Trail des Piqueurs

Held every year at Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, in the Puy de Dôme (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), the Trail des Piqueurs proves to be a true nature run that knows how to delight its trail runners. It takes place in March, so we hope you’ll dodge the showers! What’s certain is that the scenery will make you forget the chilly temperatures. 🥶

To satisfy as many runners as possible, five courses are on offer with different elevation profiles. If you’re not crazy about climbing, you can opt for the 11 km des Piqueurs or the 4 or 10 km Hiking. Got a thing for 4x4 mode? Then go for the 25 km des Piqueurs, or the 52 km that you can complete solo or in a relay. For the latter, a little childhood flashback as one section will require you to move on all fours and cling to trees. It’s time to unleash the Tarzan that lies within you! No jealousy for this trail, kids can also take part. 😃

A quick reminder, though: it would be wise to prepare well in advance because despite the beauty of the landscapes, the terrain can be quite technical.

Starting from the village of Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, you’ll head into a forest of oaks, and who knows, you might hear the cuckoo greet the owl! A balcony trail or the Pierrier du Courdeloup, depending on the trail chosen, will take you to a spectacular panorama of the massifs of the Sancy, of the Cézallierand of the Puy de Dôme. After many climbs and descents, crossings of rivulets and trails, you’ll reach the ascent of the Chaos Basaltique of the Pic de la Garde ♠️ (scary at first, right?!). Don’t panic, you won’t stay on the tile ♦️, even if you’ll need to keep your heart ♥️ firmly in place, no luck or four-leaf clover ♣️ needed, put away your joker 🃏 let’s keep playing cards trail! All these efforts will grant you stunning viewpoints over the Livradois-Forez MassifParc naturel régional Livradois-Forez. The two longest courses will also lead you back up the Crater of the Jug, so quench your thirst along the way. We recommend wearing protective eye gear for this trail, as despite the richness of the scenery, the course is demanding, so you’ll need grit! 💪

Once your race is over, you’ll get a little cultural detour at the Château de Mauzun or the Montmorin, in the region. We’re sure you’ll be ready to recharge after all that. For that, nothing beats a tomme tart, or a bit of Ambert cheese, since you’re in the area! 😋

Feeling teased by friends for bragging you started running? Come show them what you’ve got on the Trail des piqueurs! 🔨