4.5
(441)
17,590
riders
310
rides
Road cycling around Lac du Malsaucy offers diverse landscapes and dedicated infrastructure. The region features the 55-hectare lake surrounded by natural areas, including smaller ponds and views of the Vosges mountains. Cyclists can find a mix of verdant nature, rural settings, and wooded areas. Many routes benefit from mostly paved surfaces and dedicated greenways, providing a high-quality cycling experience.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
4.6
(39)
1,270
riders
72.9km
03:45
1,150m
1,150m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(18)
556
riders
54.9km
02:55
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(7)
588
riders
80.4km
04:04
1,300m
1,300m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(8)
488
riders
58.1km
02:44
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(13)
567
riders
48.0km
02:37
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
The Étang du Malsaucy (often also called Lac du Malsaucy) is, with an area of 55 hectares, the largest lake in the French department of Territoire de Belfort. It is nestled in the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges, spread across the municipalities of Évette-Salbert, Lachapelle-sous-Chaux, and Sermamagny. Originally built at the end of the 15th century for fish farming, it is now one of the most important recreational and natural areas in the region.
7
0
Een schilderachtig stuwmeer langs de beklimming van de Ballon d'Alsace, omringd door de beboste hellingen van de Vogezen. 🚴⛰️🌲
8
0
A picturesque mountain lake at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, surrounded by forests and steep slopes. 🚴♂️🏞️⛰️
7
0
De Col des Croix is a 679-meter-high mountain pass in the French Vogezen massif, located on the border of the Vosges and Haute-Saône departments. The pass forms an accessible connecting road (the D486) between the northern Le Thillot and the southern Servance. At the top, you will find the well-known Le Chalet Snack du Col des Croix, and the road splits towards the D16 (Route des Forts), the route that continues to the higher Ballon de Servance.
6
0
The descent from the Ballon de Servance to the Col des Croix is a technical and quiet route of 10.1 kilometers along the Route des Forts (D16). During this ride, you descend 478 meters with an average gradient of 4.7%. I found it a nice descent.
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
From Plancher‑Bas, a long, quiet forest climb begins towards the Ballon de Servance, deep in the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges. Over more than 18 kilometers, you gain almost 900 meters in altitude, but the real height difference is in the final kilometers: there, stretches of 5 to 12% steadily push you upwards through dense, shady forest. The road is narrow, quiet, and feels purely natural — a climb where you get completely into rhythm. At the top, there is no classic viewpoint, but an open space near the military area: sober, quiet, and precisely for that reason so typical of Servance.
8
0
There are over 300 road cycling routes around Lac du Malsaucy, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 48 easy routes, 182 moderate routes, and 70 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.
The terrain around Lac du Malsaucy is quite varied, offering a mix of verdant nature, rural settings, and wooded areas. Many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, including dedicated greenways like the 9 km Voie Verte connecting Belfort to the lake. You'll encounter variations in terrain with curves and gentle ascents, as well as more challenging climbs towards the Vosges mountains.
Yes, Lac du Malsaucy offers several easy and family-friendly road cycling options. The region has approximately 48 easy routes. The Lac du Malsaucy – Véronne Pond loop from Bas-Evette is a moderate 25.8 km route with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed ride through natural areas.
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Lac du Malsaucy offers several difficult routes. The Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop is a demanding 72.9 km route with over 1150m of elevation gain. Another significant challenge is the La planche des belles filles — Loop from Malsaucy, which covers 54.9 km with nearly 940m of ascent.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Lac du Malsaucy are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Lac du Malsaucy – Véronne Pond loop from Bas-Evette and the more challenging Ballon de Servance – Col des Croix loop from Bas-Evette.
Road cycling routes around Lac du Malsaucy offer scenic views of the lake itself, the neighboring Étang de la Véronne, and the distant Vosges mountains. The area is a 'Refuge LPO' (League for the Protection of Birds) site, with numerous smaller ponds and birdwatching observatories. You can also pass by the Maison Départementale de l'Environnement, which offers insights into the local ecology.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paved surfaces, and the dedicated greenways that provide a high-quality and safe cycling experience. The mix of easy and challenging routes, along with scenic views, also contributes to its popularity.
Yes, Lac du Malsaucy is well-equipped for visitors, and parking facilities are available. Many routes, such as those starting from Bas-Evette, offer convenient access points with parking, making it easy to unload your bike and begin your ride.
The region is accessible, and a notable feature for cyclists is the 'Voie Verte' (greenway) that connects the center of Belfort directly to Lac du Malsaucy. This 9 km path offers a pleasant and safe way to cycle to the lake from Belfort, which is well-served by public transport. It's advisable to check local public transport regulations regarding bikes before planning your journey.
The leisure base at Lac du Malsaucy is a popular spot and typically offers amenities including cafes and restaurants. Additionally, many cycling routes pass through or near small villages and towns where you can find local establishments to refuel and relax.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling around Lac du Malsaucy. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural environment is at its most vibrant, providing picturesque scenery. It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on public roads and dedicated greenways around Lac du Malsaucy. However, always adhere to standard road safety regulations and respect local signage, especially when cycling through protected natural areas or shared paths.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.