Every year, on the last weekend of June, Gravelines comes alive to the rhythm of a unique event in France: the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon. This 'Made in Flanders' triathlon brings together thousands of athletes and spectators at PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, just 6 km from the holiday home Bouteille à la Mer. The 2026 edition, held on 27 and 28 June, confirmed its status as a must-attend triathlon event in Hauts-de-France.
The essentials at a glance
The Chtriman Gravelines is a triathlon held each year at the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa (Gravelines, Nord). It offers 10 race formats, from introductory events for children aged 6 and up to a full Ironman (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.195 km run). The holiday home Bouteille à la Mer holiday home is a 10-minute drive from the event site, making it an ideal base for the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon.
The Chtriman was first held in 2009 in Cambrai, launched by the Cambrai Triathlon club. The inaugural edition already featured an Ironman-distance race and a Long Duathlon. In 2012, the event moved to Gravelines, in the brand-new PAarc des Rives de l'Aa which had opened the previous year.
From 2013, the races adopted their permanent names: Chtriman 226 and Chtriman 113, referring to the total distance in kilometres. The event continued to grow. In 2014 and 2015, the Chtriman 113 served as the French Long Distance Triathlon Championship. In 2016, an eighth race — the Duathlon 111 — joined the programme.
The 2021 edition marked a turning point with a new bike route extending to Cassel, the highest point in the Nord department. Riders there tackle the famous climb of the Porte d'Aire, with gradients approaching 20%. That year, Émile Blondel-Hermant set the Chtriman 113 record at 3 hours 49 minutes.
In 2022, the Chtriman celebrated its 10th edition at Gravelines with over 2,700 participants. The 2025 edition broke all records: 3,490 entrants across all races, including 600 women in the Chtri'S féminin — likely the largest women's S-distance triathlon in France. For those combining a holiday with the race, the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon offers a unique base near the Opal Coast.
The 2026 programme: 10 races for all levels
The Chtriman Gravelines triathlon takes place over two days. Saturday is dedicated to short formats and juniors, Sunday to long distances.
Saturday 27 June — Short formats and juniors
Event
Swim
Bike
Run
Category
Chtri Juniors 6-7 yrs
Adapted
Adapted
Adapted
Children
Chtri Juniors 8-9 yrs
Adapted
Adapted
Adapted
Children
Chtri Juniors 10-13 yrs
Adapted
Adapted
Adapted
Juniors
Chtri XS
400 m
10 km
2.5 km
Beginners
Chtri S Women
750 m
20 km
5 km
Women
Chtri S Men
750 m
20 km
5 km
Men
An event that brings the area to life
Over the years, the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon has become far more than just a sporting competition. It's a real highlight for the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions all see a significant surge in visitors over the weekend. The brand-new Hôtel du PAarc, which opened its doors in June 2026, adds to this momentum.
Supporters and spectators are also well catered for. The PAarc des Rives de l'Aa — 175 hectares dedicated to leisure and outdoor sports — offers plenty of free activities: play areas, a beach volleyball court, a Juni Code trail, and walking routes around the lakes. The more adventurous can try the Aquaparc Enjoy The Game with its floating inflatable structures.
And because a weekend in Gravelines is about more than just the triathlon, visitors can take the opportunity to explore the fortified town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Vauban fortress of Gravelines, the only fortified town in France entirely surrounded by water, can be explored on foot or by boat along the moats. Between races, it's a perfect heritage escape.
The beach at Petit-Fort-Philippe, awarded the Blue Flag, offers a seaside break just a stone's throw from the PAarc. For families wanting to extend the sporting experience, the region also offers water sports and activity courses throughout the year: land sailing, kayaking, rowing, swimming.
📷 Credit: Pixabay via Pexels — Pexels License
Practical Information 2026
📍 Address & Access
PAarc des Rives de l'Aa — 1 Rue du Guindal, 59820 Gravelines. From the A16, take exit 52b (Bourbourg/Gravelines). Free shuttle buses run from the Quai des Islandais car parks on Saturday (1pm–9pm) and Sunday (10am–8pm). From the holiday home Bouteille à la Mer (Grand-Fort-Philippe), it's 6 km via the D11 — 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike along the cycle paths that follow the Aa canal. For those staying at a holiday home near Gravelines for the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon, this is an easy journey.
🕒 Timings
The event takes place on the last weekend of June. Saturday: first starts at 2pm (Chtri Jeunes), last starts at 6.30pm (Chtri S Men). Sunday: first start at 7am (Chtriman 226), last start at 12.15pm (Chtriman 113 — 3rd wave). Prize-giving on Sunday at 6.30pm.
💰 Prices
Entries usually open in September for the following year's edition. Indicative 2026 prices: Chtriman 226 from €240 (early bird), up to €280 last minute. Chtriman 113 from €160. Short formats (S, XS) from €45. Site access is free for spectators.
♿ Duration & Accessibility
The event runs over two days. PAarc des Rives de l'Aa is accessible for people with reduced mobility. The site has an official Chtriman-branded shop, on-site catering and shaded areas for spectators. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Our Take on the Holiday home
We love the Chtriman Gravelines triathlon. It's one of those events that transforms Gravelines for a weekend. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just curious, the atmosphere is infectious. From the holiday home Bouteille à la Mer, you can cycle to the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa along the Aa canal — a perfect warm-up before cheering on the runners. In the evening, we gather on the beach at Petit-Fort-Philippe to watch the sun set over the North Sea. Our tip: book your accommodation as early as January, because the Chtriman draws visitors from all over Europe. And if you have children, don't miss the junior races on Saturday afternoon — it's a real spectacle seeing these little champions dive into the water with the same seriousness as the adults.
Ready to explore the region's heritage?
Book your stay now at the holiday home "Bouteille à la Mer" and enjoy an ideal starting point for your visits.
Entries open each September on the official chtriman.com website. Prices are tiered: the earlier you register, the less you pay. A medical certificate confirming no contraindication to competitive triathlon is mandatory, along with a valid FFTRI licence.
How much is spectator entry?
Access to the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa is completely free for spectators throughout the Chtriman weekend. You can move freely around the site, watch the starts and finishes, and enjoy the entertainment and official merchandise shop.
Is the bike course difficult?
The Chtriman bike course is generally rolling, with around 350 m of elevation gain over 90 km. But it does throw up a major challenge: the climb up Porte d'Aire in Cassel, with sections approaching 20%. The real adversary remains the wind, ever-present across the Flemish polders — you need to manage your effort against the characteristic gusts of the Opal Coast.
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