X Trail in Dordogne 2025
A unique event in a preserved natural setting
A true institution
September 27, 2025 will mark the 10th edition of the X Trail Corrèze Dordogne, an event that has become a must-attend for trail running enthusiasts. Located in Argentat-sur-Dordogne, just 4 km from Camping Au Soleil d’Oc, this unique trail invites you to discover the exceptional landscapes of Xaintrie and the Dordogne gorges, a region nicknamed the “Terra Incognita” on the borders of Corrèze and Cantal.
If you love major sporting events, don’t miss the Tour de France 2026 in Corrèze.
Créé en 2016 et co-organisé par l’association SEVAD en Corrèze et Thierry Breuil, triple champion de France, le X Trail Corrèze Dordogne se distingue par la beauté exceptionnelle de ses parcours. Les participants traversent les gorges de la Dordogne et de la Maronne sur des sentiers monotraces et des sous-bois enchanteurs, avec moins de 5% de routes. Le parcours permet également de découvrir des sites historiques légendaires comme les Tours de Merle, forteresse médiévale dressée sur un éperon rocheux dominant la Maronne.Lire la suite
Xaintrie, an exceptional territory where the event takes place, is classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve “Dordogne basin”. This preserved region is home to high-quality functional ecosystems and rare and protected plant and animal species. Eight magnificent sites are listed there for their landscapes, including the Dordogne Valley from Argentat to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and the Maronne Valley.
Participants’ testimonials are unanimous regarding the quality of the organization and the striking beauty of the landscapes crossed. As some runners summarize: “Beautiful race, perfect organization. The weather followed, what more could you ask for” or “Very beautiful landscapes and a very beautiful course but very demanding!”
The history and evolution of the event
a must-attend
Since its creation in 2016, the X Trail Corrèze Dordogne has continued to grow and evolve. The 2025 edition will be special as it will mark the 10th anniversary of the event with revised routes and new features on the program. Over the years, the organizers have managed to preserve the cultural identity of the event while bringing it to a remarkable level of quality, originality, and popularity.
The first editions offered an 80 km route, then the ultra gradually lengthened, reaching 104 km in some editions. As a participant from the 2018 edition recounts: “This is the third edition of this trail but the first with more than 100 km (80 km loop for the first two editions)”. The event also integrated hiking from its creation in 2016, allowing walkers to enjoy the same exceptional routes.
For this 10th edition, the number of bibs is limited to 2000, testifying to the growing popularity of the event. The formula has proven itself: no roads, few paths, many singles, elevation like “Corrèze roller coasters” and a gourmet and festive meal to top it all off. The X Trail is now part of the Corrèze Destination Trails challenge, alongside other major events in the region.
Four routes for all levels
The Ultra X-Trail Corrèze Dordogne (80 km, 3500m D+)
The event offers four main distances adapted to all levels of practice:
The ultimate challenge with a start at 4 AM from Argentat. This demanding route offers nearly 3500m of elevation gain through the most beautiful landscapes of the region. From the start, the images are striking with a passage through the quays of the old port of Argentat lit in a halo of mist, a foretaste of the scent of heritage and history that will permeate this route. Aid stations are strategically positioned, notably in Sexcles, St Bonnet Les Tours, Tours de Merles, La Vialette and the Barrage du Chastang.
The Grand Trail des Tours (56 km, 2500m D+)
Ce trail part de St-Bonnet-les-Tours-de-Merle et rejoint Argentat. Le parcours est époustouflant avec “des ruines, des châteaux, une église cachée dans les falaises, des singles, des forêts, des gués et même une traversée de la Dordogne en bateau”. Les ravitaillements sont situés aux Tours de Merle, à La Vialette et au Barrage du Chastang.Lire la suite
The Balcons de la Dordogne (26 km, 930m D+)
This medium-distance route offers “a condensed version of everything that makes running in nature charming! Real slopes, single tracks, breathtaking landscapes and panoramas”. An aid station is planned at La Chapelle Saint Géraud.
The Argentat Trail (14 km, 410m D+)
The ideal route to get started in trail running or for runners looking for a more accessible distance. Despite its modest length, it offers real challenges with portions of over 15% gradient and an aid station in St Chamant.
Detailed description of the routes
The Ultra X-Trail Corrèze Dordogne
The atmosphere is wild, very wild, mystical. Nature is omnipresent. Ascents and descents follow one another relentlessly, interspersed with numerous bubbling streams. In the midst of this ocean of greenery and roar, fortresses still stand, medieval witnesses of the past.
The route begins along the quays of Argentat for 2 km, then the first significant climb appears, the ascent to Puy du Tour with 3 km of climbing and 250 m of elevation gain. After a descent, the terrain becomes more technical with passages over rocks, stairs, and wooden bridges.
The second part of the route is particularly demanding, especially after crossing the Dordogne by boat, a very pleasant moment of the race. The ascent of the via ferrata is memorable, with a vertical climb where runners cling to the railings to help themselves over the rocks. This is particularly strenuous after 80 kilometers of racing.Read more
The Grand Trail des Tours
The Grand Trail des Tours route offers total immersion in the medieval atmosphere of Xaintrie. The St Bonnet-Tours de Carbonnières-Tours de Merle section is particularly remarkable, with 15 km of mysterious and medieval ambiance.
The route begins with a descent at the exit of St Bonnet on a small single track in the undergrowth, followed by a flat section before tackling a hilly and ascending section that leads to the surroundings of the Carbonnières towers. A technical descent allows reaching the towers and a water point in an incredible site between a haunted village and medieval towers.
The famous “Merlin’s path” connects the Tours de Carbonnières and the Tours de Merle over 5 km with some beautiful climbs in the scree and magical viewpoints over the Maronne gorges, secured by a few meters of handrails.
Diversified options for all tastes
for all pleasures
The X Trail Corrèze Dordogne also offers original options to diversify the experience:
- X-Trail Team: Form a team of 3 to 5 runners to participate together in the 26 km or 56 km routes.
- Relay: The Ultra trail (85 km) can be completed in a relay of 2 to 4 people, with well-defined sections.
- Hikes: Three distances (14 km, 26 km, and 37 km) allow walkers to enjoy the same exceptional routes.
- Kids Trail: A race dedicated to children is also on the program.
Distance changes are allowed, subject to availability, until September 15, 2025, under the following conditions: from a longer race to a shorter one with a refund of the difference, or from a shorter race to a longer one with payment of the difference according to the current rate.
Preparation and advice for participants
Specific training
To become an effective trail runner, it is crucial to develop a solid aerobic base. Training should include long-duration sessions at moderate intensity on uneven terrain and steep climbs. Running on flat terrain, fast mountain walks, cycling, and hiking are excellent options for building this aerobic base.
Trail Running Movement recommande un plan d’augmentation progressive de la distance sur plusieurs années pour développer une résistance physique adéquate :Lire la suite
- 1st year: 0 to 45 km (Short Trails)
- 2nd year: 45 km to 80 km (Medium Trails)
- 3rd year: 80 km to 120 km (Long Trails)
Strength training and balance
Trail running requires significant leg strength to tackle climbs and long distances. Focus on strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges, calf raises, and vertical jumps. Also include stability exercises like lateral lunges and single-leg squats.
To manage obstacles encountered during trail races, agility and balance training is vital. Incorporate exercises such as forward jumps, walking on a continuous line on grass, and maintaining balance on one leg.
Mandatory equipment
Depending on the distances, specific equipment is required:
- 85 km: headlamp, survival blanket, windbreaker, mobile phone, minimum 1 liter of water, eco-cup
- 56 km: survival blanket, mobile phone, minimum 1 liter of water, eco-cup
- 26 km: 0.5 L of water, survival blanket, mobile phone
Discover the region before or after the race
Immediate nearby attractions
Participating in the X Trail Corrèze Dordogne is also an opportunity to discover the riches of this region on the border between Corrèze and Périgord:
- Argentat-sur-Dordogne: Tourist town with picturesque narrow streets, cobbled quays, gabare boat trips, and canoe or kayak descents.
- Tours de Merle: Exceptional medieval site with seven towers perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Maronne.
- Dordogne Valley: Classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it offers breathtaking landscapes.
- Murel Waterfalls: 12 kilometers from Argentat-sur-Dordogne, a true oasis of freshness with three successive waterfalls calming into beautiful natural pools.
For companions
While you run, your companions can enjoy many activities:Read more
- Hiking on marked trails
- Water activities on the Dordogne: canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding
- River fishing, a paradise for fly fishermen
- Cultural and heritage visits in the surrounding villages
Local gastronomy
Corrèze offers rich and authentic cuisine to discover:
- The tourtou, a thin buckwheat pancake
- The mique, a bread ball cooked in broth, a specialty of the Dordogne Valley
- The potée limousine, a complete dish where vegetables blend perfectly with meat
- The local farmers’ markets to taste local products
- The red and rosé country wines, as well as vin paillé (straw wine)
Just a few kilometers away, the Camping Au Soleil d’Oc restaurant invites you to discover these specialties in an idyllic setting by the Dordogne.
Camping Au Soleil d’Oc: your ideal base camp
Quality accommodation for all tastes
Just 4 km from Argentat-sur-Dordogne, the starting and finishing point of the races, Camping Au Soleil d’Oc**** stands out as the ideal accommodation for X Trail Corrèze Dordogne participants. This exceptional proximity allows you to easily reach the starting point via a small road perfect for cycling, ideal for warming up before the race or relaxing after the effort.
Le camping s’étend sur 3 hectares et propose 99 emplacements dont 64 hébergements variés pour répondre à tous les besoins :Lire la suite
- Mobile homes and chalets fully equipped with different comfort levels
- Grand Confort Cottages for 4 people
- Luxury Cottages for 4 people
- Smala Cottages for 8 people, perfect for relay teams
- Shaded pitches for tents and motorhomes
Facilities adapted for runners
For optimal preparation and effective recovery, Camping Au Soleil d’Oc offers:
- An indoor heated swimming pool open from May to October
- An outdoor swimming pool (open in July-August)
- Comfortable sanitary facilities with unlimited hot water
- A bar-restaurant offering takeaway meals, ideal for pre- and post-race meals
- Wi-Fi access throughout the campsite to check the latest race information
- A practical laundry room for your sports equipment
Services dedicated to athletes
The campsite also offers services specifically adapted for trail participants:
- Bread delivery for your energetic breakfasts
- Extended reception opening hours (9 AM to 7:30 PM) to adapt to your race schedule
- Possibility of late check-outs subject to availability
An eco-responsible approach
Practical information
The X Trail Corrèze Dordogne is committed to an environmentally friendly approach, following the Charter of 15 eco-responsible commitments for sporting events. The organizers pay particular attention to the cleanliness of the sites and the route, with bins installed at aid stations.
This ecological approach harmonizes perfectly with the exceptional natural setting of the Dordogne, the only river in mainland France classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The region also hosts four Natura 2000 sites, a biotope protection order, and a sensitive natural area named “departmental biodiversity reserve”.
Dates and registrations
La 10ème édition du X Trail Corrèze Dordogne aura lieu le samedi 27 septembre 2025. Les inscriptions sont ouvertes sur le site officiel : www.xtrail-correze-dordogne.com.Lire la suite
Day’s Program
- 04:00 AM: Ultra X Trail 80 Km Solo and Relay Start
- 07:00 AM: Shuttle Departure for the Hike
- 07:30 AM: 30 km Hike Start
- 07:30 AM: Shuttle Departure for the Trail des Tours
- 09:00 AM: Trail des Tours 53 km (Start from St Bonnet Les Tours)
- 09:30 AM: 26 km Hike Start
- 10:00 AM: Kids Trail
- 10:30 AM: 14 km Hike Start
- 11:30 AM: Trail Les Balcons de la Dordogne 26km Start
- 02:30 PM: 14 Km Trail Start
Contact
For any additional information, contact the organizers:
- Phone: 06 41 42 95 35
- E-mail: sevad.en.correze@gmail.com
The X Trail Corrèze Dordogne is much more than just a race; it’s a true adventure in the heart of a preserved territory rich in history. Whether you are an experienced trail runner or a hiking enthusiast, this event offers you the opportunity to discover the wild beauty of Xaintrie and the Dordogne gorges in a friendly and well-organized setting.
