Festival Grandes Heures Nature

The time has come! 🫵

Head to the Doubs, in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, for three days of pure sport outdoor in mid-June 🌿. If you can’t decide your favorite discipline between MTB, kayaking 🛶, running or swimming, don’t look any further: the Festival of Great Hours in Nature lets you do it all in one weekend 😎. Imagine a base camp set up at the Chamars Park, between green hills and the bends of the Doubs 💦, where nearly 10 different events cross paths. You know, a bit like those elite athletes who head to Font-Romeu for several days of training 🫁. You’ll be able to focus fully on sport for more than 72 hours 🥵. This festival draws thousands of participants each year, offering a unique sharing and networking experience around outdoor 👊 So don’t miss out! 🤘

If you’re more into team sports, you may have heard of Ekiden? 🤝 This marathon distance is run in relay, as fast as possible, with nationally referenced times 🇫🇷. You’ll be able to compare yourself with all other results already recorded 📋. 42,195 km, it’s easier when split into small chunks of 5 km and 10 km 🤪. For friends who prefer mechanical efforts: a MTB course is also offered 🚵. With a loop of 50 km and 1 084 mD+, the ride won’t be easy, but you’ll get to see some landscapes 🤩. The technical trails around Besançon aren’t scarce, and we advise keeping your eyes open 👀. The most creative among us will also find their fit here: kayak 🛶, swimrun and even climbing are on site 🧗. It’s going to be a real celebration of diversity. Imagine if the sun shows up ☀️. You paddle, you sunbathe, and you meet people: would that be not a vacation before its time? 👙.

But that’s not all ❌. If, despite all these options, you still can’t find your perfect fit 👟, hear what comes next: a gourmet 12 km hike with entry, main course 🍽️, cheese 🧀, dessert and drinks opens its doors on Sunday morning. So you can follow your partner on her physical journey, then slip away to enjoy the little bites prepared with love by local caterers and restaurants 🤤. And the kids’ excuse isn’t valid either: family-friendly multisport events kids multisports are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday 😋. Bring the whole family and head toward Grand-Besançon 🧭. That weekend, the vibe is something special. The site buzzes with introductions and athletic showcases 🥳. It’s an event that brings together the entire outdoor community outdoor 🏔️, from kayakers to climbers, united by shared values of friendliness, of perseverance and kindness.

Take a peek at what surrounds you 👁️, you’ll see you’re not anywhere random: you’re at the foot of the Vauban fortifications 🏰, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site (that’s something). Besançon is also a true cultural city: home to a certain Victor Hugo who was born there, and it’s a cinema backdrop that hosted iconic scenes from the film "Le Rouge et le Noir" 🎬. The forests and valleys around the small town also give it natural charm 🌳. To extend the experience, try a quirky visit to the zoological garden or take a stroll to the Museum of Time, the city’s icon 🏙️. If you still have a little pep left, improvise a stroll along the Strasbourg quays. With sunset 🌇, you can be sure you won’t be disappointed 🕶️. And for a refill, grab a piece of Comté cheese or an authentic Morteau sausage 🌭: you’ll leave ready to go again ⛽️.

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