Trail running initiation in the Jura mountains, up to the summit of the Grand Colombier
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBurgundy-Franche-Comté / Jura
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions26.04 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Ideal for discovering trail running in a natural setting , this introductory course in the Jura Mountains offers a gradual immersion on varied and accessible trails. Led by an experienced professional , you'll learn to better manage your effort, equipment, and nutrition, while acquiring the fundamental techniques of mountain running. Each outing takes you into the heart of the Jura forests , with moderate elevation gains that promote confident progress . The route culminates with the ascent of an iconic peak , offering breathtaking views of the Bugey region and Lake Bourget. At the end of the day, you'll return to the comfort of a welcoming gîte , where a Nordic bath awaits for optimal recovery . A perfect opportunity to chat and share experiences. This trip combines effort, nature, and conviviality , allowing you to progress smoothly in a supportive atmosphere.
The highlights
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Trail running initiation led by a professional on varied trails in the Jura
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Varied trails between Jura forests and open panoramas
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Accommodation in a comfortable cottage with a Nordic bath
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 567 m
- Average daily descent: 567 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
Hello, I'm Damien! What motivates me in my travels with you? To give you the experience that suits you, whether you are curious, a foodie, sporty, contemplative or all of the above, to explore places that mean a lot to me and to help you discover them and above all to exchange, share with you during our travels.
See you soon on the trails!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is at 10:00 AM at the gîte to meet the group and have a pre-departure briefing with the guide. The day begins with an initial loop of approximately 12 km, accessible and gradual, perfect for warming up and getting a feel for trail running.
Back at the gîte around 1 p.m., a shared lunch, prepared by Damien, allowed everyone to recharge. The afternoon was then devoted to technical workshops, focused on working on ascents and descents, in order to improve feel and technique for trail running.
At the end of the day, return to the gîte with the option of enjoying the Nordic bath, followed by a stretching session. The day concludes with a convivial dinner and an evening at the gîte.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day is dedicated to working on elevation gain, an opportunity to put into practice the techniques covered the previous day. Depending on the terrain's incline, you alternate between walking and running to best manage your effort both uphill and downhill.
The afternoon offers a fun approach to orienteering, with varied workshops that can be adapted to each person's level. A dynamic way to progress while having fun.
The day concludes with a convivial gathering around an appetizer platter, followed by a slideshow dedicated to trail running, providing an opportunity to discuss equipment, techniques, and experiences. Dinner extends this time of sharing with a modern twist on raclette, designed for athletes.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, the highlight of the trip is the climb up the Grand Colombier, an iconic summit made famous in particular by cycling.
Thanks to the hiking-running format, everyone progresses at their own pace while enjoying beautiful balcony trails leading gradually towards the summit.
The stage involves approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain. The group progresses together in an encouraging atmosphere, ideal for learning to manage effort and fully appreciating the challenge. A picnic break is planned along the way, offering a moment of sharing in the heart of nature.
The return to the gîte takes place in the late afternoon, for a final convivial moment before parting ways and concluding this trail running course.
Day 3
Accommodation
The "Manoir du Colombier" gîte is a comfortable 4-star holiday cottage. You will sleep in a shared room with a single bed: blankets and pillows are provided, you only need to bring a sheet. On site, you will also have access to a swimming pool (open from mid-April to the end of September) and a Nordic bath for relaxing after a day of trail running.
Access
Go to the starting point
Take the TGV to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine station.
From there, you can take a regional train to Culoz. Once you arrive in Culoz, we can arrange a shuttle with the guide to Chavornay (Arvière-en-Valromey).
- Departure station > Bellegarde-sur-Valserine > Culoz
It is also possible to drive to Chavornay (Arvière-en-Valromey) and leave it in a free parking lot.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 10 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting the expedition!
Price details
The price includes
- The trip was supervised by Damien, a passionate trail running guide and expert on the Jura region.
- Accommodation in a comfortable 4-star holiday cottage
- Access to the swimming pool and Nordic bath at the cottage
- All meals, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3 (meals will be prepared in a group in a friendly atmosphere)
- Technical workshops: stride management, pole use, nutrition and mountain navigation
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Any drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “Price includes”
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A sleeping bag liner (sleeping bag)
