant. You’ve got it: this municipality benefits from a very particular geographical position since it lies on a geological fault separating limestone and sandstone soils. This advantage gives the village a unique character. In short: varied and unique landscapes within a small area."
A distance for every taste
15 kmTOP
5 km
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 400mD+
- 1 loopx15 km
A few more words
Your 15 km race starts in the village of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune in the form of 2 loops of 5 km and 10 km 🔄.
You won’t stay long in this beautiful town, because your first 5 kilometers take you into the countryside for a first section in nature. You’ll run on limestone ground that will perfectly cushion your light, springy strides 🏃♂️. You’ll then go through the fitted-out tunnel of the greenway "Via Ardèche" before winding through the marl on the Avelas plateau and then dropping back down to Saint-Paul-le-Jeune. If you like the setting, keep your eyes wide open because you won’t be disappointed by what comes next 😉.
Once you’re back in the town of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune , you’ll head out again in the opposite direction, toward the most wooded part of the course. You’ll pass through several hamlets before climbing up to the Frigolet ridge via sandy trails between pines and ferns 🌲. Up there, the landscapes are typical of Ardèche and offer an incredible flora 👀. You then return to the village at the end of the route for a triumphant finish!
Well done on your course! 👏
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 100mD+
- 1 loopx5 km
A few more words
The trail of 5 km is open to all levels, and especially to people with reduced mobility in joëlettes. Whatever your level, this distance allows any kind of person to take part in the event 😉.
The route starts in the heart of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune and takes you into the countryside overlooking the village. And yes, the course overlaps with the first part of the 15 km trail 🤯. Luckily for you, you can stop after the first loop—don’t head out for another lap! The kilometers will therefore immerse you straight into nature. After crossing the legendary fitted-out tunnel of the "Via Ardèche", you might see some light, but that's normal. It's due to the slightly whitish color of the limestone paths you’re about to run on 🏃♂️. Those same paths that will lead you to the Avelas plateau before plunging back down toward Saint-Paul-le-Jeune.
Once your shoes are nicely dusty, all you’ll have to do is give it everything on the final sprint and raise your arms in the air to celebrate your finish 🏁. The race ends beautifully—congrats on your great route 👏.
The route can also be done walking. Ideal for admiring the scenery without getting out of breath.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The race is organized by the association "Union Sportive de Saint Paul le Jeune". This is the fourth edition in the year 2026.
The races will start from Place de la Gare on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the town of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune (or at the community hall in case of bad weather):
For the 15 km: at 10:00 a.m.
For the 5 km for everyone: at 10:30 a.m.
For the "Rando du petit Saint-Paulien": from 10:35 a.m. up to a maximum of 3:00 p.m. (open start)
You can pick up your bib on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Saint-Paul-le-Jeune train station, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
For the 5 km for everyone: registration is online until September 26, 2026 inclusive for a fee of €9.50.
For the 15 km: registration is online until September 26, 2026 inclusive for a fee of €13.50.
Registration for the hike is done on site and the price is pay-what-you-want. On site, payments are in cash or by check only.
No, it is not mandatory; however, you will need to present a PPS certificate dated less than three months before the race date OR a valid FFA license
For the 5 km, the race is open from the Cadet category, i.e. runners born in 2011 or earlier
For the 15 km, the race is open from the Junior category, i.e. runners born in 2009 or earlier
For the 15 km: two refreshment stations will be provided on the route, one halfway and another at the finish
For the 5 km, only a refreshment station at the finish will be provided
We recommend you bring something to drink and eat along the route.
You can park around the square and in the village, or near the Stadium, which can serve as a giant parking lot!
Yes, the time limit is set at 1:00 p.m. for the 5 km and 10 km races.
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