Trail de Fontfroide

Since 2002, the Fontfroide trail allows participants to discover the nature of Narbonne in Aude, Occitanie and its flagship monument which also serves as the start: the millennial Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide ! At your choice, you can pick from the four distances offered according to your level of preparation: The "Ronde des Cistes" of 9km, The 15 km Narbonnaise trailThe 35 km Fontfroide trail and The 55 km "Cistercians" trail. A 10km hike is also on the program! The event takes place in March with the sun maybe shining but beware, it’s the period when weather is still fairly cool in the South. ☃️

The routes of this nature trail, in the heart of the Narbonnaise Regional Natural Park, are mainly made up of natural trails in the garrigue but you’ll also traverse a few winding rocky passages. Look down to avoid tripping over roots of the Fontfroide forest and you might be lucky enough to spot a psammodrome algire, this small lizard 🦎 with two yellow stripes found only in this corner of France.

Between the ascent of the Ruiz stream, the passage over the legendary Heraclean Way and the ruins of Bergerie de l’Aragnon, the course program is well rounded for trail runners seeking landscape curiosities in their race. The most “nature-friendly” will also be treated thanks to Narbonnaise biodiversity. By opening your ears, you’ll hear the call of the Sardinian Buteo and the work of bees producing Monseret honey 🐝. However, wait for the end of the trail before tasting this local product, because with a positive elevation gain of 1,300m on the 35 km, it’s better not to get weighed down beforehand 😅.

The efforts are always rewarded, which is why you’ll be able to enjoy the view over the valley and the abbey as you pass the Fontfroide Cross, perched more than 200 m above sea level. And after your finish, which is also at the abbey, you can discover the Mediterranean terroir by tasting the wine from Domaine de Jonquière, just steps from the Fontfroide trail site.

So don’t hesitate to add this trail to your race calendar in October, because despite the small wind-related and sometimes tough sections, we can promise you’ll have an unforgettable time in the Narbonnaise Garrigue 🌳.

PS: If you decide to visit the city of Narbonne after the trail, you can relax on the long beaches of Narbonne-Plage and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea 🏖.