Race preparation guide
Trail des Maures 2026: complete FR + EN 130 km guide
La Grande Traversée des Maures is the queen race of the 2026 Var Trail des Maures: about 130 km and 5,800 m of ascent, starting Friday 8 May at 10 p.m. from Collobrières. It is a long Mediterranean ultra with a night start and a strategic choice around kilometre 43, crossing chestnut woods, ridges, valleys and the Chartreuse de la Verne sector.
Race overview
The 130 km format gives the Maures massif a true ultra dimension: possible heat, night humidity, forest roads and sharp singletrack.
The race logic is simple: start conservatively, protect the feet overnight, then accept that Provence climbs feel longer than their altitude suggests.
TrailCompanion
Ready to prepare for this race? Create your Prep on TrailCompanion — logistics, gear and race planning in one place.
Create my Prep for this race →What you actually need to prepare
Build preparation around hilly long runs, two-day blocks, active hiking with poles and night-time nutrition practice.
Add mild heat work if possible, because the Var can surprise even in early May, especially after a night of under-drinking.
Trail des Maures mandatory gear
The final rules prevail. For La Grande Traversée, prepare a full ultra kit focused on night running, autonomy and variable Mediterranean weather.
- Two headlamps or one headlamp with spare battery, charged phone, whistle and emergency blanket.
- Waterproof or windproof jacket, light warm layer, buff, thin gloves and rain protection depending on forecast.
- At least 1.5 L water capacity, personal cup, food reserve and electrolytes.
- Protective shoes, spare socks, anti-chafe cream and a small personal first-aid kit.
- GPS track on watch or phone, power bank and a vest able to carry the kit until morning.
The 10 p.m. start makes light and sleep management a priority from kilometre one.
Three coherent gear choices for the Maures
The 130 km requires stable carry, long-duration protection and poles that help on steep tracks.
ADV Skin 12
Enough volume for night kit, water, jacket and food without moving to a heavy pack.
Open brand pageMafate X
Protection and cushioning for long rocky tracks and dry descents.
Open brand page3-piece Carbon Folding Trail Running Poles
Efficient support on long massif climbs if your pole technique is automatic.
Open brand pageThese are direct links to the brands' official product pages for now. Awin Decathlon, Salomon and HOKA links can be activated later once the advertiser programs are approved on the publisher account.
Logistics to solve early
The race centre is Collobrières, capital of the Maures massif. Starts and finishes cluster around the village, but access roads are narrow and quickly busy.
The 130 km starts Friday night: arrive by Friday midday, collect the bib early, take a short nap and set a sensible caffeine plan.
Transport: Toulon-Hyères, Marseille or car
Toulon-Hyères is the closest airport; Marseille-Provence offers more flights. In both cases, a rental car or carpool makes Collobrières much easier.
By train, aim for Toulon, Hyères, Carnoules or Les Arcs depending on connections, then taxi, local bus or carpool. Check schedules because they do not fit a night start well.
Accommodation: Collobrières, Pierrefeu or the Var coast
Sleeping in Collobrières is ideal for the night start, but capacity is limited. Book guesthouses, rentals or gîtes early.
Pierrefeu-du-Var, La Londe, Hyères and Toulon offer more beds, at the cost of a road transfer before and after a very long race.
Trail des Maures race-week timeline
D-14
Book car, lodging and night nutrition strategy.
D-5
Prepare headlamps, batteries, anti-chafe kit and nutrition pockets.
Friday morning
Arrive in the Var, collect the bib and minimise walking around.
Pre-start
Eat early, nap and fill bottles before nightfall.
Night
Stay aerobic, eat on schedule and monitor the feet.
Daylight
Manage heat and electrolytes, then only push after the last major block.
Turn the guide into action
The Maures do not climb as high as the Alps, but the 130 km wears runners down by accumulation. Success comes from a clean night, protected feet and stress-free road logistics.
Trail des Maures FAQ
How long is La Grande Traversée?
The reference format lists about 130 km with 5,800 m of ascent.
When is the 2026 edition?
The Trail des Maures weekend is scheduled for 8-10 May 2026, with the 130 km starting Friday 8 May at 10 p.m.
Where does it start?
The start and finish are in Collobrières, in the Var, in the heart of the Maures massif.
Which airport should I use?
Toulon-Hyères is closest; Marseille-Provence is often easier for international flights.
Do I need a car?
Yes, unless you have a very reliable carpool. Public transport around Collobrières is limited.
Where should I stay?
Collobrières first, then Pierrefeu, Hyères, La Londe or Toulon if the village is full.
Is the 130 km very nocturnal?
Yes. The 10 p.m. start means the first major block depends on lamp, sleep and nutrition management.
Related races
Keep browsing nearby formats to compare terrain, logistics and the overall commitment level.
Saint-Martin-Vesubie, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Ultra-Trail Cote d'Azur Mercantour
120 km · 7,800 m+ · 4 July 2026
Read guideBedoin, Mont Ventoux, France
Trail du Ventoux
50 km · 2,500 m+ · 28 March 2026
Read guideSainte-Victoire massif, Provence, France
Trail Sainte-Victoire
61 km · 3,000 m+ · 12 April 2026
Read guideTrailCompanion
Ready to prepare for this race? Create your Prep on TrailCompanion — logistics, gear and race planning in one place.
Create my Prep for this race →