Millau, FRA ·
15 Oct - Oct 18, 2026
The pioneer of French trail running, where wild causses, deep gorges and 30 years of passion meet in the heart of Aveyron
Born in 1995, the Festival des Templiers is one of the oldest and most celebrated trail running events in the world. Set in the spectacular Grands Causses landscape near Millau, France, it offers over a dozen races ranging from short family runs to the legendary 80 km Grand Trail des Templiers. Each October, more than 10,000 runners gather for a weekend that blends athletic challenge with festive spirit.
The Festival des Templiers stands as a living monument to trail running. Founded in 1995, it is one of the very first trail races ever created in France, predating most of today's iconic events by nearly a decade. Each October, the medieval city of Millau in Aveyron transforms into the beating heart of the trail running world, welcoming over 10,000 runners for a celebration of sport and nature.
The courses traverse the wild and dramatic landscape of the Grands Causses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Runners navigate the limestone plateaus of the Causse Noir, Causse du Larzac and Causse Méjean, plunging into the deep gorges of the Tarn, the Dourbie and the Jonte before climbing back up through ancient forests and past striking rock formations known as chaos ruiniformes. The flagship Grand Trail des Templiers covers 80 km with 3,530 m of elevation gain on intimate single tracks that wind through some of the most breathtaking scenery in southern France.
Beyond the races, the Festival des Templiers is renowned for its uniquely warm and festive atmosphere. The streets of Millau come alive with music, local cuisine and the shared passion of a community united by a love of trail running. From the Endurance Trail's 99 km challenge to short courses for children, every runner finds their place in this legendary gathering on the causses.