Vosges
The Vosges in eastern France is one of the best road cycling destinations for riders from northern Europe. For many of us it's the closest proper mountain range, within a day's drive of the Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany. You get long climbs through pine forest without the altitude or the crowds of the Alps.
Most climbs here are steady rather than brutal, with shaded forest roads and gradients you can settle into. That makes the Vosges a great first taste of mountain riding, while experienced riders can stack several cols into one big day. Our favorite way up the Grand Ballon starts in Geishouse, one of the hardest sides and almost free of cars.
The Route des Crêtes is the road you'll remember. The French army built it during the First World War along the main ridge, and today it links the Grand Ballon, Le Markstein and Col de la Schlucht with wide views over Alsace. Ride it midweek, as sunny weekends bring motorbikes and day-trippers.
The Tour de France keeps coming back here. The Ballon d'Alsace was the first mountain climb in Tour history in 1905, and La Planche des Belles Filles hosted the 2020 time trial where Tadej Pogačar took the yellow jersey. Ride on to the Super Planche and you finish with a steep gravel ramp to the very top.
Gérardmer and La Bresse are the best bases for a road cycling trip, with routes to almost every classic climb starting from town. Off the bike, drop down to the Alsace wine villages or stop at a ferme-auberge, a farm inn high on the pastures. Pick up a kougelhopf at any bakery, the local brioche that fits in a jersey pocket.
Ride from May to September. Snow closes the higher roads in winter, and summer stays warm without the heat of southern France.
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Best time to ride
The Vosges have a mountain climate. Winters are cold with snow on the higher passes, so cycling is only comfortable from spring to autumn.
April to June bring mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. July and August are warm, sometimes hot, but never as extreme as southern France. September and October are often the best balance: quiet roads, cooler air, and golden autumn forests.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Gerardmer
Gérardmer is the largest town in the central Vosges, set beside a beautiful lake. It has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bike-friendly hotels, making it one of the most practical bases. The location is ideal: from here you can reach almost all the classic climbs within a day’s ride. The lakefront adds a relaxed feel, so you can combine tough mountain days with an easy recovery stroll by the water.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Vosges that welcome you and your bike.
Corravillers
Auberge La Haute Fourche
La Haute Fourche is another cyclist-run hotel in the Vosges, built by riders for riders. They offer simple, budget-friendly rooms and have three holiday houses that can host larger groups, up to 35 people. There's a breakfast buffet to start your day right and a shared dinner in the evening to wrap it up.
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Camping Deux Hohnack
Camping Deux Hohnack offers both ready-to-stay accommodations and the option to bring your own gear. It’s a spot that draws all kinds of outdoor-loving folks who enjoy staying active outside.
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How to get there
By Car
Easiest way to get there. Coming from Strasbourg, hop on the A35 heading south. From the Basel-Mulhouse side, take the A35 north. If you're driving in from Paris or Belgium, follow the A5 or A31 toward Nancy or Épinal.
By Train
From Paris Gare de l’Est, catch a TGV or TER to Épinal, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, or Remiremont. Then switch to a local bus to reach your final stop.
By Plane
Your best options are Strasbourg Airport (SXB) or EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP). From either one, rent a car or jump on public transport heading toward the Vosges.
Bike Rentals (2)
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Shops (2)
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Cafes & bars (12)
Au Pied d'la Planche
Before tackling the climb to Planche des Belles Filles, this bar-restaurant is a smart place to pause. Grab a seat on the terrace, enjoy a drink, and fuel up with something to eat before the effort ahead.
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Popular Climbs (18)
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Road Cycling Routes (15)
Vosges Epic Climbing & Descending
131 km • 2800 m • Epic
The route starts out easy, rolling gently toward Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle. That’s where the climb to the Ballon d’Alsace kicks off. The descent is beautiful, so keep an eye out for traffic on the way down. At the bottom, you’ll find yourself right at the base of the Col du Hundsruck. Another stunning descent drops you into the valley before you head up the Grand Ballon via Geishouse. Make sure you’ve saved something in the legs. It's nearly 940 meters of climbing to the top. From the summit, you’ve got a long, flowing smooth past Le Markstein and all the way down to Lac de Kruth. The final challenge is the Col de Bramont, then it’s a smooth ride down into La Bresse to finish the day.
Vosges South-North traverse
230 km • 5800 m • Epic
A tough string of climbs that takes you deep into the heart of the Vosges. This route is packed with inspiration, perfect for mapping out your own big day in the mountains or planning a full-on bikepacking adventure. It crosses many of the region’s greatest climbs: La Planche des Belles Filles, Ballon de Servance, Ballon d’Alsace, Col du Hundsruck, the Grand Ballon via Geishouse, Le Petit Ballon, Hohrodberg, Le Linge, Col du Calvaire, Col de Fouchy, and a proper summit finish on Champ du Feu.
La Route des Lacs
45.8 km • 1050 m • Moderate
This scenic route winds past several beautiful lakes in the Vosges. Rolling out of La Bresse, you’ll head straight into a steady climb past, Lac de la Tenine and Lac de Lispach, and up to the top of Col des Feignes Sous Vologne. From there, it's a smooth descent to Lac de Longemer before hopping on the cycle path into Gérardmer. In town, the Mur Gouttridos kicks up sharp and offers views over the lake. Once you're over the steep climb, a long winding forest road leads you into a fast descent. Then it’s time to take on the climb up Col de Grosse Pierre. You can ride this loop starting from either La Bresse or Gérardmer.
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Reviews
Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Mathijs
The Vosges always delivers, I have been here several times and had some of the best experiences on the bike. Most of the times the road are quite, but it can be busy at times (especially on sunny weekends).
My favorite side of the Grand Ballon is via Geishouse, it's maybe the hardest ascent but there is no car traffic which makes it a special experience.
When you are in the area make sure to get some Kugelhupf at a bakery, they also make for a perfect snack on the bike.
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