A New Chapter: Le Pilgrimage Hits the Trail Running

Le Pilgrimage is more than just the ride; it’s a journey through the stunning French Alps—a test of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie. It’s about navigating rugged terrain, finding shelter in remote refuges, and sharing stories around the dinner table at basecamp. Over the years, it has grown into a community of adventurers who understand that the journey itself is the true reward.

Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

In the first edition, 23 riders faced 500 kilometers and 13,000 meters of climbing. Snow-covered summits, mist, and rain on the Galibier tested their resolve, while the warmth of Refuge des Drayères and the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims kept spirits high. One unforgettable moment came at the Col du Parpaillon, where pilgrims found a flickering campfire inside a pitch-dark tunnel at 2,700 meters—their final checkpoint on an extraordinary journey.

The second edition welcomed 40 riders from eight countries. Pilgrims crossed rugged trails in the Écrins Massif, paused at a shepherd’s hut for steaming fondue, and braved icy paths to reach the Galibier. The journey ended in Italy’s hidden valleys, with treasures awaiting in Forte Jafferau’s military ruins at 2,800 meters. At the finish line, strangers had become lifelong friends, sharing stories and meals like they had known each other for years.

Thanks to these early pilgrims who believed in our vision, Le Pilgrimage has become more than an event—it’s a shared story of camaraderie, adventure, and resilience. With the third edition already sold out in 24 hours, we owe everything to those who’ve helped grow this community by sharing their experiences around their own tables.

A New Path: Introducing Le Pilgrimage Trail

Now, a new chapter awaits. As the mountains keep calling, this time, the journey continues on foot. From July 1-6, 2025, the inaugural edition of Le Pilgrimage Trail—a trail-running adventure into the heart of the French Alps will take place.

Like the gravel journey, Le Pilgrimage Trail is an unsupported, multi-day challenge. Runners will cover long distances through challenging alpine terrain, navigating rugged trails, crossing high ridges, and discovering isolated refuges on the way.

Le Pilgrimage Trail captures the same spirit of exploration, resilience, and camaraderie. Along the way, runners will encounter “pilgrim treasures”—small but meaningful rewards hidden at checkpoints high in the mountains. At the end of the day, their safe haven awaits at Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent. This will be the refuge where stories are shared around the pilgrims’ table.

A Similar Spirit

Whether on two wheels or two feet, Le Pilgrimage is about embracing the unknown, pushing beyond your limits, and connecting with fellow pilgrims who share the same thirst for adventure. The mountains don’t care about the way you travel; they reward those who wander, endure, and seek.

As we start this new chapter, we are looking for trail runners who believe in the magic of a first edition. Just like those who joined us for the inaugural Gravel event, we invite you to be part of something special—to help write the first lines of this new story and experience the raw beauty of the French Alps in a way only Le Pilgrimage can offer.

Pilgrims. The mountains are calling. Registrations are open now.