Trail des 3 Châteaux

The Trail des 3 Châteaux takes runners through Le Creusot in Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, in early March. This trail-running series offers multiple distances, ranging from the 11 km Le Chtio to the 65 km Grande Traversée Autun - Le Creusot and an 80 km option. The shorter races are challenging: the 17 km course features approximately 500 m of elevation gain, the 27 km course around 1,000 m, the 65 km course about 2,500 m, and the 80 km course climbs roughly 3,100 m. The 17 km race is held at night, distinguishing it from typical daytime local trail events. The courses traverse paths, trails, and roads through forests, pastures, streams, and waterfalls, passing through Saint-Sernin-du-Bois. The event's name reflects its route, connecting three châteaux that runners can enter during the race. The finish presents a final challenge with 148 steps leading to the honor court of the Château de la Verrerie before the finish line at the Conservatoire de Musique et de Danse l'Alto. Following the run, the local cuisine maintains the Burgundian theme, with jambon persillé, escargots, and boeuf bourguignon available at the post-race meal.