The best road cycling routes around La Planche

There are over 400 road cycling routes around La Planche, catering to various skill levels. You'll find approximately 95 easy routes, over 300 moderate routes, and a few challenging options for experienced cyclists.

Road cycling around La Planche is known for its challenging mountain ascents, including the legendary climb to La Planche des Belles Filles itself, which features steep gradients and even gravel sections. However, the region also offers numerous moderate and easy routes, providing options for all abilities within the varied terrain of the Vosges Mountains.

Yes, La Planche offers a good selection of easier routes. For instance, the Château de la Touche – Domaine de la Grange loop from Montbert is an easy 45 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a more relaxed ride. There are nearly 100 easy routes in total, providing gentler options away from the major climbs.

The region offers diverse landscapes, from tranquil sub-woods and dry lawns to panoramic viewpoints. You'll be cycling within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, with opportunities to see surrounding peaks like the Ballon Saint-Antoine, Ballon de Servance, and Ballon d'Alsace. The area also features unique forest roads and the picturesque Étang des Belles Filles.

Many routes pass by interesting historical sites and natural viewpoints. You might encounter the Picture frame by Emmanuel Ritz, or historical structures like Montaigu Castle and Château de la Touche. The region is also rich in natural beauty, including the Étang des Belles Filles, which has a local legend associated with its name.

Yes, many of the routes around La Planche are designed as loops. For example, the popular Picture frame by Emmanuel Ritz – Mur de Saint-Fiacre loop from Vieillevigne is a moderate 51 km circular route. Another option is the Château de la Touche – Saint Sauveur Chapel loop from La Planche, a 50 km moderate ride.

The road cycling routes in La Planche are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, varied terrain, and the stunning panoramic views from the summit of La Planche des Belles Filles and other vantage points.

The best time for road cycling in La Planche is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically more favorable, with less chance of snow on the higher elevations and more pleasant temperatures for climbing. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for mountain conditions.

Yes, parking is generally available in the towns and villages surrounding La Planche des Belles Filles, which serve as starting points for many routes. Specific parking information can often be found in the route descriptions on komoot, or by checking local tourist information for recommended parking areas.

While specific cafes are not listed for every route, the towns and villages in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, such as Plancher-les-Mines or Servance, offer amenities including cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer or more remote routes.

The iconic climb to La Planche des Belles Filles is approximately 7 kilometers long with an average gradient of 8.9%, resulting in a positive elevation gain of 614 meters. The 'Super Planche des Belles Filles' variant extends this with an additional kilometer, including gravel sections and gradients up to 24% or even 30% near the summit, making it a significant challenge.