Trail des Hautes Chaumes

The Trail des Hautes Chaumes 2026 marks a prestigious milestone as it celebrates its 10th edition in the scenic heights of the Loire department. Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, this anniversary event is hosted in the village of Roche-en-Forez. To celebrate a decade of racing, organizers have designed entirely new routes for all three distances, promising fresh challenges across the high-altitude moorlands (the "Hautes Chaumes") of the Forez mountains. Beyond the sporting challenge, the event maintains a strong charitable heart, pledging €1 from every registration to the CHUKIDS 42 association, which supports hospitalized children in the Saint-Étienne area.

The 2026 edition introduces inédit (unprecedented) tracks for its three core distances, designed to showcase the wild beauty of the Forez ridges and alpine meadows. While specific elevation gains are updated for the new tracks, they typically cater to a wide range of trail running abilities.

Roche-en-Forez is a high-altitude village in the Loire department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central France. Situated at approximately 900m elevation, it serves as a gateway to the Monts du Forez. The commune is small and traditional, with a permanent population of around 270 residents. Demographically, the area is predominantly French/European, characterized by a heritage of mountain farming and forestry. The local economy is tied to agriculture, particularly the production of "Fourme de Montbrison" cheese, and green tourism, with a median household income in the surrounding Forez-Est sector of roughly €21,500 per year.

The local culture is defined by mountain resilience and a deep connection to the "Hautes Chaumes", the subalpine meadows that crown the Forez peaks. These plateaus are listed as a "Natura 2000" protected site, reflecting the region's commitment to biodiversity. Residents are known for their quiet hospitality and a lifestyle that respects the rugged climate of the Forez. The Trail des Hautes Chaumes is a point of significant pride for the Comité des Fêtes de Roche, embodying the community's effort to revitalize the highlands through sport. The event fosters a culture where modern endurance racing meets ancient pastoral landscapes, often described by participants as an emotional experience due to the vast, windswept horizons and the authentic spirit of the local volunteers.

Runners can expect a warm, grassroots atmosphere typical of French mountain villages. The race is known for its high-quality organization and the emotional "human touch" often mentioned in participant reviews. Since 2026 is the 10th anniversary, the "Village Trail" in Roche-en-Forez is expected to offer enhanced festivities and a celebratory post-race meal. Registration is managed through the Logicourse platform, and participants are encouraged to explore the high-altitude trails that offer panoramic views stretching toward the Alps and the Puy de Dôme on clear days.