The best running trails around Lac De Villerest

The Lac de Villerest area offers a good selection of running routes, with over 15 trails available for you to explore, catering to various fitness levels.

While our guide features mostly moderate to difficult routes, many trails around Lac de Villerest offer accessible paths. For a moderate run with gentle elevation changes, consider the Villerest Leisure Centre loop from Villerest, which is 9 km long. The region also has shorter, easier paths along the lakeside suitable for beginners.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain. Routes often feature lakeside paths, trails through the dramatic cliffs and rocky shores of the Gorges de la Loire, and paths leading through 'perched villages' overlooking the lake. This means you can expect a mix of flat sections and routes with significant elevation changes.

Yes, many of the running routes around Lac de Villerest are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Lake Villerest – Church of Saint-Jean loop from Villerest offers extensive views over 24.3 km, and the Le Pêt d'Âne loop from Camping d'Arpheuilles is a moderate 9.5 km circular trail.

The routes often provide stunning vistas. You might pass by historic sites like La Roche Castle or the Keep of Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire. There are also several belvederes, such as those in Commelle-Vernay and the 'Point de vue du Pet d'Ane,' offering panoramic views of the lake and the Gorges de la Loire.

Absolutely. While some routes are challenging, the area offers many accessible paths, especially along the lake's edge, which are suitable for families. The Villerest Leisure Centre loop from Villerest is a moderate 9 km option with gentle elevation, and the Plage de Villerest area provides amenities like picnic spots and mini-golf for a post-run family outing.

The running trails in Lac de Villerest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Runners frequently praise the stunning natural scenery, particularly the dramatic Gorges de la Loire, the varied terrain, and the extensive views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Yes, for those seeking a more extensive challenge, the region offers several difficult routes. The Lake Villerest – Saint Michel de Bully church loop from Villerest is a demanding 39.7 km trail with significant elevation gain, often taking nearly 5 hours to complete. Another option is the Villerest Leisure Centre – Lake Villerest loop from Villerest, a 20.5 km route with substantial elevation.

Lac de Villerest is enjoyable for running throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, making early morning or late afternoon runs ideal. Even in winter, the trails can be accessible, offering a different, serene experience of the lake and gorges.

Yes, parking is generally available at various access points around the lake, including near the Villerest Leisure Centre and in the villages surrounding the lake. These spots often serve as convenient starting points for many of the running routes.

Absolutely! The region is rich in attractions. After your run, you can visit the historic Medieval Village of Villerest, explore its timber-framed houses and 12th-century church, or relax at Plage de Villerest. Boat trips on the 'Villerest-Un' are also available to see the Loire's banks from the water.