Ardèche Trail La Voie Romaine

One day, a certain Julius Caesar said: "I’d rather be the first man here than the second in Rome" 🤴. The legend says it all started from L’Ardèche Trail La Voie Romaine, formerly known as Ardéchois Trail, when this sentence was uttered 😂. Come run at the heart of the Parc National des Monts d’Ardèche and try the course specially designed to reveal this road network used by the Roman armies that allowed travelers to cover the entire Empire. Indeed, you’ll find preserved vestiges that the trail will let you admire. It’s crazy, these Romans 🤪. Between cultural heritage and nature immersion 🍃, let yourself be drawn by the uniqueness of this race that offers a few compelling arguments : simple paths and technical trails, rocky paths 🪨, waterfalls 💦, creeks, rivers 🐟, etc... Let’s go, we’ll take you to the galley (Roman)! 😅

In search of wild boars 🐗 like Obelix, or the conquest of the Gaul like Caesar 👑, meet us in Désaignes in May. This medieval town perched in the Ardèche, about 30 km west of Valence, will be the start and finish hub 🏁 for the various events. For this nature run, distances are not an issue. Everyone will find a trail running shoe that fits! 👟 On the program, 5 distances : 8 km, 10 km, 20 km, 36 km and 57 km with elevation adapted to each. Depending on your distance, you’ll explore a beautifully specific part of the Ardèche heritage (but you should check the parcours descriptions to learn more 😜). Lovers of hiking are also highlighted with three walks dedicated to them: 8 km, 10 km and 20 km. A more relaxed way to soak in the region’s stunning routes and landscapes 😎.

Let’s cut to the chase: here’s what to expect as you embark on your odyssey through the 190 000 hectares of Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d’Ardèche. Starting from Désaignes, a village rated ‘character’, the medium Ardèche mountain will unfold before you and reveal all its secrets ⛰. Run on the trails and the undergrowth around you, through a nature unique to the region, made up of chestnut trees 🌰, pines and a ponderosa pine 🌲 and douglas 🌳. You’ll soak in the authenticity of the small cliff-top hamlets and the isolated farms you’ll encounter along the way, across creeks, the little bridges and rocky passages that you’ll tread 😍.

Beyond the stunning viewpoints you’ll enjoy after scaling the Olympus... Oops, we’re actually in Antiquity 🙃 ➡️ Beyond the sublime viewpoints you’ll savor after conquering the summits of the Pays de Lamastres, you’ll also discover some Roman-era remnants 🏛. Truly a highlight of the event if you take off: the Château de Rochebonne overlooking the valley of the Eyrieux is simply gorgeous 🏰. It doesn’t have the cosmopolitan vibe of the Caesars Palace 🎰, but, promise, it’s just as impressive! You’ll be enchanted by the different routes offered, for certain, so andiamo 🙋‍♂️.

The ambience that characterizes this race will surely be insane, with a program full of numerous animations 🤹🏻‍♂️ This isn’t us saying it—the town of Désaignes loves to host and show it! 🥳 For the gourmands, it will be Pasta Party, beef on a spit and country buffet ! 😋 Lovers of dancing will also be thrilled to learn there’s an after-race ball planned 🕺, a perfect chance to unwind with family or with friends 😁.

It would be a real mistake to stop there in your Ardèche discovery 🙅‍♂️. So here are our tips to give you a global view of the cultural 🎨 and gastronomic 🍽️ of the region. Treat yourself to a stroll at the heart of the Gorges du Doux and the Gorges de l’Ardèche. You’ll be amazed by its impressive cliffs and its stunning gorges 🤩. If you crave thrill, head to the Peaugres Safari to meet the few thousands of animals that call it home 🦁. For a true Ardèche bite, the region’s must-try is the ardèche crique, a thick pancake of potatoes 🥔 pan-fried, with a rose-pastry dessert called a pantin rose d’Annonay, this traditional shortcake 🥧.

Relax, the sky won’t fall on you in L’Ardèche Trail La Voie Romaine, but you might fall for it! 😉