Le Défi des Vignes

As if one wine weren’t enough, here it’s ten wines! 😬

Dear Finisher, meet us at La Londe-Les-Maures for the Défi des Vignes (formerly the Dix vins), an exceptional and unique trail race! Ready? Let’s go for la rade d'Hyères, (and this is not for tomorrow) in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This charming southern town, basking in sunshine, offers you a dream setting. You won’t know where to look. The Mediterranean faces you, the Massif des Maures at your back, not to mention the countless vineyards on either side. It’s like a world tour in one day—even Jules Verne wouldn’t have seen so much. The race takes place in October, during the Toussaint holidays (you’ll have time to recover calmly, or stay to enjoy the region), so no more shellfish and crustaceans, pack away your swimsuit and get ready for a sporting event between land and sea (nothing to do with your Top Chef culinary attempts).

Don’t push yourself too hard—the fun is for everyone!

Four nature-friendly courses with no elevation gain, prepared and meticulously laid out by a team of dedicated volunteers, are offered: a marathon, a half-marathon, a 10 km also accessible to PMR and a 5 km. If your go-to proverb is “there’s no point in running if you don’t start on time”, know that you can also join the timed walk format for the 10 km and the 5 km. You’re not here to break records; you simply want to enjoy the moment and soak in the scenery, so the hiking format is waiting for you on these two distances, with no pressure and no timing. The Défi des Vignes is the festive and convivial event par excellence, so bring your family and friends.

Below you’ll find the course map for the Défi des Vignes (note: this is for edition 2021; the routes for the next edition will be announced soon):

Let’s get to the routes! If all roads lead to Rome, here it all starts at the Port of La Londe-Les-Maures. Whatever distance you choose, the rendezvous is the same for everyone, so you can enjoy the event’s wild atmosphere together. We take the same and start again—but not this time, SURPRISE!! Each year the routes change to vary the pleasures. There are so many sights to see that you’ll want to return several times. At the foot of the Massif des Maures, the race takes you into the heart of the private and exceptional wine estates of La Londe that open their doors (well, their paths) just for the event. You’ll see a rainbow of colors, and we’re not just talking about the scenery! 😅 White, Red, Rosé … Hold on tight, there are no fewer than 20 domaines to discover in total.

Back to the scenery: you won’t be disappointed by this journey, as the route is highly varied. On the program: vineyard crossings, cellars, agricultural paths, clearings and undergrowth (with laurels, cork oaks or whin), streams alongrivulets, and finish on the sandy beach! Yes you read that right—you’ll get a finish worthy of Pamela Anderson in Alerte à Malibu on the Miramar beach. Facing the Sea you’ll also glimpse the Iles d’Porquerolles and Port-Cros, nearby—plenty of inspiration for post-race. 😍 And there’s more! Each aid station has its own surprises—tastings and activities, you won’t want to restart. Besides sights and flavors, it’s a true sensory adventure: pine forests, sea air, rosemary, thyme… Provence, the real deal!

Once you cross the finish line with eyes wide open but legs worn out, it’s time for the aperitif! It’s time to sample what local artisans have to offer. The Association of Côtes de Provence la Londe winemakers invites you to enjoy quality wines and local products. LOCAL! It’s the organizers’ motto to show you the region from all angles. To make the most of it, you’ll want to be in good shape, and again everything is planned. A crew of podiatrists, physiotherapists and osteopaths are at your disposal to help you get back on your feet after your effort. You’re lucky! Once you’re up and running, take the opportunity to explore the local gastronomy by tasting anchovy, tapenade and for a sweet touch, Provençal honey. Feeling energized? You can extend your stay since the race takes place in October during Toussaint holidays. From Dolmen de Gaoutabry and its Provençal megaliths to the Giens Peninsula, an essential Var destination where you can enjoy wonderful wild coastlines, coves and fine sandy beaches 🏝— there’s plenty to do.

We all have a Fairy Godmother, and here it’s Céline Géraud who watches over you 👼.

The little big plus of the race? Nature welcomes you, and to thank it, the organizers commit to making the event eco-friendly with durable signage and a waste sorting on race day. So we’re counting on you: running also means respecting the environment ♻️!