Grand Trail des Templiers - Course Data and Checkpoints
The Grand Trail des Templiers is an 80.7km trail race with 3,443m of elevation gain through the Tarn and Dourbie gorges and across the Causse Noir plateau around Millau, in Aveyron, France. Run in late October with a pre-dawn start, it is the historic race of the Festival des Templiers; winners finish in around 7 hours and time barriers run to Massebiau at km 70.
Course profile
- Distance
- 80.7 km
- Elevation gain
- 3,443 m
- Elevation loss
- 3,408 m
- Cutoff
- 15h
- Typical winning time
- ~7h
The course follows the Tarn valley, climbs onto the Causse Noir, and threads the Dourbie gorge past the perched village of Cantobre before dropping back to Millau. Crew assistance is practical at Peyreleau and Saint-Andre-de-Vezines; La Salvage and Ferme du Cade are reachable by official shuttle only. Checkpoint km marks follow the official time-barrier list; elevation between checkpoints is estimated.
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Millau | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Peyreleau | 22.5 | 700 | 650 | Yes | No |
| Saint-Andre-de-Vezines | 36.3 | 1,550 | 1,100 | Yes | No |
| Ferme du Cade | 47 | 2,050 | 1,700 | No | No |
| La Salvage | 55.8 | 2,450 | 2,200 | No | No |
| Mas de Bru | 64.5 | 2,800 | 2,600 | No | No |
| Massebiau | 70 | 2,950 | 2,850 | No | No |
| Millau (Finish) | 80.7 | 3,443 | 3,408 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified June 12, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is the Grand Trail des Templiers and how much climbing does it have?
The Grand Trail des Templiers covers 80.7km with 3,443m of elevation gain and 3,408m of loss, looping through the Tarn and Dourbie gorges around Millau in southern France.
What are the Templiers time barriers?
Time barriers are enforced at Peyreleau (22.5km), Saint-Andre-de-Vezines (36.3km), La Salvage (55.8km), Mas de Bru (64.5km), and Massebiau (70km). After Massebiau there is no further elimination barrier; most finishers complete the race in 9 to 15 hours.
Where can my crew meet me at the Templiers?
Practical crew points are Peyreleau (22.5km, limited supplies) and Saint-Andre-de-Vezines (36.3km, the main full aid station). La Salvage and Ferme du Cade are accessible by official shuttle only.
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