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Road cycling routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Belfort

The best road cycling routes around Belfort

4.6

(392)

16,464

riders

529

rides

Road cycling around Belfort offers diverse terrain, from the rolling hills surrounding the city to the challenging ascents of the Vosges Mountains and the gentler foothills of the Jura. The region is characterized by a network of rivers like the Savoureuse and canals such as the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, providing flatter routes. This varied landscape includes both demanding mountain passes and scenic paths through valleys and alongside lakes, catering to different cycling preferences.

Best road cycling routes around Belfort

  • The most popular road cycling route is Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop, a difficult 45.3 miles (72.9 km) trail that takes 3 hours 45 minutes to complete. This route combines significant climbs with views of the region's lakes.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Ballon d'Alsace – Col du Ballon d'Alsace loop from Trois-Chênes, a difficult 65.9 miles (106.1 km) path. This challenging route features substantial elevation gain towards the Col du Ballon d'Alsace.
  • Local road cyclists also love the La planche des belles filles — Loop from Malsaucy, a difficult 34.1 miles (54.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 55 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Belfort is defined by the challenging ascents of the Vosges Mountains, the gentler slopes of the Jura foothills, and the flat paths along rivers and canals. The network offers options for both experienced riders seeking climbs and those looking for more moderate or easy routes.
  • The routes in Belfort are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 360 reviews. More than 16,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Belfort's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 10, 2026

4.5

(24)

981

riders

#1.

Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop

72.9km

03:45

1,150m

1,150m

This difficult 45.3-mile road cycling loop from Malsaucy ascends the historic Ballon d'Alsace, offering panoramic views and a significant cl

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Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard
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Tackle the difficult La Planche des Belles Filles — Loop from Malsaucy, a 34.1-mile road cycling route with 3082 feet of elevation gain.

Hard

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around Belfort

Legendary passes of the Tour de France

Beautiful passes In the Vosges Mountains

Sentier de l'Europe (GR 5) – Montbéliard to Abreschviller

At the foot of the medium mountain — GR 59 from the Vosges to the Jura

Thatches, lakes and forests – Tour des Ballons des Vosges

From the Vosges to the Jura mountains – Hexatrek, le Grand Est

L’Alsace à Vélo - Entre canaux, vignoble et vallées vosgiennes

Hiking around Belfort

Cycling around Belfort

Running Trails around Belfort

Other adventures around Belfort

Legendary passes of the Tour de France

Road Cycling Collection by

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Tips from the Community

Jean Michel
July 29, 2025, Lac du Malsaucy

very beautiful route!!! drive slowly!! watch out for pedestrians

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Worth seeing church

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beautiful, quiet and usually not very busy

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It's superb but as always in this kind of place avoid busy times if possible.

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Notre-Dame-du-Haut pilgrimage chapel, 1950 The Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel in Ronchamp is the icon of Christian sacred architecture that revolutionized church building in the 20th century. The chapel is in a dominant position on a hill at the Burgundian Gate near Belfort. Apart from its rather bare summit, this hill is wooded, as are the neighboring hills. Le Corbusier took into account the trees, the views into the distance and the horizon line in his design. The basic features of the design for the chapel were created in just a few days: an asymmetrical building, curved walls, vaulted by a roof whose shape is reminiscent of the shell of a crab. The asymmetry broke with the traditional idea of a cruciform church floor plan. A unified church space was created, without a side or transept, which is nevertheless oriented towards the east.

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In addition to the chapel, Le Corbusier built two smaller buildings, the guard's house and the pilgrim's house, which contains bedrooms and a kitchen. A step pyramid, also built from ruined stones and dedicated to the victims of the fighting in 1944, completes the architectural ensemble.

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Every kilometer a sign shows the remaining distance to the summit as well as the current altitude.

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Great selection of cakes, but you don't always get a seat 🙁.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Belfort?

There are over 540 road cycling routes around Belfort, catering to various skill levels. You can find more than 100 easy routes, over 330 moderate routes, and nearly 100 difficult routes for experienced cyclists.

What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Belfort?

Belfort offers a diverse range of terrain for road cyclists. You'll find challenging ascents in the Vosges Mountains to the north, gentler slopes in the Jura foothills to the south, and flatter paths along rivers like the Savoureuse and canals such as the Canal du Rhône au Rhin. The immediate surroundings of Belfort also feature rolling hills.

Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Belfort?

Yes, Belfort offers over 100 easy road cycling routes. Many of these follow the region's rivers and canals, providing a more leisurely experience. For example, the La Francovélosuisse - Boucle les étangs du Sundgau (n°644) is an easy route that explores the scenic pond landscape.

Where can I find challenging road cycling routes with significant climbs?

For experienced riders seeking significant climbs, the Vosges Mountains are a major draw. Routes leading to the Ballon d'Alsace, a 'Grand Site de France' rising to nearly 1,250 meters, offer substantial elevation gains. Examples include the Ballon d'Alsace – Col du Ballon d'Alsace loop from Trois-Chênes or the Ballon de Servance – Col des Croix loop from Bas-Evette.

What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features I can see along the routes?

Road cycling routes around Belfort offer numerous scenic viewpoints and natural features. You can enjoy panoramic views from the Ballon d'Alsace, explore the tranquil Belles Filles Ponds, or discover the Rummel Waterfalls. Many routes also pass by Lac du Malsaucy and Étang des Forges, offering picturesque water views.

Are there any historical landmarks or attractions to explore while cycling?

Yes, Belfort's rich history provides several interesting landmarks. You can cycle past the impressive Belfort Citadel and Ramparts, designed by Vauban, or see the monumental Lion of Belfort. The area is also dotted with 19th-century military buildings, part of a vast defensive network, which can be explored.

Can I find routes that are circular or loop back to the start?

Many road cycling routes around Belfort are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop or the La planche des belles filles — Loop from Malsaucy.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Belfort?

The best time for road cycling in Belfort is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in the hilly and mountainous areas.

What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Belfort?

The road cycling routes in Belfort are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 360 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging mountain passes to scenic riverside paths, and the well-maintained network of routes that cater to all levels.

Are there any routes that connect to larger European cycling networks?

Yes, Belfort is part of larger European cycling networks. The EuroVelo 6 (the 'River Route') offers relatively flat sections along rivers and canals. Additionally, the FrancoVéloSuisse route links the Territoire de Belfort to the Swiss canton of Jura, providing cross-border cycling opportunities. You can find more information about the FrancoVéloSuisse on francevelotourisme.com.

Is Belfort known for any major cycling events like the Tour de France?

Yes, Belfort has a strong connection to major cycling events. Its inclusion as a stage city in the Tour de France multiple times highlights its appeal for challenging and scenic rides, particularly the routes leading into the Vosges Mountains.

Are there routes suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride?

Absolutely. While there are challenging routes, Belfort also offers many easier and moderate options suitable for families or those preferring a relaxed pace. Routes along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, the Savoureuse river, or around Lac du Malsaucy provide pleasant, often flatter, paths away from heavy traffic.

Are there options for parking near the start of road cycling routes in Belfort?

Yes, many road cycling routes around Belfort have convenient parking options, especially near popular starting points or attractions like Lac du Malsaucy. Specific parking details can often be found within individual route descriptions on komoot.

Can I find routes with opportunities for cafe stops?

Many routes, especially those passing through towns or villages, offer opportunities for cafe stops. The region's local loops and routes that traverse urban and countryside areas are likely to have amenities where you can refuel and rest. For example, the Best bakery – Étang du Malsaucy loop from Trois-Chênes hints at such possibilities.

Most popular routes around Belfort

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