Trail des Cisterciens
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Practical information for walkers
The Trail des Cisterciens offers marked countryside routes and a specific option for Nordic walkers. The event starts from the Salle Notre Dame in Tangissart (Rue Notre Dame 8, 1490 Court-St.-Étienne). Parking is recommended along the N275 Nouvelle Route de Villers and carpooling is encouraged; there is no dedicated bike parking.
Available distances include:
- 65 km
- 38 km
- 21 km (including a Nordic walking category)
The course runs largely on natural paths and some private land; walkers must stay on the marked trace. The route is signposted with red arrows, a monk symbol, and yellow/white ribbons roughly every 300 metres. Some roads are crossed and traffic will not be stopped, so walkers should obey the highway code and take care at crossings; volunteers will help at major road crossings. Certain private passages are open only for registered participants.
Refreshments: there is 1 aid station on the 21 km route, 2 on 38 km, and 3 on 65 km. No disposable cups are provided, so walkers must bring their own cup. A roadbook and GPX traces for each distance are available. A rescue team is present on the course and at the finish; if a participant abandons, contact the organisation as indicated on the race number.
At the finish there are showers with hot water and food and drink facilities. Nordic walkers are asked to keep to walking and not to run. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
