Organized every year in mid-March, the Fontfroide trail is a sporting event which contributes to the tourist influence of the Narbonnaise region. This trail is experiencing growing popularity, and is attracting more and more fans who do not hesitate to leave their region to discover new playgrounds and new sites. respectively director
The Fontfroide trail, led by Narbonnais Gaëtan Sanchez, ambassador of Aude l'âme Sud, is much more than a simple sporting competition. It is a real vector of sports tourism which attracts many fans of these foot races on trails and paths throughout France and even beyond each year. Whether they come from Bordeaux or Paris, Spain, Switzerland, Italy or Germany, there will be around 2,000 on March 15 and 16, 2025. 2,000 runners to which must be added the accompanying people. “About 60% come from elsewhere”estimates the conductor of the event. And a lot with family. So many people likely to visit the region, and who do not hesitate to extend the weekend to combine sporting passion and tourism. They are already visiting Fontfroide Abbey, which is open to them free of charge (except guided tours). Fontfroide Abbey, one of the jewels of the region, is a major point of interest for these trail aficionados. Founded in the 11the century and admirably preserved, it is the starting and finishing point of the different races of the event. Participants and spectators thus have the opportunity to discover this historic site, which enriches their experience and gives them an additional reason to visit the region. And even come back to it.
The abbey at the center of a… tourist route
Especially since the abbey plays a bit of the role of a tourist office with its brochures of sites and activities available nearby. It also serves as a showcase for local producers, with its shop, while the village of Fontfroide trail partners also highlights several artisans and local products, cheeses, fruit juices, almonds, shellfish, craft beer, and wines. “Making awareness of the region's products is the goal of this village”, recognizes Gaëtan Sanchez.
The organization of the Fontfroide trail thus has a significant impact on local tourism, generating certain economic benefits for the region. Hotels, lodges, campsites, restaurants and businesses benefit from this influx of visitors. The Fontfroide trail therefore stimulates the economy of the Narbonne region by attracting not only runners, but also entire families.
The organization of the Fontfroide trail also benefits from strong local involvement. Volunteers from the organizing club, AC Narbonne Méditerranée, and traders mobilize every year to guarantee the success of the event. This collaboration strengthens the feeling of community and highlights the warm hospitality of the Narbonne region, leaving a lasting impression on visitors, who may therefore want to return to stay in Narbonnais and, beyond, in Aude.
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