Photo: Organisation Var Verdon Trail Canyon (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Aiguines
Var Verdon Trail Canyon
Sunday, 6 June 2027
Trail 40 km
40km D+ 1932m
Trail 24 km
24km D+ 1673m
Trail 17 km
17km D+ 1274m
Course nature 8 km
8km D+ 270m
Your checklist for Var Verdon Trail Canyon
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
At least two 500 ml bottles
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Salt and fruit at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
Trail 40 km
- Distance
- 40 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1932m
- Max Time
- -
Trail 24 km
- Distance
- 24 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1673m
- Max Time
- -
Trail 17 km
- Distance
- 17 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1274m
- Max Time
- -
Course nature 8 km
- Distance
- 8 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 270m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 40 km | 40 km | D+ 1932m | - |
| Trail 24 km | 24 km | D+ 1673m | - |
| Trail 17 km | 17 km | D+ 1274m | - |
| Course nature 8 km | 8 km | D+ 270m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~9 h of Var Verdon Trail Canyon?Worked out for the longest course (40 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Var Verdon Trail Canyon
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
12°C – 21°C
Average 17°C
Rain
47%
3.6 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
13h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (47% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Sun protection essential (13h sunshine, up to 21°C)
Forecast for 6 June
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The Verdon viewpoints
The Var Verdon Trail Canyon is the race of the Verdon gorge, Europe’s deepest canyon, with walls up to 700 metres above the green river. The 40 km and 1,932 m start in Aiguines and follow the viewpoints on the Var side, looking over Lake Sainte-Croix.
The ground is limestone and very stony, with short, steep climbs that stop you running. You do not go into the canyon floor, but you do pass its most photogenic spots: the Trescaïre and Artuby viewpoints and the Artuby bridge, used for base jumping.
Four distances
The 24 km (1,673 m) is the hardest per kilometre, the 17 km (1,274 m) covers the upper section and the 8 km (270 m) is for families. All finish in Aiguines, a village hanging above the lake.
Preparation
June in Provence can hit 30 °C and there is no shade on the viewpoints. Carry two bottles, salt and sun protection. Mandatory kit includes windproof, thermal blanket, reusable cup and charged phone.
Sleeping in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or Aiguines is best, and the lake invites a swim afterwards. More southern races at /en/races/francia/provenza-alpes-costa-azul/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
Var Verdon entry
RegistrationA June race with a moderate cap: the 40 km is the first distance to fill.
Tips
- •Enter in spring
- •Book in Aiguines or Moustiers
Where to stay for Var Verdon
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Canyon kit
GearSun, limestone and heat: cap, salt and two bottles are essential in June.
Tips
- •At least two 500 ml bottles
- •Shoe with a protective sole
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Var Verdon Trail Canyon?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Var Verdon Trail Canyon?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Fuelling in the heat
NutritionAt 30 °C in June you drink every 20 minutes and eat savoury food.
Tips
- •Salt and fruit at aid stations
- •Light gels, skip the sweets
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
Getting to Aiguines
TransportAiguines is 45 minutes from Draguignan on the D71 and 90 minutes from Nice or Marseille.
Tips
- •You need a car: there is no train
- •Parking next to the village
Car rental for Var Verdon
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for Var Verdon
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for Var Verdon
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for Var Verdon
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Var Verdon Trail Canyon 2027?
- Sunday 6 June 2027, with the 40 km starting at 06:00 from Aiguines.
- Do you run inside the canyon?
- No: the route follows the viewpoints and high trails above the gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix.
- How much climbing in the 40 km?
- 1,932 m of ascent, with short and very steep climbs on limestone and stony ground.
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