La Pastourelle

A sporting adventure in the land of Salers

Created in 2001, La Pastourelle was born from the passion of a group of athletes from the PAC MAC club for trail running and outdoor sports in the Monts du Cantal. Since its first edition, the event has continued to grow to become one of the most popular sporting events in the department, attracting over 2,200 participants from all over France each year.

Spectacular courses in the Monts du Cantal

La Pastourelle offers a varied range of events suitable for all levels:

• Le Grand Cirque (60 km): the legendary trail that circles the glacial cirque of Salers, with impressive elevation gain through burons, pastures, and volcanic ridges.
• La Pastourelle (31 km): the emblematic course, solo or in relay (12.5 km + 18.5 km).
• La Buronnière (10 km): a women's race that crosses the green landscapes around Salers.
• Challenge D+4000: a positive elevation gain challenge for the most seasoned athletes.

For mountain biking, three courses are offered:

• Raid les 3 Vallées (55 km): a technical raid through three Cantal valleys.
• Les Sources (44 km): a course to discover the sources of the Cantal.
• Rando VTT (28 km): an accessible route to discover the territory.

For hikers, two marked routes of 14 and 30 km allow you to enjoy the landscapes without the competition. An athletic awakening session is offered for children aged 5 to 14.

Salers, an exceptional setting

The medieval town of Salers, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, offers an incomparable setting for this sporting event. Runners start from rue du Couvent and cross breathtaking landscapes: pastures where the famous mahogany-colored Salers cows graze, lava stone burons, volcanic ridges, and panoramas of the Monts du Cantal. The trail village, set up in the Salers school and on the Foirail, welcomes participants with a local producers' market, partner stands, and a festive atmosphere.

A popular festival under the big tent

Beyond the sporting competition, La Pastourelle is above all a popular festival. Under the immense tent of the Foirail, participants and their companions can savor Cantal's culinary specialties. The evenings are enlivened by bands and a DJ, creating a convivial atmosphere that extends the sporting day. Each finisher of the timed races receives a souvenir medal.

An event driven by passionate volunteers

Organized by the sports club PAC MAC with the support of the municipality of Salers, the Salers Tourist Office, and numerous volunteers, La Pastourelle embodies the values of mountain sports: self-transcendence, respect for nature, and conviviality. The event contributes to the influence of Salers and the Cantal in the national trail running scene.