Trail Running
As Zero Neuf evolves we find ourselves opening the door to more and more guests from the broader adventure community. Trail Running has been hitting our radar more and more frequently and it seemed an obvious next step; it’s community focussed and it aligns perfectly with our ideas for crafted experience and adventure.
To get you moving in the right direction, we’ve hired the region’s best guides and they’ll take you to some of the area’s most spectacular running terrain, from the magic of the Pyrénées in the Haute Ariège to our mystical local forests, farmland tracks, trails and riverside rambles.
Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced runner, we’ve got you covered and for those of you who are motivated to be more self sufficient, you can explore this wonderful hidden corner of France on your own terms. For those of you looking for something a little more curated, we’ve built a great network of Trail Running friends and partners so you may prefer one of our retreats, hosted throughout the year to ensure each seasonal itch is catered for.
Expect all of the usual Zero Neuf support, care and attention to ensure you get all the time and space you need to switch off and escape.
The Other Side
Trail Running and Yoga Retreat
Dates: October 12th-17th, 2023
Let the new adventures begin
The first of our new outdoor pursuit experiences sees us join forces with our good friends ‘Sundays’ to bring you a combined yoga and trail running retreat.
Using running and yoga as a way of connecting your mind and body with the land, this is an opportunity to expand your horizons without thoughts of competition but of inclusion and diversity. It’s all about movement and mindfulness in a supportive environment.
Itinerary
Day One
Toulouse Welcome Meeting and Yoga
We’ll meet in Toulouse, aka ‘La Ville Rose’ for a bite to eat and the chance to say ‘salut’ to your fellow attendees. After a short transfer to Zero Neuf, there’ll be time to kick back and relax before a short walk around the pretty local village of Gaudies. It’ll then be over to our resident yogi who’ll invite you to join your first yoga session of the week. You’ll then enjoy a garden apèro, welcome dinner and drinks.
Movement: Gaudies Village Walk, 60mins Yoga
Travel: Toulouse to Zero Neuf; 60mins Private Transfer
Day Two
‘Birdsong’ Yoga, 7km Farm Trail Run, River Swim
Wake up to a stunning soundscape from the diverse birdlife, as we welcome the day with a yoga session in the garden. Our week’s first run will take us through the bucolic local landscape; think rolling hills, farmland filled with sunflowers, crystal clear mountain rivers lined with sleepy villages and natural spaces. We’ll end today’s run with a river swim and we’ll finish the day with a mindfulness walk along the river with local wildlife guru, Jo.
Movement: 7km Trail and Road Run from Zero Neuf, River Swim, Wildlife Walk
Day Three
‘Morning Chorus’ Yoga, Vallée d’Orlu Trail Run, River Swim
We’ll start the day with a flowing yoga session before we head out to the mountains for the first time and the magical Vallee d’Orlu. Located in the Haute Ariège, the ‘Orlu Valley’ is famous for its National Wildlife Reserve and the beauty of its landscapes. This area is rich in fauna and you can expect to see marmot, isard, eagles and vultures as we ascend the valley trail toward the high peaks of the Pyrénées and the border with Andorra.
Movement: Trail Run 10km
Day Four
‘Bamboo Park’ Trail Run and Yoga, River Swim
We introduce the third landscape today, exploring the peaceful surrounds of the local Parc aux Bamboo. Located next to the L’Hers river, the park is home to over 200 species of Bamboo, the first of which were planted over 100 years ago. It’s a calm and serene space and we’ll explore it on foot before a special outdoor yoga session beneath the canopy of the plants. After lunch at the park we will return back to Zero Neuf for an afternoon of free time and prepare for the final mountain day tomorrow.
Movement: 8km Trail Run and 30mins Yoga
Day Five
‘The Mountain Refuge’ Run
The feature day of the trip; we’ll spend the full day in the Pyrénées mountains with a lunchtime stop in a mountain refuge on Prat d’Albis. The day will start on peaceful trails, winding their way through ancient forests that are home to wild boar and deer. We’ll then make our way up to the high line ridges, ensuring you get plenty of time to stop and savour every one of the magical views in this area of outstanding natural beauty. We’ll finish the day on the mountain as we watch the sun set beneath the Pyrénées’ highest peaks.
Movement: 16km* Mountainous Trail Run
Day Six
Farewell Yoga
Our farewell day will see us rise to reflect on the week through a final yoga practice. Private Transport will be available to drop you at Toulouse Blagnac International Airport or Central Toulouse.
Movement: 60mins Yoga
