Grandes Heures Nature
The outdoor, sporty, and festive festival of Besançon
About Grandes Heures Nature
Grandes Heures Nature: Besançon's Outdoor Festival
Grandes Heures Nature is the unmissable event for outdoor and nature sports enthusiasts in Besançon. Created in 2019, this free outdoor festival takes over Parc Chamars every year, an ideal natural space located on the banks of the Doubs, for three days of sports activities, entertainment, and conviviality.
A Rich and Varied Sports Program
The festival offers about ten sporting events accessible to all levels:
- Ekiden — team marathon relay
- Raids X'périences — multi-sport events in the heart of nature
- VTT and VTTAE — mountain biking and electric-assist bike courses
- Hiking — themed walks, including a gourmet hike
- Kayaking and paddleboarding — on the Doubs river
- Raid Kids — adapted events for children
- Running — various distances and formats
Introductions and Activities for Everyone
At the heart of the festival, sports associations and partners offer introductions to a multitude of activities:
- Climbing and climbing sports
- Archery and precision sports
- Water sports on the Doubs
- Testing of specific outdoor equipment
The activity village welcomes visitors with shows, demonstrations, and a festive and friendly atmosphere. The festival is open to everyone — experienced athletes, teams, families, and the general public — for three days of outdoor fun.
A Free and Accessible Event
One of the strengths of Grandes Heures Nature is its total freeness. Access to the site, sports introductions, and activities are completely free. Only certain competitive sporting events require prior registration. This accessibility contributes to the event's success, attracting over 25,000 visitors each year.
Grandes Heures Nature — edition 2026
The 7th edition of Grandes Heures Nature takes place from June 11 to 14, 2026 at Chamars Park in Besançon. For the first time, the Grand Besançon outdoor festival extends over 4 days with 7 sporting events, two unprecedented shows (Show Vertical nocturnal climbing show and X'Trem Citadelle VTT at the Vauban Citadel) and a free activity village. More than 25,000 visitors and 4,000 sports participants are expected.
Grandes Heures Nature 2026: 4 Days of Outdoor Sports in Besançon
From Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, Grand Besançon hosts the 7th edition of its outdoor festival at Chamars Park. A major novelty this year: the festival expands from 3 to 4 days, with a format extended to the entire metropolitan area and 19 communes crossed.
The 7 Sporting Events
- Ekiden — 6-runner relay marathon (42.195 km), a festive after-work race with over 2,000 participants expected
- Raids X'périences — team event combining 6 outdoor disciplines over 30 or 60 km
- Contest escalade — climbing competition followed in the evening by Show Vertical (nocturnal climbing show with light mapping)
- X'Trem Citadelle VTT — new for 2026: technical mountain biking course in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Vauban Citadel
- Swimrun — new event alternating running and competitive swimming in the Doubs, starting from Roche-lez-Beaupré to Chamars Park
- Rand'O Kayak — duo nautical hike on the Doubs
- Rando gourmande — walk combined with tastings of local products
- Raid Kids — multi-sport family adventure at Chamars Park
Free Shows and Activities
The Chamars village hosts 60 experiential stands with free introductions to multiple disciplines, equipment tests, demonstrations, and activities for all ages. Two sporting and festive shows punctuate the edition: the Show Vertical (nocturnal climbing with light mapping) and the X'Trem Citadelle VTT at the Citadel.
A National-Scale Edition
Grand Besançon aims to promote its outdoor festival nationally. The 2026 edition targets 4,000 registered participants (compared to 19,000 visitors in 2025, and 25,000 expected this year). 95% of participants come from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Programme Grandes Heures Nature 2026
Event Schedule — June 11 to 14, 2026
The events are spread throughout the weekend. Here are the dates and times known to date (full program on the official website):
- Friday, June 12, 2026 — 7:00 PM: Ekiden (42.195 km relay marathon) — start and finish at Chamars Park, podiums from 10:30 PM
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 — evening: Contest escalade then Show Vertical (nocturnal climbing show with light mapping)
- Saturday, June 13, 2026: X'Trem Citadelle VTT — technical course at the Vauban Citadel (UNESCO novelty)
- Sunday, June 14, 2026 — 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Swimrun M and Swimrun S — staggered starts from Roche-lez-Beaupré to Chamars Park
- June 11 to 14: Raids X'périences (30 and 60 km), Rand'O Kayak (duo), Rando gourmande, Raid Kids, themed hiking trails, activities and stands at Chamars village
Registrations for events open since February 11, 2026 on the official website grandes-heures-nature.fr.
Highlights Grandes Heures Nature 2026
- Completely free outdoor festival (village, activities, shows) — only competitive events require registration
- New 4-day format in 2026 (instead of 3) with extended reach to 19 communes of Grand Besançon
- Two major novelties: the X'Trem Citadelle VTT in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Vauban Citadel and the Swimrun on the Doubs
- Festive after-work Ekiden on Friday evening with over 2,000 runners
- Show Vertical nocturnal climbing with light mapping
- 60 free initiation stands and 25,000 visitors expected
Prices Grandes Heures Nature 2026
Practical information — Grandes Heures Nature
Access to the Festival
Address
Parc Chamars
25000 Besançon
By Public Transport
Ginko network: tram stop Chamars. Bus lines serving the city center of Besançon.
By Car
Chamars parking lot immediately next to the park. Follow city center signs from the A36 motorway.
By Bike
Parc Chamars is easily accessible by bike from all districts of Besançon. Bicycle parking available on site.
Prices
Festival access is completely free. Paid registration for certain competitive sporting events.
Contact
Website: www.grandes-heures-nature.fr
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Where does it take place — Grandes Heures Nature
Parc Chamars
Parc Chamars, 25000 Besançon, 25000 Besançon