Route des Crêtes

Distance

77.9 km

Elevation

1900 m

Difficulty

hard

A spectacular point-to-point ride, this one follows the Route des Crêtes from Cernay to Col des Bagenelles. Right out of Cernay, you’ll take on the climb to Grand Ballon, which is the toughest part of the day. After that, it’s smooth riding along the ridgeline for about 50 kilometers. You'll pass Le Markstein, Col de la Schlucht, Col du Calvaire, and Col du Bonhomme before reaching the finish. Depending on where you are staying you can use the eastern valley to head back home.

It’s best to ride this one midweek, as weekends and holidays can get busy on these roads.

Route des Crêtes was built during the First World War by the French military to run along the ridge of the mountains. It gave troops faster access to the valleys on both sides, improving movement and supply routes.