Trail de la Montagne de Reims

The Trail de la Montagne de Reims is a 35-kilometer race with 800 meters of elevation gain that crosses the heart of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, in the center of the Champagne wine region. On the doorstep of Reims — the coronation city of French kings and the capital of champagne — runners immerse themselves in an exceptional viticultural landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where hillsides planted with pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier trace harmonious curves beneath the ever-changing Champagne sky.

The course winds through the grand cru and premier cru vineyards of the Montagne de Reims — Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, Bouzy, Ambonnay — names that resonate worldwide and whose meticulously tended plots bear witness to centuries of winemaking expertise. The trails climb from the valleys of the Vesle and the Marne rivers to the wooded plateaus that crown this Champagne "mountain," reaching a modest summit of 283 meters. But make no mistake: the slopes are steep, the chalky paths can be slippery on the region's characteristic terrain, and the cumulative ascents and descents put legs to a serious test.

The forest of the Montagne de Reims is a natural treasure that holds many surprises for runners. It is home to the famous Faux de Verzy, a globally unique collection of dwarf beech trees whose gnarled branches and contorted silhouettes create a mysterious, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. These remarkable trees, some of which are several centuries old, are protected within a biological reserve and constitute one of the most unusual natural sites in France. The course also passes through stands of majestic oaks and beeches, clearings carpeted with lily of the valley in spring, and forest edges that offer splendid panoramas over the Champagne plain and the vineyards below.

The Trail de la Montagne de Reims stands out for its friendly and accessible atmosphere. At 35 kilometers and 800 meters of elevation gain, it is an ideal distance for intermediate trail runners or for experienced runners seeking a fun outing in an exceptional setting. The terrain alternates between smooth forest tracks, technical singletrack through the undergrowth, and vineyard paths bordered by chalk walls. Autumn, when the vines turn gold and crimson, arguably provides the most photogenic backdrop.

For international runners, the Trail de la Montagne de Reims is as much a cultural experience as a sporting one. The proximity of Reims — its Gothic cathedral, its legendary champagne cellars, its Michelin-starred restaurants — makes for a trail weekend of incomparable richness. Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by TGV, and less than two hours from Brussels or Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is a rare opportunity to run through a UNESCO-listed vineyard, then raise a glass of champagne at the finish line — a privilege that only the Champagne region can offer.