Monts de flandres - Nord Trail Monts De Flandres NTMF ©Cyrille Quintard

Top 10 trail running routes

A trail runner’s paradise

The Hauts-de-France region is a trail runner’s paradise, there’s no doubt about it. Whether it be for competition or leisure, running or walking, here are our favourite routes that any fan of nature, trails, panoramic views and the great outdoors will love. Lace up your shoes and discover the amazing scenery that Hauts-de-France has to offer.

©Northern France, Eppe-Sauvage, Trail Valjoly|René Harbonnier

Pierrefonds

01. Trail du Château de Pierrefonds

How about a trail run through the esplanade and park of the Château de Pierrefonds, an architectural gem and masterpiece designed by Viollet-le-Duc? The trail starts off through the forest before passing through the town to finish. It’s held in January with a choice of two routes (8 miles and 17 miles), including one for walkers.

Oignies

02. Trail des Pyramides noires

Embark upon an adventure in the UNESCO-classified Mining Bassin and summit the pyramids of Northern France: the famous slag heaps! The trail des pyramides noires includes four running routes (14 miles to 68 miles) and a hiking route (14 miles) whose varied elevation is rather rare for the Hauts-de-France region! Held in May.

Northern France _ Mining area _ Trail des Pyramides Noires © Pidz

Eppe-Sauvage

03. Trail du Val Joly

The Trail du Val Joly is set amongst the picturesque surroundings of the Ardennes foothills, passing around a 180-hectare lake that itself is surrounded by a 2,000-hectare forest. It takes place in early March, but if you’re not free then, the routes can be accessed all year round from the Val Joly tourist resort for running or hiking.

Bailleul

04. Nord Trail Monts de Flandres

Set off from Bailleul and rove the medley of small hills that populate French Flanders: Mont Boeschèpe, Mont Noir and Mont des Cats. But that’s not all: because you’ll also be crossing the Belgian border if you brave the two longest runs of the Nord Trail Monts de Flandres.

The view from atop the peaks is nothing short of magical. Immerse yourself in a bucolic paradise as you zig-zag across the rolling countryside of the Monts de Flandre. Held in April, with routes ranging from 17 miles to 50 miles.

Northern France _ Monts de flandres - Nord Trail Monts De Flandres NTMF ©Cyrille Quintard

Monts de Flandres, Nord Northern France _ Monts de flandres - Nord Trail Monts De Flandres NTMF ©Cyrille Quintard

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

05. La Transbaie

The Transbaie takes you across one of the world’s most beautiful bays with a fantastic atmosphere to boot with.

Starting out from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, you’ll make your way to Le Crotoy before returning almost the same way… before the tide catches up! Sand, sludge, water, fancy dress costumes and heaps of fun! Bring your friends for a weekend in the bay of Somme.

Wissant

06. Trail de la Côte d'Opale

Northern France _ Cap Blanc-Nez _ Trail de la Côte d'opale ©C. Cholez - Terre Des 2 Caps Tourisme

Northern France _ Ambleteuse _ Trail de la Côte d'opale ©C. Cholez - Terre Des 2 Caps Tourisme

Northern France _ Trail de la Côte d'opale ©C. Cholez - Terre Des 2 Caps Tourisme

Northern France _ Cap Gris-Nez _ Trail de la Côte d'opale ©C. Cholez - Terre Des 2 Caps Tourisme

All the routes start from Wissant beach, which is an impressive 7.5 miles long! Fine sand, dunes, shingles, wind (no one wants it to be too easy) and, most importantly, breath-taking views of the sea and the cliffs of the Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, both classified as Grand Sites de France. A crisp and ocean-fresh experience you won’t find anywhere else.

The wide variety of routes for trail running, hiking or Nordic walking range from 4 miles to 53 miles, meaning there’s something for everyone. Takes place in September.

Noyelles-sous-Lens

07. L'Arena Terril Trail

The Arena Terril Trail is a unique trail stadium for learning, having fun and training. It has built on the Noyelles-sous-Lens slag heap and includes steps, ramps, slides, a cross-fit area and an elevation training zone. A must-visit for trail runners of all abilities.

Hauts-de-France

08. – Urban Trails galore

Northern France _ Saint-Quentin _ Urban Trail © Ville de Saint-Quentin - Luc Couvée

Valenciennes, Lille, Lens, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Arras, Saint-Quentin, Amiens, Beauvais… the list goes on! Urban trails turn the concept of trail running on its head, offering a great way to explore a town or city, often with friends or family.

And there are an infinite number of possibilities to tailor your route to your interests and difficulty level: run up steps or across parks, hop over objects, sprint down streets or cross through businesses, museums and train stations…

Lumbres

09. Collines d’Opale – Pays de Lumbres Trail running resort

The station de Trail® des collines d’Opale – Pays de Lumbres is a trail running resort open all year round with nine hiking routes and six running routes! The limestone hills and mountains make for one very rugged landscape and provide the perfect setting for improving your times while making the most of the great outdoors!

Find out more

Northern France _ Lumbres _ Station de Trail de Lumbres © Ccpl

Liévin

10. Grand Trail des Hauts-de-France through the night

Explore the hills of Artois with six running routes from 5 miles to 51 miles and two hiking routes of 9 miles and 19 miles. Starting from Liévin, you’ll climb slag heaps and cross lands only known by locals, from the Mining Basin to the Lorette hills. The experience is made even more thrilling by the fact it takes place mainly through the night! Held in late October.

You'll also like

Northerne France_Chantilly_Crt Hauts De France Vincent Colin

In active mode : get moving

Dunkerque _ Longe-côte © CRTC Hauts-de-France Nicolas Bryant

Sea wading in Dunkirk

Gazing at 10 panoramic landscapes