Giono Hills Trail: a weekend combining literature, Provence, and a sporting challenge

Running through Giono's landscapes, discovering his world and feeling the rhythm of trail running.
And what if you took advantage of the Giono Hills Trail on November 15, 2026, to treat yourself to a weekend that combines culture, literature and sport in the heart of Manosque ?
Welcome to the birthplace of Jean Giono, one of the major writers of the 20th century. Here, his work can be discovered as much in his books as in the landscapes, alleyways, and places that nourished his imagination. All year round, Manosque pays tribute to its famous child through events and memorial sites that keep his legacy alive.

For a weekend, follow in the footsteps of the writer before lacing up your running shoes to take on the challenge of the Giono Hills Trail. An original experience where literature meets sport, where the hills of Haute-Provence become your playground, and where every stride takes on a taste of Provence.

Day 1: Saturday, November 14, 2026: Manosque, following in the footsteps of Jean Giono

A day to enter the world of the local boy

Your weekend begins at Manosque, a Provençal city where Jean Giono was born and lived his entire life. Take the time to stroll through this ancient city whose different eras have shaped its heritage and identity.
Like the Giono Hills Trail, which celebrates the writer every year, Manosque keeps Giono's memory alive throughout the yearA great opportunity to discover the city through its history and its illustrious son.

Settle into a guesthouse

For this getaway, we have selected two charming addresses:

La Bastide de l'AdrechAn elegant 18th-century country house located just minutes from the town centre. Set in a peaceful, wooded environment, in the middle of a park with three-hundred-year-old trees, it offers five guest rooms.

The Mas des Vannades, un authentique mas provençal situé à proximité du lac des Vannades. Trois chambres confortables et personnalisées, des petits-déjeuners faits maison et un gîte indépendant en font une adresse idéale pour cette parenthèse manosquine.

A gourmet break with Provençal flavors

Pour le déjeuner, direction The Little Provencal, at the heart of Manosque. Adrien y propose une cuisine chaleureuse inspirée du terroir, privilégiant le fait maison et les produits frais et locaux.

Race number goal!

Before heading off to meet Jean Giono, remember to pick up your race number for tomorrow's race. See you at the Parc de la Rochette Between 14pm and 17pm. With the precious pass in hand, you are officially ready to tackle the hills of Giono!

Paradise: Enter Giono's private world

Your afternoon continues at Paraïs, the house of Jean Giono and one of the high places of French literature.
Restored and renovated, the site offers a deeper understanding of the man, the writer, and his work. The house, gardens, landscaped areas, interpretive displays, bookshop, and documentary resources combine to create a truly immersive experience in Giono's world.
A visit that gives another dimension to the trail run the next day: before running in the landscapes that nourished his imagination, you will have discovered the man who loved them so much and told their stories.

A literary stroll to end the day

Continue your exploration with a one-hour stroll through the historic center of Manosque or on Mont d'Or, punctuated by literary breaks devoted to the emblematic places of the life and work of Jean Giono.
A sensitive way to discover Manosque, between heritage and literature, before giving way to the competition the following day.

Last night before the big day

For dinner, choose from the restaurants Manosque to discover local flavors or enjoy your accommodation.
At La Bastide de l'Adrech, the guest table offers, in particular, homemade cuisine inspired by Provençal recipes and prepared using fresh produce.
Then comes the time to recover: tomorrow, the hills await you!

Overnight stay in a bed and breakfast or a gîte.

Day 2 – Sunday, November 15, 2026: the Giono Hills Trail

After the words, it's time for the strides!
After discovering yesterday Manosque And in the world of Giono, it's time to take action.
The Giono Hills Trail has become an unmissable event for trail running in the Manosque area. Every year, Over 800 runners come to test themselves on the surrounding hills. in a sporty and friendly atmosphere.

Three distances allow you to choose your challenge according to your level and desires:

• 25 km – 1,100 m of elevation gain : the great challenge for trail running and elevation gain enthusiasts;
• 15 km – 550 m D+ : an intermediate format to fully enjoy the landscapes;
• 7 km – 280 m D+ : a more accessible distance to discover trail running.

A 12 km walk ainsi que des courses enfants sont également proposées au parc de la Rochette.

Hills, changes in elevation, and landscapes of Haute-Provence
As the kilometers pass, the effort gives way to wonder. The paths and hills around Manosque offer a typically Provençal setting, between nature, terrain and panoramas.
Here, there's no need to choose between trail running and exploring the area: both can be experienced simultaneously.Every climb is earned, every descent is savored, and every panorama reminds us why Giono was so deeply attached to this land.

Un trail qui a du cœur
Participer au Trail des Collines de Giono, c’est aussi courir pour une bonne cause.
Pour cette édition 2026, 1 € par inscription sera reversé au Pôle Santé La Vista 04 Sud, located at Manosque, afin de soutenir ses actions auprès des patients et de leurs familles.
De quoi ajouter une dimension solidaire à ce défi sportif : les traileurs ont décidément du cœur !

An adventure that goes beyond the finish line

After discovering Giono, his house and his town, you have now moved from his described landscapes to his explored landscapes.

A weekend for run, discover, breathe and immerse yourself in Giono's Haute-ProvenceAn escape that brings together two ways of experiencing the territory: by walking its paths and by letting oneself be carried away by the words of one of its greatest writers.

A 100% Giono weekend

The Giono Hills Trail is ultimately just a gateway to a territory that the writer has never ceased to celebrate. À ManosqueJean Giono can be discovered all year round, in his home, in the streets of his hometown and in the landscapes of Haute-Provence which nourished his work.

So, ready to follow in Giono's footsteps?

Practical information for your stay on the Giono Hills Trail