Fest'Trail Causses & Rougier

The Fest'Trail Causses & Rougier features some memorable circuits for 2 days of pure sporting sensations!

Our aim, through an eco-friendly event, is to help you discover all the richness of a remarkable region, nestled in the heart of the Grands Causses Natural Park.

First, you will experience our extraordinary landscapes, between the Causses and the Rougier, which our four routes will allow you to enjoy without limit. You will also discover the regional heritage, starting at the foot of Montaigut Castle, overlooking the Rougier valley from its rocky promontory, or passing by the Rocher de Caylus, the remains of a fortified town once ruled by ancient counts. Finally, the know-how of our local producers, whose products will fill the refreshment stations as well as the table of a well-deserved meal.

Saturday

The Prologue (8 km – 300 m D+)

Start & finish: Town Hall Square, in the city of Saint-Affrique

For this prologue, the heart of La Vilotte welcomes you, with a start from the charming Town Hall Square.
Once the race begins, you quickly start the ascent to the Rocher de Caylus, remains of the castle that dominated the city a few centuries ago. After this first climb, the valley will offer a bit of respite before a final series of switchbacks affectionately called “the Alpe d’Huez” by the locals.
At the top, a superb panorama awaits you, followed by a playful and technical ridge that leads you back down to the finish line.
More info and rules by clicking here!

Sunday

La Draille > 15 km – 500 m D+

Start: Montaigut Castle, Gissac – Finish: Village Hall, in the city of Saint-Affrique

A condensed version of everything you can find in trail running — all on an accessible distance!

The start is given from the courtyard of Montaigut Castle. Be careful during the first kilometre: you’ll need to position yourself well before the first climb towards the Croix del Pas. It’s technical and narrow; don’t get trapped right away!

At the cross, turn left before descending to Vendeloves. Six downhill kilometres — the perfect moment to try making a first break from your competitors.
At kilometre 8, the judge of peace awaits you: a final climb of 2 km and 350 m D+. Beware of those who pushed too hard in the first half!
At the summit, take comfort in a 360° breathtaking view before the last downhill and a well-earned finish.
More info and rules by clicking here!

La Montaigut > 30 km – 1350 m D+

Start: Montaigut Castle, Gissac – Finish: Village Hall, in the city of Saint-Affrique

You will run through an exceptional setting, starting at the foot of the legendary Montaigut Castle.
After a warm-up where everyone can soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic place, you’ll have to battle a bit during the first few metres of tarmac to find your place before the first single track. Two kilometres of ascent as a warm-up, followed by a beautiful crossing of the Loubière plateau leading you to the village of Lapeyre and its ancient stone bridge. A refreshing stop by the Sorgues river, then off you go again! Towards Vendeloves through a series of playful single tracks.

Halfway, you will reach the turning point of the race: a significant climb of 2 km and 350 m D+. At the top, the Rougier plains spread out before you. Time to run across the “montagnettes”!
After this section, the last major challenge of the day awaits you: a stony ascent to the heights of Saint-Affrique. The perfect opportunity to admire once again the Causse and its surroundings before the final descent.
More info and rules by clicking here!

La Cardabelle > 50 km – 2300 m D+

Start: Montaigut Castle, Gissac – Finish: Village Hall, in the city of Saint-Affrique

Your journey begins at the foot of Montaigut Castle, overlooking the Rougier valley.
A few metres on the road, then the “plaster trail”—a reminder of the former gypsum quarries—will lead you to the foothills of the Loubière. An alternation of rocky uphills and downhills takes you to the village of Lapeyre.

A small single track running alongside the river towards Versols offers a refreshing interlude before a change of scenery: direction the Causse… dry and rocky!

First through the splendid Versolet valley, then a tough climb to the Hermilix balconies, where an incredible view awaits you. A technical descent follows, leading to Lapeyre’s old bridge and its refreshment station, then a series of climbs before the landscape changes again — welcome to the Rougier.
From here, ochre trails, scree slopes, and single tracks dictate the final part of your route on the heights of Vabres. The Dourbiette climb will be your judge of peace! Steep and technical, but the hardest part is behind you… time for the final plunge to the finish line.
More info and rules by clicking here!

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