Trail weekend: reconnaissance of the Templars' course in Millau
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMillau / Massif Central
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AgeFrom 16 - 65 years
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CO₂-Emissions32.16 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Experience an exceptional weekend in the heart of the Causses and Gorges du Tarn , on the legendary trails of the Templiers trail . Designed to best prepare you, this 80km trip is structured over two days of effort and sharing, adapted to everyone's pace.
Led by Audrey and Alexandre, who will share their experience of the course and the essential key points for success on race day, this event is ideally timed more than a month before the competition. It's the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your training during these crucial final weeks.
On the logistics side, take advantage of an all-inclusive package: from accommodation to meals , everything is taken care of so you can relax and focus solely on your progress and the scenery.
The highlights
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Run the 80km on the legendary trails of the legendary Templar Trail
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Ideally, prepare a month before the race to adjust your training.
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Sublime landscapes, between limestone cliffs and vultures
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
This trip is for participants in very good physical condition. The required level involves being able to complete two consecutive days of running or sustained effort (approximately 4 to 5 hours per day) on courses with significant elevation gain.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 38 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1600 m
Management
English
French
Alexandre, an athlete with Team ROSSIGNOL Trail and organizer of iconic races such as La Sancylienne and the Fartlek Auvergnat, is a two-time winner of UTMB® World Series events, the 2026 French Mountain Running Team Champion, and the 2025 winner of the EcoTrail de Paris 50km. He will bring all his high-level experience and knowledge of the terrain to your aid.
Audrey, coach of the French National Trail and Mountain Running Team, and coach trainer within the French Athletics Federation (FFA), possesses solid technical expertise (Level 2 Off-Track Coach, Professional Qualification Certificate for Technicians) and is certified in mental preparation and sports-specific yoga. She offers a comprehensive approach to training. Also President of Espérance Ceyratoise Athletics and 2025 French Marathon Champion in her age group, she will share her knowledge and passion with you in a clear and effective manner.
Program
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Welcome to the gîte and preparation briefing
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your stay begins at 4 pm with your check-in at the Gîte de l'Ancien Presbytère in Saint-André-de-Vézines . This welcoming accommodation serves as your base camp for the entire weekend in the heart of the Causses and Gorges du Tarn . In the early evening, you'll gather the team for a welcome briefing led by Audrey and Alexandre , your expert guides. This initial meeting allows everyone to get to know each other, review the weekend's logistics, and discuss the specifics of the Templar Trail course . The evening continues with a convivial meal, perfect for sharing experiences and strategic advice – ideal for calmly tackling the two challenging days ahead.
Day 1 -
Millau - Saint-André-de-Vézines
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin the first part of the reconnaissance with a demanding 36km stage with 1200m of elevation gain. The start is from the Saint-Estève estate , before heading towards Carbassas to tackle the first challenge of the course. You then continue with the crossing of the Causse Noir plateau towards Peyreleau , where wild landscapes accompany your progress. The route continues with the climb to La Roujarie , a key section that will test your endurance before finishing this long day of effort in Saint-André-de-Vézines . Guided by your instructors, you'll take advantage of this technical terrain to work on your pace management and analyze the course's potential pitfalls in preparation for race day.
Day 2 -
Saint-André-de-Vézines - Millau
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This second reconnaissance stage tackles the most challenging part of the route: 40km and 2000m of elevation gain. You begin the day with a technical descent towards Montméjean , then the spectacular Roques Altès rock formation , which leads you to La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite . From there, the route climbs steadily towards Pierrefiche and then La Salvage , where you'll work on your uphill pacing. The rest of the route takes you to Mas de Bru and then Massebiau , marking the start of the final iconic challenges. You then tackle the tough climb to Le Cade before reaching the Pouncho d'Agast . This final section, renowned for its technical difficulty and breathtaking views of Millau , allows you to finalize your strategic points before concluding this weekend of total immersion.
Day 3
Accommodation
The Old Presbytery cottage opens onto a south-facing garden surrounded by a low wall. Two vaulted rooms, on the ground floor and under the roof, offer spacious, warm and playful areas for relaxation.
Independent municipal gîte, 3 levels, close to the church, in the heart of the village.
- On the ground floor: equipped kitchen (dishwasher, pod coffee maker, washing machine), living room (sofa, television), bedroom 1 accessible for disabled people with shower room and WC with 2 beds 90×190, games room (rattan lounge, ping-pong), separate WC accessed via games room.
- On the 1st floor: Bedroom 2 with shower room (4 beds 90×190), bedroom 3 (2 beds 90×190), bedroom 4 (2 beds 90 x190), shower room, separate WC.
- On the 2nd floor: vaulted recreation room in the attic (library, foosball).
Gas central heating, private enclosed garden (120m²), private terrace (30m²), garden furniture, barbecue, access to communal meadow, communal playground and tennis court (free access, rackets provided). Free communal parking opposite the cottage.
Optional extras payable on site: bed linen rental: €8 per bed
Access
The stay ended at the end of the Sunday trail run, in the early afternoon.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the accommodation:
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The journey takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes from Millau train station (expect to pay between €55 and €75 depending on the time slot).
- By car rental: Rental agencies are available in Millau city centre to make the journey independently.
- Note: There is no regular bus service directly from Millau to the village of Saint-André-de-Vézines.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay was supervised by Alexandre & Audrey
- Accommodation in a gîte and in a shared room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3
- The roadbook
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Your personal supplies
- 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 provided on site
- We do not provide any equipment except for a few survival blankets.
Equipment to bring
- your personal trail running gear, to which you can add as you wish: stretching mat, massage roller, etc.
Clothing to bring
- Trail running outfits adapted to September conditions are recommended; at a minimum, we recommend a rain jacket and trekking poles.
The Alexandre team
Founded in 2026 by two elite trail runners and a certified sports coach and instructor, our local expert designs immersive trail running camps. Driven by a passion for high-level performance and sharing knowledge, the agency offers its expertise to runners of all levels. Most of its camps take place in the heart of the Auvergne region, in the exceptional setting of the Sancy Massif, providing a complete escape and an ideal playground for safe and effective training.
