Templiers Aid Station Planner

The Grand Trail des Templiers covers 80.7km and 3,443m of elevation gain through the Tarn and Dourbie gorges and across the Causse Noir plateau around Millau, in Aveyron, southern France. Run in late October with a pre-dawn start, it is the historic centrepiece of the Festival des Templiers and one of France's most beloved trail ultras.

Key sections. The race starts at Millau Plage and follows the Tarn valley before climbing onto the Causse Noir. Peyreleau (22.5km) is the first assisted checkpoint, with limited supplies. Saint-Andre-de-Vezines (36.3km) is the main full aid station. The Dourbie gorge sections around La Salvage (55.8km) and the perched village of Cantobre are technical and exposed. From Massebiau (70km) the final time barrier is behind you and the run back into Millau is fast.

Conditions. Late October in Aveyron is mild by mountain standards - expect 15-20°C during the day with a cold pre-dawn start. The shorter duration (winners around 7 hours, most finishers 9-15 hours) means less nutrition complexity than a 24-hour race, but the pace is faster and carbohydrate demand per hour is higher.

Crew access: Crew access is limited compared to the alpine ultras - Peyreleau and Saint-Andre-de-Vezines are the practical assistance points, while La Salvage and Ferme du Cade are reachable by official shuttle only. Brief your crew accordingly.

Checkpoint km marks follow the official time-barrier list; cumulative gain/loss between checkpoints is estimated. Verify against the current official race guide at festivaldestempliers.com before your race.