Go for a ride in the yellow jersey
Who hasn’t dreamt of being cheered on along the roads of France? Proudly leading the peloton, riding out of the saddle?
In the Vosges Mountains, we cycle like the real pros, but we also know how to stop and enjoy the panoramic views and perk up to head back out refreshed. Let’s go for a long ride, following in the tire treads of these amateur cyclists who tackle the mountains.
It’s all in the legs…
And even more in the head! We all know that sports require proper physical condition but also a mind of steel to never let up and give it all you’ve got. After a hearty breakfast to make it through the first kilometres, we headed to an iconic site of the Vosges Mountains: La Planche des Belles Filles.
Following in the tracks of famous cyclists
Here we are at the bottom of the long-anticipated climb to the resort of La Planche des Belles Filles. The greatest racing cyclists of the Tour de France came through here during the 5th stage of the Tour de France in 2017. This 5.9-kilometre steep climb propels us into the big leagues, much to our delight.
Point info : La Planche des Belles Filles was a stage in the Tour de France in 2012, 2014, 2017and 2022
Passes to climb
Unforgettable climbs await on our mountain passes and slopes. For beginners or expert cyclists, there’s a wide variety of routes through the Vosges Mountains to choose from. With both peaceful gentle slopes and more extreme landscapes, all itineraries offer an unforgettable journey to the heart of nature with exceptional panoramas.
Point info : The Col du Calvaire mountain pass, at 1444 metres, is not at all an ordeal, as its name suggests, but a gentle slope.
Breathtaking viewpoints
It’s time for a well-deserved coffee break. Once high in the mountains, we take a moment to sit down and admire the surrounding landscapes. The nearby ridges instantly soothe the mind, still overcharged by the effort of the climb. The server takes the time to point out the different sights in front of us; a lovely shared moment, just how we like it.
Take advantage of your high-altitude break to enjoy a 100% local meal in a mountain farmhouse inn, a hotel, or a family-run auberge in the Vosges Mountains.
