The best road cycling routes around Plancher-Les-Mines

There are over 130 road cycling routes around Plancher-Les-Mines, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy loops to challenging mountain climbs.

Road cycling in Plancher-Les-Mines is unique due to its location at the foot of the Southern Vosges mountains, offering diverse and challenging terrain. The region features significant elevation changes, including the legendary La Planche des Belles Filles, pristine natural environments in the Rahin Valley, and extensive forests like those of Saint Antoine. This combination provides both demanding ascents and scenic valley rides.

Absolutely. The region is renowned for its challenging climbs, most notably La Planche des Belles Filles, a frequent feature in the Tour de France. This ascent has an average gradient of 8.5% over 5.9 kilometers. Other difficult routes include the Grand Ballon – Markstein loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle and the Col du Bramont (Southwest) – Col de Bramont loop from Ballon d'Alsace, which lead through the high Vosges mountains.

Yes, Plancher-Les-Mines offers several easier road cycling routes. For instance, the Chapel of Saint-Antoine – Ronchamp loop from Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois is an easy 22.7-mile (36.5 km) trail that provides a scenic ride through the local countryside without extreme elevation changes.

Cyclists can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from elevated points like La Planche des Belles Filles, stretching across Alsace and sometimes even to the distant Alps. Routes also traverse the unspoiled Rahin Valley, the lush Forests of Saint Antoine, and offer glimpses of the dramatic Vosges peaks such as Ballon d'Alsace and Ballon de Servance.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter several beautiful cascades, such as the magnificent Goutte des Saules waterfall and its canyon, or the serene Etang des Belles Filles (Belles Filles pond). Other notable waterfalls in the area include the Rummel Waterfalls and the Small and Large Seebach Waterfalls.

Beyond cycling, the area has a rich mining heritage. You can explore a geological and mining discovery walk tracing old miners' paths. Nearby attractions include the Mine Museum in Ronchamp and the Copper mine at Le Thillot. Additionally, the iconic Notre-Dame du Haut chapel by Le Corbusier in Ronchamp is within reach.

While specific parking areas for cyclists are not detailed, Plancher-Les-Mines, being a hub for outdoor activities, generally offers public parking options. Many routes, like the La Planche des Belles Filles – Pinot Ramp loop, start directly from the village, making it convenient to park and begin your ride.

The best time for road cycling in Plancher-Les-Mines is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period offers pleasant temperatures and ensures mountain passes are clear of snow, allowing access to higher elevations and panoramic views. The mountain resort at La Planche des Belles Filles transforms for summer activities, indicating good conditions for outdoor pursuits.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, the region offers extensive routes. The Grand Ballon – Markstein loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle is a challenging 60.1-mile (96.6 km) trail leading through the high Vosges mountains, typically taking around 5 hours 42 minutes to complete. Another long option is the Col du Bramont (Southwest) – Col de Bramont loop from Ballon d'Alsace, spanning over 100 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs like La Planche des Belles Filles to scenic rides through the Rahin Valley, and the stunning natural beauty of the Vosges mountains and extensive forests.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Plancher-Les-Mines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Chapel of Saint-Antoine – Ronchamp loop, the La Planche des Belles Filles – Pinot Ramp loop, and the longer Ballon de Servance – La Planche des Belles Filles loop.