Tour du Lac de Vassivière, the Limousin’s hidden gem

Now firmly established as one of France’s must-run events, the Tour du Lac de Vassivière (TDLV) celebrates its 28th edition on June 28 and 29. Set around one of the country’s largest artificial lakes, this Limousin classic continues to draw runners and nature lovers in equal measure. The elite field is every bit as strong as the organization itself: seriously fast. Here’s why the Tour du Lac de Vassivière deserves a place on your race calendar.

A lap like no other

At the TDLV, there’s no half marathon and no marathon, but a full lap of the lake covering 23.4 kilometres. Twenty-eight years ago, in the heart of the former Limousin region, the organizers had the brilliant idea of staging a race around Lac de Vassivière. It’s a magical place that locals have no qualms about calling “little Canada”. But the entire event takes place in the Creuse département. The race starts at the Auphelle site, sending runners out to complete the loop: 23.4 kilometres and 250 metres of elevation gain, 100% on roads around the lake, with breathtaking scenery all the way. The course has the feel of a true classic, climbing early before rolling through a series of undulating sections. You’ll need to dig deep over the final few hundred metres, which rise gently to the finish. Two thousand runners are expected for this 28th edition, with options to run or walk, plus races for children.

A playground in the great outdoors

Once you know the area, it’s impossible not to appreciate the sheer range of possibilities offered by this natural playground. This little corner of paradise, now part of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park, is a major asset for the organizers. To attract a wider audience, they offer several race formats. If you want to enjoy the setting without worrying about the clock, you can take on the Nordic walking event. Covering 26 kilometres, it also takes you around the lake, this time on the trails lining Lac de Vassivière. It’s a genuine journey through the Millevaches Regional Natural Park and one of the most highly regarded events in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. If that sounds like a bit much, line up for the 9.5-kilometre trail race. You’ll gain a little altitude and enjoy an exceptional view over the lake before following the crystal-clear water back to the finish arch. In the end, the hardest part may simply be choosing your race.

Run to the rhythm of the lake

Whatever distance you choose, the lake’s clear waters and spectacular scenery will carry you along. The TDLV now attracts runners from every background, but it is also the stage for a fierce fight for the win. The men’s course record dates from 2023, when the 26th edition went to Michaël Gras in a blistering 1:13:47. The French international knocked a minute off the previous record, held by Corentin Le Roy. The women’s race is just as fiercely contested. At the last edition, Manon Trapp obliterated the clock, winning in 1:24:37. The marathon specialist also erased the previous record, set by Liv Westphal. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to take part. Whatever your level, live bands stationed around the lake will help pull you to the finish. And there’s a final reward: once you arrive, you can refuel at the unmissable aid station serving a feast of fresh seasonal fruit.

Why you should run the TDLV at least once

Because it’s simply a rare gem. The setting is rugged, but above all, breathtaking. Staged in a region that has escaped overdevelopment, the race offers a genuine escape into the wild, far from the bustle of the city. The Tour du Lac is challenging without being out of reach. Take on the rolling 23-kilometre course, or find your feet on the 9-kilometre trail race. There’s no marketing gloss here: just committed, enthusiastic volunteers, real access to the organizers and a welcoming atmosphere. And in an era of enormous starting fields, the Tour du Lac takes you away from runner traffic jams and the roar of the crowds. You can enjoy the silence and listen to the breathing of the runners around you. Oh, and we nearly forgot: Saturday night’s pasta party is well worth sticking around for.

Everything you need to know about the 2025 edition

The 28th edition of the Tour du Lac de Vassivière takes place on June 28 and 29, 2025.

✔ SATURDAY, JUNE 28:

1:00 p.m.: Nordic walking start, 26 km (Nordic Walking Tour round)
2:30 p.m.: Hike start, 9.5 km
5:00 p.m.: Trail race start, 9.5 km

✔ SUNDAY, JUNE 29:

9:00 a.m.: Tour du Lac start, 23.4 km
9:30 a.m.: Children’s races, 800 m and 1,600 m

In 2025, the field will be capped at 2,000 runners. You can register online now. For all the latest race news, visit the official event website, as well as the event’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

With its rolling course, authentic atmosphere and exceptionally beautiful setting, the Tour du Lac de Vassivière is much more than a race: it’s a sporting escape into an unspoiled landscape.
A race you should experience at least once!