Cycling & running events in Avignon, 2026

Avignon Training Notes

Running: The path runs 6 km west to the railroad tracks and gives easy Z2 without thinking. Barthelasse Island gives you a 15 km paved loop when you want base miles with space. Le Bois du Defends has a mapped 7 km route when the legs want dirt. The Vaucluse opens up 11 signposted trail itineraries, and the routes run from 8 to 50 km. Sporting Olympique Avignon is the local name to know. Marathon D'avignon, L'avignonnaise, 10 km de la Durance, and 10 km Cité des papes are the anchor starts.

Cycling: Locals ride Avignon like a bike city, with quick spins around the Tour des Remparts de la Ville d'Avignon and longer trips out when the legs need work. Avignon sits on Via Rhona (EV17) and Mediterranean by bike (EV8), so steady base miles are simple. Gravel routes start 5 km out. Véloroute de Calavon leads almost 40 km through the Luberon, and Autour du Luberon runs 236 km for big days. Mount Ventoux is where the climbs get serious. Roulons à vélo rides night trips every first Friday at 6:30 pm. Fête du vélo, Avignon vélo Passion, and Les Cyclades keep the calendar busy.

Season: Spring gives Avignon the best rhythm for both sports, with Trail du Ventoux in March, Grand Raid du Ventoux in April, and a thick May block around La Nocturne des Papes and Trail du Grand Luberon. The temperature hit 8 °C on 28 June 2019, so locals get out early and keep intervals short. The mistral can change a ride or a tempo run fast. The temperature dropped to 5 °C on 2 February 1956. Cyclists keep flat Z2 close to town, and runners use the Rhône paths when daylight is tight.