The best running trails around Les Touches

There are over 20 dedicated running routes around Les Touches, offering a variety of distances and experiences for joggers of all levels.

Les Touches is characterized by its unique "bocage Touchois" landscape, featuring traditional agricultural lands bordered by hedgerows and "chemins creux" (sunken paths). You'll also find numerous small, wooded alleys and countryside trails, providing varied terrain and picturesque scenery. Natural features like L'Étang de la Martellière and the panoramic views from Mont Juillet add to the scenic appeal.

The majority of running trails in Les Touches are considered moderate, with 22 routes falling into this category. There is also one easy route and one difficult route, ensuring options for various fitness levels.

Yes, Mont Juillet is a significant natural attraction offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. Routes like the Mount Juillet loop from Nort-sur-Erdre or the Mount Juillet – Port of Nort-sur-Erdre loop provide rewarding vistas.

Many of the running paths in Les Touches are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Étang de La Martelière loop from Les Touches and the Running loop from Les Touches.

The running routes in Les Touches are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Runners often praise the tranquil rural landscapes, the varied terrain of the hedgerows and sunken paths, and the refreshing environment for outdoor exercise.

Yes, there is at least one easy running route available, and many of the moderate trails can also be enjoyed by beginners looking for a gentle challenge. The varied network ensures options for all experience levels.

Generally, rural trails in France are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash. It's always advisable to check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly around agricultural areas or nature reserves.

For those seeking longer runs, routes like the Mount Juillet – Port of Nort-sur-Erdre loop from Les Touches cover nearly 14.2 km (8.8 miles), and the Footpath loop from Les Touches is about 13.5 km (8.4 miles), offering more extended challenges.

Beyond Mont Juillet and L'Étang de la Martellière, you might encounter various points of interest. Some routes are close to the Canal de Nantes à Brest, with highlights like the Tindière Lock and the Port of Nort-sur-Erdre. The region also features small wooded alleys where you can discover old buildings, manors, and calvaries.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for running in Les Touches, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late evening runs are recommended. Winter runs are also possible, but trails might be muddy after rain.