Top 5 Trail Races Near Paris (Île-de-France): Best Trail Running Events for 2026
When people think about trail running in France, their minds often jump to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or the legendary races of Chamonix. Yet the Île-de-France region offers some surprisingly challenging and scenic trail races just a short distance from Paris.
From the forests of Montmorency to the rolling hills of the Yvelines and the hidden valleys of Guerville, these races prove that you don’t need high mountains to enjoy outstanding trail running.
Based on runner feedback collected on TrailRunAdvisor and the popularity of these events among the local trail community, here are our picks for the Top 5 trail races in Île-de-France and near Paris.
1. Diagonale des Yvelines
Why runners love it
Often considered the benchmark trail race of the Paris region, the Diagonale des Yvelines takes runners across the beautiful forests, valleys, and historic villages of the Yvelines department.
The event offers multiple distances, ranging from accessible formats to ultra-distance challenges, making it attractive for both newcomers and experienced trail runners. The courses are known for being highly runnable while still providing enough elevation and technical variety to remain engaging.
On TrailRunAdvisor, the race is one of the highest-rated events in the region, with more than 50 runner reviews and an average rating of 4.7/5.
What runners say
Some recurring comments from TrailRunAdvisor reviews include:
“Precise course marking — impossible to get lost.”
“Generous and delicious aid stations.”
“A festive and energetic atmosphere.”
“A trail just the way I like it — enjoying beautiful nature while pushing yourself.”
The organisation itself actively reviews runner feedback and continuously improves the event year after year.
Best for
- First ultra-trail experience
- Well-organised race weekends
- Discovering the best trail terrain around Paris
2. Trail Tour du Massif Montmorencéen 2T2M
Why runners love it
The 2T2M is one of the most complete trail festivals in the Paris region. Held in the magnificent Montmorency Forest north of Paris, it offers distances ranging from around 10 km to 80 km. The longest route completes a full tour of the massif with approximately 3,000 metres of elevation gain.
The terrain is surprisingly demanding for Île-de-France, with constant short climbs, forest singletracks, and technical sections that create a true trail atmosphere. The event is also recognised for its friendly spirit and strong volunteer support.
What runners say
A recent TrailRunAdvisor review perfectly summarises the experience:
“Organisation au top ! Le parcours est très sympa, bien balisé. Ce n’est pas très technique mais le dénivelé est quand même intéressant pour la région.”
Many runners also highlight the quality of the course marking and the variety of available distances.
Best for
- Building elevation experience near Paris
- Trail runners seeking multiple distance options
- Forest trail lovers
3. Les 40 Bosses
Why runners love it
If there is one race that proves you don’t need mountains to experience a serious trail challenge, it’s Les 40 Bosses.
Organised in the magnificent Forêt de Montmorency, just north of Paris, the event has become a cult race among trail runners from the Paris region and beyond. What makes it special is the relentless succession of short, steep climbs (“bosses”) that accumulate an impressive amount of elevation gain over surprisingly runnable distances.
The event offers distances ranging from 10 km to a demanding 120 km ultra-trail. The flagship race, known as “Le Monstre”, features nearly 5,000 metres of elevation gain and is regularly described as one of the toughest trail races in Île-de-France.
What makes it unique
Unlike many trail races that rely on a few long climbs, Les 40 Bosses is all about repetition. Runners constantly alternate between climbs, descents and relaunches, creating a rhythm that can be surprisingly exhausting. The course explores some of the most beautiful sections of the Montmorency Forest, including technical single tracks, chestnut and beech forests, and iconic landmarks such as the Pont du Diable and the Tour du Plumet.
The atmosphere is also frequently praised. Participants highlight the family spirit of the event, the commitment of volunteers and the feeling of tackling a truly unique challenge close to Paris. One elite runner interviewed by Le Parisien described the course as:
“An endless succession of small climbs and descents — you never get bored.”
Best for
- Experienced trail runners looking for a serious challenge near Paris
- Ultra runners preparing for mountain races
- Athletes who enjoy technical terrain and constant elevation changes
- Discovering one of the most iconic trail-running playgrounds in Île-de-France
TrailRunAdvisor Verdict
Les 40 Bosses is probably the most iconic “pure trail” event in the Paris region. While the Diagonale des Yvelines excels in overall runner satisfaction and organisation, and 2T2M offers outstanding variety, Les 40 Bosses stands out for the sheer toughness of its courses and its unique terrain. For runners seeking the hardest trail challenge close to Paris, it is difficult to find a better option.
4. Trail des Coteaux de Guerville
Why runners love it
The Trail des Coteaux de Guerville has quietly become one of the hidden gems of the Paris region. Located west of Paris in the Yvelines department, the race offers surprisingly rugged terrain, steep climbs, and panoramic views over the Seine Valley.
Depending on the chosen distance, runners can tackle up to 1,500 metres of elevation gain while enjoying varied landscapes and a strong local atmosphere.
The race consistently receives excellent reviews on TrailRunAdvisor and is frequently cited as one of the best-organised trail events in the area.
What runners say
One recent review captures the spirit of the event:
“Parcours exigeant mais vous serez récompensés par la variété des paysages et les sourires des nombreux bénévoles.”
Another runner described it as:
“Le meilleur trail de la région.”
Best for
- Challenging middle-distance trails
- Scenic landscapes close to Paris
5. Trail de Beaumont
Why runners love it
The Trail de Beaumont may be less internationally known than some other races on this list, but it has developed a loyal following among local runners.
The event explores the forests and hills surrounding Beaumont-sur-Oise and combines accessible distances with enjoyable rolling terrain. It is often praised for its friendly atmosphere and community spirit.
On TrailRunAdvisor, runners regularly highlight the welcoming organisation and pleasant forest sections, making it an excellent choice for those discovering trail running in the Paris region.
Best for
- Beginners and intermediate trail runners
- Friendly race atmosphere
- Discovering trail running close to Paris
Why Île-de-France Is Better for Trail Running Than Most People Think
Many runners underestimate the trail potential of the Paris region. Yet races like the Diagonale des Yvelines, 2T2M, and the Trail des Coteaux de Guerville consistently receive outstanding reviews from participants, demonstrating that great trail experiences are not limited to mountain regions.
Whether you’re preparing for a mountain ultra, searching for a local challenge, or simply looking to discover new trails near Paris, these five races showcase the very best of trail running in and around Île-de-France.
Looking for more trail races near Paris? TrailRunAdvisor features hundreds of authentic race reviews left by runners to help you find your next trail adventure.