Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre
The reference trail in Normandy in the heart of the Suisse Normande
2026
About Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre
Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre takes place on October 17 and 18, 2026, in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, in the heart of Suisse Normande. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with hiking, youth races, and a 17 km night trail using headlamps, followed by the main event on Sunday: a 90 km trail starting at 3:00 AM, along with 13 to 39 km routes through the Rouvre gorges. Organized by the Activ'Orne association, the event offers stunning views from the Roche d'Oëtre lookout.
Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026 — 17th Edition
Organized by the Activ'Orne association, the 17th edition of the Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre will be held on October 17 and 18, 2026, at the Roche d'Oëtre site in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne (Orne, 61), in the heart of Suisse Normande.
Saturday opens the weekend with an 8 or 15 km hike/Nordic walk, youth races, and the 17 km night trail, run with headlamps starting at 7:30 PM. Sunday brings together the main formats: the 90 km (3,450 m elevation gain) starting at 3:00 AM, followed by the 39 km, 23 km, and 13 km races throughout the morning and afternoon. The 8 km trail is now held on Saturday in the late afternoon.
The courses follow the trails of the Rouvre gorges and run along the Roche d'Oëtre lookout. A Pasta Party is available on Saturday evening, by reservation.
Highlights Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026
- 90 km trail (3,450 m elevation gain), starting at 3:00 AM on Sunday
- 17 km night trail with headlamps, starting Saturday at 7:30 PM
- Routes through the Rouvre gorges and panoramic views from the Roche d'Oëtre lookout
- Hike/Nordic walking, youth races, and Pasta Party on Saturday
Programme Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 8:30 AM — Bib collection · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 2:00 PM — Non-timed hike / Nordic walking, 8 or 15 km (same start, extension for the 15 km) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 2:15 PM — Youth races, distance varies by category · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 5:00 PM — 8 km trail (333 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 7:30 PM — 17 km night trail (560 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- Evening — Pasta Party, by reservation
Sunday, October 18, 2026
- 3:00 AM — 90 km trail (3,450 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 8:30 AM — 39 km trail (1,400 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 10:00 AM — 23 km trail (900 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
- 2:30 PM — 13 km trail (400 m elevation gain) · Roche d'Oëtre site
Program published by the organizer Activ'Orne, page by page for each race (source: activorne.com, accessed August 19, 2026).
Prices Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre 2026
Practical information — Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre
Access
Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne is located southwest of Orne, in the heart of the Suisse Normande.
- By car: From Flers, take the D18 towards Pont-d'Ouilly (approx. 20 min). From Caen, follow the D562 then the D511 (approx. 50 min).
- Parking: Free parking marked on the race site.
Location
Start and finish in Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, 61430.
Schedules
Night trail on Saturday evening. Staggered starts on Sunday from 6 am depending on the distances.
Prices
Paid registration depending on the distance. 20 km Nordic walk is free.
Registration
Online registration on the Activ'Orne website. Registration opens around May.
Contact
- Association Activ'Orne
- Website: www.activorne.com
La Roche d'Oëtre: an exceptional natural site
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.
Routes for all profiles
The Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre offers a complete range of distances suitable for all levels, from beginners to ultra-trailers:
- 5 km: discovery route accessible to families and novices
- 13 km: nature trail ideal for getting started in the discipline
- 23 km: sporting route with significant elevation gain
- 39 km: demanding trail for experienced runners
- 65 km and beyond: ultra-trails for endurance enthusiasts
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.
An event supported by Activ'Orne
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.
An unmissable event in Normandy trail running
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.
Where does it take place — Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre
Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre in brief
History of Trail de la Roche d'Oëtre
Edition 2025 Oct 2025Other festivals near Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne
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