La Trace Impériale

In the Emperor's Footsteps in Brienne-le-Château

La Trace Impériale is a unique sporting and cultural event that combines outdoor activities and Napoleonic heritage. Created by the VTT Rand'Orient club, affiliated with the French Cycling Federation (FFVélo), this event invites participants to explore the paths and trails of the Champagne countryside, following in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte. Brienne-le-Château, an imperial city par excellence, is where the young Napoleon received his early intellectual training at the Royal Military School from 1779 to 1784, before becoming one of the most iconic figures in French history.

The event takes place every year in September, starting from the Place de la Halle, in the heart of Brienne-le-Château. This wooden market hall, a listed historic monument, serves as a symbolic starting point for a day of sport and discovery in a remarkable natural and historical setting. The routes follow rural paths, forest trails, and country roads offering panoramic views of the Aube valleys and the characteristic landscapes of wet Champagne.

Varied Routes for All Levels

La Trace Impériale stands out for the diversity of its events, accessible to a wide range of athletes and walkers:

• 25 km VTT (green — leisure/discovery): An accessible route for beginner mountain bikers or those who wish to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Ideal for a first mountain biking experience.
• 35 km VTT (blue — pleasure): An intermediate route offering a good balance between effort and the pleasure of discovery, through the hills and forests around Brienne-le-Château.
• 45 km VTT (red — sporting): The most demanding route, reserved for experienced mountain bikers seeking a real physical challenge on the Champagne trails.
• 16/18 km Trail (sporting): A trail running route through the Champagne countryside, with an optional 2 km extension for the most motivated runners.
• 12 km Hike (leisure): A walking route open to everyone, allowing participants to discover the natural and historical heritage of Brienne-le-Château at a relaxed pace.

All routes are marked and supervised by volunteers from the Rand'Orient club. Refreshment points are available on the circuits, and the friendly atmosphere of the event is enhanced by the presence of food trucks and local artisans at the finish line.

Brienne-le-Château, the Emperor's City

Brienne-le-Château holds a special place in Napoleonic history. Three key moments link the Emperor to this small town in the Aube department: his stay at the Royal Military School from 1779 to 1784, where the ten-year-old Corsican boy learned the basics of strategy and military art; his nostalgic return in 1805, as Emperor at the height of his glory, when he donated 20,000 francs for the construction of a new hospice; and the Battle of Brienne on January 29, 1814, during the Campaign of France, during which he faced the Prussian troops of Marshal Blücher at the foot of the very castle where he had studied.

The Musée Napoléon, labeled a "Musée de France," houses precious collections retracing these events. The castle, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church, and the 17th-century wooden market hall complete a remarkable architectural heritage that participants of La Trace Impériale can admire before and after their sporting event.

A Friendly Event in the Heart of Champagne

La Trace Impériale is more than just a sporting event; it's a popular festival celebrating Champagne's heritage and conviviality. At the finish line, participants are welcomed by an animation village featuring food trucks, local craft beer — La Ch'tite Cunfinoise, an organic beer brewed in the Aube region — and regional specialties: waffles, crepes, and galettes prepared by Nonna Foodtruck.

The event is open to all, licensed or not, and is aimed at both experienced athletes and families looking to spend a day outdoors in a unique historical setting. La Trace Impériale contributes to the sporting and tourist appeal of Brienne-le-Château and the Grands Lacs de Champagne region, on the doorstep of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.