4.4
(169)
4,996
riders
111
rides
Touring cycling routes around Étang Réservoir de Champagney traverse a landscape shaped by its artificial reservoir, originally built for canal supply. The area features a large body of water covering 107 hectares, surrounded by forests and meadows. Cyclists can find relatively flat lakeside trails and towpaths, particularly around the Base de loisirs des Ballastières. The terrain includes gentle gradients around the reservoir's edge, with some routes extending into more varied topography with greater elevation changes.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
1.0
(1)
2
riders
23.9km
02:01
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(2)
153
riders
58.1km
04:01
990m
990m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

16
riders
40.9km
03:00
910m
910m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
109km
06:39
850m
850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(1)
9
riders
79.6km
05:15
1,150m
1,150m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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The dam is an impressive piece of historical engineering: it is 785 meters long and rises 41 meters from the foundation. Walking on or along the dam offers a wide view of the deep blue water and the surrounding forests. Nice for cycling along the dam!
7
0
The Bassin de Champagney (or Champagney Reservoir) is an impressive artificial reservoir with a surface area of 107 hectares, located in the French department of Haute-Saône (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region). The reservoir is situated in the southern foothills of the Vosges and was built between 1882 and 1905 to supply water to the never fully completed Canal de la Haute-Saône. Today, the lake has a capacity of 13 million m³ and is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and fishermen.
7
0
The Vosges are wooded and you can see that here on the panoramas.
7
0
This large lake is a popular stop along the cycling routes around Belfort, with beautiful views over the water and the surrounding nature.
7
0
A comfortable, car-free and beautiful cycle path to Lac du Malsaucy, one of the most beautiful recreational areas of the Territoire de Belfort.
1
0
A small mountain pass and an important milestone on the climb to the Ballon d'Alsace. From here, the summit is only three kilometers away. 🚴♂️
7
0
The end of the climb is somewhat disappointing. There is nothing marked. No photo opportunity. You have a small parking lot, a closed military road, and a picnic spot well hidden under the trees. At the two yellow signs (mainly for hikers) there is the only indication that you are at the Ballon de Servance and at 1158 m. The climb is "cozy". No cars, completely shaded, a few kilometer markers.
7
0
There are over 110 touring cycling routes available around Étang Réservoir de Champagney. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides along the lake to more challenging ascents into the surrounding hills.
The terrain around Étang Réservoir de Champagney is quite varied. You'll find relatively flat lakeside trails and towpaths, particularly around the Base de loisirs des Ballastières, which are ideal for relaxed cycling. Some routes extend into more varied topography with greater elevation changes, offering a mix of gentle gradients and more demanding climbs into the surrounding forests and meadows.
Yes, Étang Réservoir de Champagney offers a good selection of routes for all skill levels. There are nearly 30 easy touring cycling routes, many of which follow the relatively flat paths around the reservoir's edge, making them suitable for beginners and families looking for a leisurely ride. The towpaths and lakeside trails are particularly gentle.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Champagney Lake – Champagney Dam loop from Bassin de Champagney is a popular option that takes you around the reservoir and past its impressive dam structure.
While cycling around Étang Réservoir de Champagney, you can observe the impressive dam, a significant structure built from cut stone. The reservoir itself offers picturesque scenery with calm waters reflecting the surrounding forests and meadows. The area is also known for diverse birdlife, providing opportunities for birdwatching. The Ballon de Servance loop from Champagney offers views towards the Ballon de Servance.
The touring cycling routes around Étang Réservoir de Champagney are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the reservoir and its dam, and the options available for different ability levels.
Absolutely! The Étang Réservoir de Champagney is a vibrant leisure base. You can combine your cycling trip with water sports, fishing, or swimming at the supervised beach at the Base de loisirs des Ballastières during summer. There are also numerous hiking trails, including the popular 'Le Tour du Bassin de Champagney' for walkers.
Yes, experienced touring cyclists will find plenty of challenging routes. There are nearly 50 difficult routes, often featuring significant elevation gain. An example is the Ballon d'Alsace Pass – The Gentian loop from Champagney, which includes substantial climbs and leads through varied landscapes towards the Ballon d'Alsace Pass.
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes. Summer is also popular, especially if you plan to combine cycling with water activities, but be prepared for warmer weather. Always check local weather forecasts before your ride.
Yes, some routes extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the reservoir, allowing for longer rides that explore the surrounding countryside. For example, the Malsaucy cycling link – Lac du Malsaucy loop from Échavanne takes you through the local countryside, offering a different perspective of the region.
Parking is generally available at key access points around the reservoir, particularly near the Base de loisirs des Ballastières, which serves as a central hub for many activities. You can often find designated parking areas at the start of popular trails or near amenities.
While specific regulations for dogs on cycling trails can vary, generally, dogs are welcome in many outdoor areas in France, often on a leash. It's advisable to keep your dog under control, especially on shared paths, and to check for any specific signage regarding dog access at the Base de loisirs or other sensitive natural areas.


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