The 2023 Follower’s Guide and other practical info

We’ve gone fishing for info

To keep you waiting, check out the 2022 Guide version!

A runner, companions

For logistical reasons, out of a legitimate desire to encourage a loved one, or as a simple spectator who wants to soak up the festival atmosphere, there are many reasons to want to see the runners pass by. First and foremost, for most of the races, the refreshment points along the various routes offer prime viewing positions. Depending on the race (14 in all), the routes change and so do the waypoints. Impossible to list them all here. The precise locations and access routes to these refreshment points are known and specified on the online program.

Not just anywhere or anyhow

As you can imagine, access to the roads and tracks used by the runners is strictly regulated. Remember that it is strictly forbidden, without an official race number, to use the race route. Rigorous surveillance is in place to ensure that anyone who infiltrates the peloton is “out of the race”. Observation points are therefore always at refreshment sites, village crossings and open spaces that make it impossible to even walk along the race route.

The must-sees

Provided you respect road closures and prohibitions in certain areas, here’s a selection of the most beautiful spots to watch the runners pass by during the Grand Trail des Templiers ( on Sunday) Just as there’s a race course, there’s a companion’s course, and a certain logic to follow. The roads and mountains are what they are, and you don’t go from one point to another as you wish. The ideal is therefore to follow the following points in order.

An indescribable atmosphere: At the start line. For early risers, the start, at night from the village of Les Templiers offers a unique spectacle.

The first feed station: At the village of Peyreleau, at the confluence of the Tarn and Jonte gorges. Here, the leading Peloton is beginning to lighten up, and the dawning dawn lends a singular atmosphere to this medieval village, which is very lively despite the early hour.

The village of St-André-de-Vézines: Nice atmosphere at the feed station in this Causse noir village. Compulsory access from Millau via Peyreleau, Gorges de la Jonte, Meyrueis and up onto the Causse Noir towards Veyreau and St-André-de-Vézines. Normal driving time from Millau is 50 minutes. On race day, allow a good hour.

The village of La Roque-Ste-Marguerite: In the Gorges de la Dourbie, a superb village where runners descend from the Causse Noir, cross the Dourbie before tackling the tough climb on the Larzac side. Position yourself at the bridge over the Dourbie. We advise you not to watch the riders on the Larzac (Pierrefiche refreshment station) from La Roque. Closed roads mean you’ll have to make detours, and the time spent getting to Pierrefiche may deprive you of the pleasure of being there at the finish. It’s up to you.

The village of Massebiau: A must, just a few km from the finish. A crucial point in the race, where the encouragement of loved ones and spectators is particularly welcome for runners before the final climb up the Causse Noir.

The finish! : There’s no question about it, you’ve got to be there! A mixture of joy, suffering, ambivalent emotions, at the finish the hearts of runners, organizers and spectators beat in unison.

There are also other stopping places: More secret, more intimate and logically, sometimes harder to find: At the prieuré de St-Jean des Balmes on the Causse Noir, in the village of Montméjean, at the ferme du Cade on the Causse Noir…. Will you be able to find them?