The reference trail in Normandy in the heart of the Suisse Normande
The Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre is one of the most emblematic trail events in Normandy. Organized every autumn by the association Activ'Orne in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, it offers varied routes from 5 to 107 km through the spectacular landscapes of the Suisse Normande and the Orne gorges. Highlight: a night trail on Saturday evening, a first in the department. The Roche d'Oëtre, a classified natural site offering a dizzying viewpoint over the Rouvre valley, provides the magnificent setting for this race which attracts hundreds of runners each year.
Dominating the Rouvre valley by more than 118 meters, the Roche d'Oëtre is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Normandy. This rocky promontory, classified as a protected natural site, offers a breathtaking panorama of the deep gorges carved by the river in the schists and sandstones. The vegetation clinging to the walls, the meanders of the Rouvre and the surrounding forests create a landscape worthy of the great mountain ranges.
It is in this magnificent setting, in the heart of the Suisse Normande, that the routes of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre unfold, offering runners technical trails, demanding climbs, and breathtaking views.
The Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre offers a complete range of distances suitable for all levels, from beginners to ultra-trailers:
The Saturday evening night trail (16 km) is one of the unique features of the event: running with a headlamp on the trails of the Suisse Normande provides a unique and magical experience.
Organized by the association Activ'Orne, the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre is part of an initiative to promote sports practice in natural environments and to enhance the landscape heritage of the Orne region. The association mobilizes dozens of volunteers to ensure the safety of runners, the marking of the routes, and the animation of the refreshment points.
The event also includes a 20 km Nordic walk open free of charge to everyone, allowing non-runners to enjoy the trails of the Suisse Normande at a more relaxed pace.
With its unique landscapes, technical routes, and festive atmosphere, the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre has established itself as a reference race in the trail running calendar of the Grand Ouest. Runners appreciate the quality of the trails, the beauty of the ridge passages above the gorges, and the friendly welcome at the refreshment points.
Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026. Night trail on Saturday and routes from 5 to over 100 km on Sunday in the Suisse Normande. Free Nordic walk.
The 2026 edition of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026 in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, in the heart of the Suisse Normande.
The program will include the traditional night trail on Saturday evening and routes from 5 to over 100 km on Sunday, crossing the Rouvre gorges and offering exceptional panoramas of the Roche d'Oëtre. The free Nordic walk will also be part of the program.
Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne is located southwest of Orne, in the heart of the Suisse Normande.
Start and finish in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, 61430.
Night trail on Saturday evening. Staggered starts on Sunday from 6 am depending on the distances.
Paid registration depending on the distance. 20 km Nordic walk is free.
Online registration on the Activ'Orne website. Registration opens around May.
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Site de la Roche d'Oëtre
Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, 61430 Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne