Best mountain passes around Raves offer a variety of routes through forested areas and scenic valleys. The region features passes suitable for cycling, with some routes providing quiet climbs and panoramic views. These mountain passes are characterized by their natural landscapes and varying gradients. Visitors can find both well-maintained roads and more rugged trails within this area.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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Not that the road surface is perfect now, but the potholes have all been repaired in the meantime, so the Joseph Valentin route is now pothole-free. Status: April 2026
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Everything written about the road surface and gradient of this forest lane is correct. It's unsuitable for a fast descent on a racing bike. However, it's very well suited for climbing, provided you have the fitness and leg strength, as it has a 15% gradient towards the end, just below the Col de Bonhomme. The potholes on this asphalt section are easy to avoid on the ascent. It therefore represents a genuine alternative to the D415, the Route d'Alsace, which is very busy. I advise against the D415 and recommend taking this beautiful, very quiet forest lane, the Route Joseph Valentin, where you'll encounter virtually no one – and certainly no cars. Status: July 2025
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Col de Mandray (694 m) is a quiet and steady climb in the Vosges, ideal for a relaxing ride or as a warm-up for more difficult cols. From Fraize you climb over 4.5 km with an average gradient of 4.2%. The road is well passable, with little traffic and beautiful views over the Meurthe valley. A hidden gem for those who love quiet, natural climbs.
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The surface isn't the best in some places, but you can still ride downhill well.
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If you are coming from the direction of the Col de Bonhomme or the Route de Cretes, this is the best alternative to the busy yellow road. Going the other way... phew 😁
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Instead of driving down the Col de Bonhomme on the yellow road, there is an option to drive into the "forest" further up the Route de Cretes in the bend. You drive on tarred roads through the forest to the Col de Mandray. Simply great...
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the descent on the silver valley is magical to do at full speed, good tour
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I recommend riding uphill (towards east) because the asphalt is very nasty in some places.
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The region around Raves offers several mountain passes with beautiful vistas. Bagenelles Pass provides views over various valleys, while Col de Mandray is known for its beautiful views over the Meurthe valley. Col du Bonhomme also offers scenic viewpoints along the Vosges ridge road.
Yes, the mountain passes around Raves are well-suited for cycling. Col de Mandray is described as a quiet and steady climb with a good surface and minimal traffic, ideal for a relaxing ride. Bagenelles Pass is also a popular choice for cyclists seeking a quieter alternative.
The mountain passes around Raves are generally considered intermediate in difficulty. Highlights like Bagenelles Pass, Col du Bonhomme, Col de Mandray, and Col du Pré de Raves are all categorized as intermediate. There are also more challenging trails like Route Joseph Valentin, which features poor surfaces and steep gradients in parts.
Yes, Col du Bonhomme is a notable point on the Vosges ridge road and is categorized as a historical site. It sits at 949 meters altitude and offers a restaurant for visitors.
At the Col du Bonhomme, located at 949 meters altitude, you will find a restaurant where you can enjoy a snack or a meal.
The mountain passes around Raves are characterized by their natural landscapes, often featuring forested areas and scenic valleys. For instance, Col du Pré de Raves offers a magnificent forest road experience.
If you prefer a quieter experience, Bagenelles Pass is recommended as a quieter alternative to other routes. Similarly, Col de Mandray is known for its minimal traffic and peaceful climb.
Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy Birch Forest loops or the moderate View of Ban de Laveline loop. For cyclists, there are routes like the difficult View of the Vallée du Bonhomme – Col de Mandray loop. Runners can also enjoy trails like the Running loop from Raves. For more details on these activities, visit the respective guides: Hiking around Raves, Cycling around Raves, and Running Trails around Raves.
Visitors to the Raves mountain passes frequently appreciate the beautiful views, the quiet and steady climbs, and the well-maintained roads. Many enjoy the forested routes and the variety of options available for cycling and exploring, with the community contributing over 260 upvotes and 73 photos to these highlights.
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, Route Joseph Valentin is noted for its poor surface and gradients up to 20% in some sections, making it a demanding route, especially for descents.


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