Trail de la Tournette

The Trail de la Tournette is a 30-kilometer trail race with 2,200 meters of elevation gain that takes place around the Tournette, an iconic summit of the Bornes-Aravis range, in the Haute-Savoie department, starting from Talloires. The Tournette, which culminates at 2,351 meters, is the highest point of the Bornes massif and the tallest mountain bordering Lake Annecy. Its characteristic silhouette, unmistakable among others, dominates the eastern shore of the lake and constitutes an unavoidable visual landmark for the inhabitants of the Annecy area.

Talloires is an exceptional lakeside village, nestled in a sheltered bay on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, at approximately 450 meters of altitude. This village, renowned for its idyllic setting, has inspired numerous artists and writers, including Paul Cezanne who stayed there. The Abbey of Talloires, founded in the 11th century, bears witness to the monastic past of the place. Starting from Talloires to climb the Tournette means passing in just a few hours from the deep blue of the lake to the snow of the summits, a striking vertical transition.

The 30-kilometer course with 2,200 meters of positive elevation gain is a concentrate of vertical gain that demands climbing abilities. The elevation-to-distance ratio is high, meaning runners spend a large portion of the race climbing or descending, with few flat sections. The trails start from the lake shores and enter broadleaf forests, then conifer forests, before reaching alpine pastures and the rocky summit zones. The ascent of the Tournette itself includes technical passages, notably the famous Fauteuil, a rocky passage equipped with chains and ladders.

The technical difficulties of the Trail de la Tournette are notable. Rocky passages at altitude demand agility and confidence in footing. Ridge trails are exposed and can be swept by wind. The descents are steep and technical, with sections where rocky terrain and roots demand permanent concentration. This is not a race for beginners: prior experience in technical mountain trail running is indispensable.

The panoramas offered by the Tournette are among the finest in Haute-Savoie. From the summit, the view extends over the entirety of Lake Annecy, over the Aravis, Bauges, Chartreuse, and Mont Blanc massifs, and on clear days, all the way to the Jura and the Pilat massif. The descent toward Talloires offers plunging perspectives over the lake and its turquoise waters, a spectacle that motivates even the most fatigued runners.

For international runners, Talloires is easily accessible from Annecy, only 13 kilometers away. Annecy has a well-served train station and is approximately one hour from Geneva airport and 45 minutes from Chambery-Aix-les-Bains airport. Accommodation in Talloires is varied, from campsites to luxury hotels, including lodges and bed-and-breakfasts.

Assistance on the Trail de la Tournette is a precious advantage, especially as the course is compact and intense. An assistant can position at strategic points to provide personalized nutrition and moral support during difficult passages. Knowledge of local weather conditions and the state of high-altitude trails is a decisive asset.

The Trail de la Tournette is a vertical race par excellence, a challenge that rewards climbers with exceptional panoramas. It is an event that embodies the very essence of mountain trail running: intense effort rewarded by the sublime beauty of the landscapes.

Trail de la Tournette is a 30 km trail race with 2,200 m of elevation gain, located in Talloires, Haute-Savoie. The next edition is scheduled for 28 June 2026.

Find all official information on the race website.