Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse
Night nature race in the Saulx valley
2026
About Trail Nocturne
Trail Nocturne — edition 2026
The Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse returns on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in L'Isle-en-Rigault, near Haironville, in the Saulx valley (south of Meuse). This nocturnal nature race offers five formats accessible to all: a 31 km trail, a 12 km trail, a 12 km hike, a 5 km family race, and a 1 km children's race. A headlamp is mandatory to experience the night race in the Meuse forests and paths.
2026 Edition — Saturday, September 26
The 2026 edition of the Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with start and finish in L'Isle-en-Rigault, in the Saulx valley. Organized by the Communauté de communes des Portes de Meuse, this new edition still offers five formats for all profiles, from seasoned trail runners to families.
The five courses
- 31 km Night Trail (timed, +715 m elevation gain) — the ultimate challenge through the forests and hills of the Saulx valley
- 12 km Night Trail (timed, +250 m) — an intermediate format to discover the sensations of night trail running
- 12 km Night Hike (walking, untimed, +230 m) — to enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace
- 5 km Family Race (untimed, +81 m) — a course accessible to all
- 1 km Children's Race (+10 m) — a fun introduction for the youngest
Registrations are made online on the Wanatime platform. A headlamp is mandatory for nocturnal events.
Highlights Trail Nocturne 2026
- Nocturnal nature race on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with headlamps
- Five formats: 31 km, 12 km trail, 12 km hike, 5 km family, 1 km children
- Preserved setting of the Saulx valley, south of Meuse
- Accessible prices from 3 € to 26 € · registrations on Wanatime
Programme Trail Nocturne 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Start of the 12 km night hike (walking, untimed, +230 m)
- 4:30 PM — Start of the 1 km children's race (+10 m)
- 5:30 PM — Start of the 31 km Night Trail (timed, +715 m)
- 5:30 PM — Start of the 5 km Family Race (untimed, +81 m)
- 7:00 PM — Start of the 12 km Night Trail (timed, +250 m)
Meal + drink offered on site at the starting village (10 €). Headlamp mandatory for all nocturnal events.
Prices Trail Nocturne 2026
12 km Night Trail: 11 €
12 km Night Hike: 6 €
5 km Family Race: 6 €
1 km Children's Race: 3 €
Meal + drink (on site): 10 €
Online registration on Wanatime.
Practical information — Trail Nocturne
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: L'Isle-en-Rigault is located between Bar-le-Duc and Saint-Dizier, accessible via the D2 and D384. The village is about 15 km south of Bar-le-Duc and 20 km north of Saint-Dizier. Free parking is available near the start area, with signage set up on the day of the race to guide participants.
By train: The nearest station is Bar-le-Duc, served by TER Grand Est and TGV from Paris-Est (approx. 1h15). From the station, a car journey of about 15 minutes is necessary. Carpooling is often organized among participants via the event's social media.
Start and Finish Location
The start and finish are located in L'Isle-en-Rigault, a commune near Haironville in the Saulx valley, southern Meuse. A starting village is set up with partner stands, a changing room area, and a catering point.
Registration
Registration is done online on the Wanatime platform. Payment by credit card is mandatory via the secure platform. It is recommended to register in advance as places can be limited. A medical certificate of non-contraindication to competitive running is required for timed races.
Prices
- 31 km Night Trail: 26 euros
- 12 km Night Trail: 11 euros
- 5 km Family Race: 6 euros
- 12 km Night Hike: 6 euros
- 1 km Children's Race: 3 euros
Mandatory Equipment
A headlamp is mandatory for all night races. It is strongly recommended to have a powerful headlamp (minimum 200 lumens) as well as a backup light with charged batteries or power cells. Reflective clothing is advised for better visibility. For the 31 km trail, a hydration system, a charged mobile phone, and an emergency blanket may be required.
Aid Stations and Safety
Lit aid stations are set up along the routes, offering water, isotonic drinks, and solid food. A full finish line refreshment is provided to all participants. The safety measures include first responders, light signals on the course, and a first aid station at the starting village.
Catering
A catering area is available at the starting village, with hot meals, hot and cold drinks, and snacks for companions and runners after their effort.
Accommodation
For participants coming from afar, accommodation is available in Bar-le-Duc and surrounding towns (hotels, gîtes, B&Bs). Advance booking is recommended.
Contact
Check the Facebook page Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse or the website portesdemeuse.fr for any information.
Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse: The Night Adventure
The Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse is a unique sporting event that offers a night-time nature race experience in the preserved setting of the Saulx valley. Every September, hundreds of runners set off with headlamps on, into the forests and paths of southern Meuse to live an unforgettable night adventure.
Distances for All Profiles
The event offers a complete range of formats adapted to all levels:
- 31 km Night Trail: the ultimate challenge for experienced trail runners, a demanding course through the forests and hills of the Saulx valley in complete darkness
- 12 km Night Trail: an intermediate format ideal for discovering the sensations of night trail running without too many kilometers
- 5 km Family Race: an accessible course for everyone to experience the night-time atmosphere with family or friends
- 12 km Night Hike: for those who prefer to walk and enjoy the night atmosphere at their own pace
- 1 km Children's Race: a fun and safe introduction for the youngest
The Saulx Valley, a Preserved Natural Setting
The Trail Nocturne routes cross the landscapes of the Saulx valley, a tributary of the Ornain in the south of the Meuse. This area, in the heart of the Portes de Meuse territory, offers a rich natural environment: deciduous forests, wet meadows, forest paths, and passages along the river. Night running adds a unique sensory dimension, where hearing and proprioception take over from sight.
A Unifying Event
Organized by the community of communes Portes de Meuse, the Trail Nocturne is an event that brings together the inhabitants of the territory and attracts runners from all over the Grand Est region. The warm atmosphere of the starting village, the encouragement of volunteers along the course, and the conviviality of the post-race make it a popular event for loyal participants.
The Magic of Night Running
Running at night provides unique sensations: the beam of the headlamp illuminating the trail, the sounds of the forest amplified by the darkness, the increased concentration on each stride. The Trail Nocturne des Portes de Meuse offers this experience in a safe and marked environment, allowing everyone to push their limits in an extraordinary setting.
Where does it take place — Trail Nocturne
Trail Nocturne in brief
History of Trail Nocturne
Edition 2025 Sep 2025Other festivals near Haironville
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