Trail Entre Caves et Châteaux

Trail Entre Caves et Châteaux: Running in the Loir Valley

Created in 2024 by four passionate trail runners — Arnaud, Laurent, Romain, and Sam — the Trail Entre Caves et Châteaux was born from the desire to showcase the emblematic sites of the Vendômois region and the Loir valley through running. Supported by the eponymous association, this event immediately established itself as a benchmark sporting event in Loir-et-Cher.

Courses between heritage and nature

The three proposed distances follow the hills of the Loir valley, a hilly and green landscape where medieval castles, troglodyte cellars, vineyards, and forests are found. Runners traverse remarkable sites of the Vendômois heritage in total immersion between history and nature.

Three distances, three challenges

• La Trentaine (30 km): the main course, with approximately 750 m of positive elevation gain, which goes through the Château de Lavardin and includes an excursion into the Villavard mushroom caves
• La Vingtaine (20 km): an intermediate trail with 450 m of elevation gain, ideal for regular runners
• La Dizaine (10 km): a discovery course with 200 m of elevation gain, accessible to trail beginners

A resounding success from the first edition

The first edition in 2024 exceeded all the organizers' expectations: 600 participants started from Montoire-sur-le-Loir, and additional registrations had to be refused. Building on this success, the capacity was increased to 800 runners for the 2025 edition, confirming the event's attractiveness and the quality of the courses.

A solidarity commitment

The Entre Caves et Châteaux association donates a portion of the trail's profits to the Hospitalet association, making the event a solidarity initiative beyond just sporting performance.

Montoire-sur-le-Loir, land of trails

Montoire-sur-le-Loir, a small town of character in the north of Loir-et-Cher, offers an ideal setting for trail running with its steep hills, its vineyard paths, and its medieval ruins. The trail is part of the sporting dynamism of the Loir valley and contributes to the tourist development of an area rich in natural and historical heritage.