The Trail du Mont Dardon begins in Vendenesse-sur-Arroux, a village in Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, north of Lyon. Organized by Les Trailloux du Club Allure Libre Gueugnon, this April trail-running event offers routes for various levels: 12 km La Pêcherette, 18 km Petit Dardon, and 29 km Grand Dardon. The 29 km route has a UTMB Index of 20 km and includes 850 meters of elevation gain, presenting a genuine trail challenge rather than a simple run.
The course starts in the Arroux valley and ascends Mont Dardon, reaching an elevation of 506 meters. Participants will encounter varied terrain including prairies, farm tracks, forest paths, rocky sections, stream crossings, and steep ascents and descents. The route passes through pastures, fields, fir and oak forests, brush, small hamlets, and scenic viewpoints. Aid stations are located at 6.5 km for the Rando Trail and Petit Dardon, and at 11 km and 18 km for the Grand Dardon. A post-race buffet is provided, and runners are asked to use a reusable cup. The event was formerly known as Courir entre Arroux et Dardon; the current name, Mont Dardon, highlights the central climb.