Trail de Noël d'Ollioules

But before you run, you’ll need to cover up properly!

Outside, it’s surely going to be cold, yes, it’s winter! 🥶

A quick tip, swap your shoes for a nice pair of running shoes and come run at the Trail de Noël d’Ollioules, a colorful village in the Var, between Toulon and Sanaryin Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Every year since 1999 (as Britney said this year, Britney that year, Baby one more time!), this race takes place a few days before Christmas, a great idea to feel a bit less guilty about the meals ahead. In December, with a bit of luck, you might get sunshine and mild temperatures in the PACA region, but if you’re really chilly, the elevation will make you forget it soon enough. 😉

For this trail, two distances are available to you: the Elf Trail, a 16 km trail with 800 meters of elevation gain, or the 27 km in a duo with 1600 meters of elevation gain. We warned you, in the mountains it’s going to climb, and don’t count on the sleigh and reindeer to pull you to the finish. 🦌

The start will be from the village of the Ollioules, believe us, between forests and old stones, this Provençal village has everything you need to delight you. You’ll then join the trails and hills offering a magnificent view over the Rade de Toulon. Yes, you can imagine, given the elevation, you’ll have to climb! Don’t panic, you’ll be rewarded by the stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean, the Baou des Quatre Oures (baou des Quatre Aures, or baou des Quatre Ouros, or otherwise baou de Quatre Oures, or yet baou de Quatre Ouro, whichever you prefer) or the, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume or that of the Gros Cerveau (don’t get a big head—we’re not talking about yours). 🧠

Between forests, muddy or rocky trails, you’ll run toward the Col du Corps de Garde (so stand at attention!!) and the Mont de Caume. To add some variety after this good dose of nature filled with oaks, maples, beech trees and cliffs, you’ll pass through small towns like Pomets (if you can find your way there) before finishing your trail. 😬

Christmas means mulled wine and chocolate,… Of course, they’ll be served to you on arrival, after all you’ve earned a good run! Then you’ll share a convivial moment around a warm meal. If you love fish and have a bit of time, don’t hesitate to try the famous bouillabaisse. Ah! And if your sentence isn’t irreversible after this trail, take on Koh Lanta the Island challenges with your friends and then finish your stay with a visit to the Domaine de Terrebrune, you won’t be disappointed! 🤩

All I want for Christmas is Olliouuuuules ! 🎤