A full-size playground opens its doors to you
In the Vosges, how could you resist the temptation to get on your bike and set off to conquer hills, forests and winding mountain ridges?
Whether you do it as a sport, or as a holiday time leisure activity, cycling remains a popular discipline that anyone can enjoy. On a bike you can take a different path, surpass your own achievements and, most importantly, explore the Vosges in a different way!
Cross country, all mountain, freeride, trial, downhill, dirt …
Climber or amateur?
"If just reading this gets your pulse going...
Then grab your mountain bike and come to the Vosges, where this sport is a way of life! There are so many routes to choose; simply decide on the difficulty, distance and... scenery!
Nature and the obstacles it provides are the delight of mountain bikers passing through. Perhaps you don’t have a mountain bike, but you’ve always dreamed of giving it a go? Then hire one or more for your stay. There are many hire shops around. However, be warned, mountain biking fever is contagious in the Vosges..."
Road cycling is often enjoyed by groups
Pedal to your heart’s content
"You can use the same roads as cars and other vehicles, but you have the advantage: you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace, getting some exercise in the process.
There are many maps available to help you choose the route for you. When out cycling in the Vosges, take advantage of regular breaks to discover the gastronomic jewels to be found in the farmhouse-inns and other fine eating houses along the route. A well-earned treat!"
Bike and equipment rental
The High Vosges Green Route
"The Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges, or High Vosges Green Route, is 53 km of multi-activity tracks in the midst of the mountains, where you can stroll or enjoy some sport in complete safety.
It’s here you’ll find devoted sportsmen and women, Sunday strollers and riders from all different backgrounds. The starting point is in Remiremont. Cyclists get the best deal, with well-marked routes around the roads."
Do you like cycling, but find Sunday outings with family or friends too tame?
Push your limits
Do you see bigger things for yourself? Do you aim higher? Do you want to surpass yourself? There are a number of big competitions for sporting types:
"La Téméraire des Vosges: a weekend in May dedicated to mountain biking around Bouzey lake, 7 routes covering 20 to 85 km and a cross-country eliminator race (XCE), a frenetic speed trial around the streets of Epinal!
La Trace Vosgienne at the end of July around Longemer lake, with routes covering 25 to 75 km, with the addition of shorter routes for children.
The Infernal Trail in Saint-Nabord in September: a very long distance race over 200 km with 11,000 m of climbs and descents, but also some more “sensible” distances: 8.5 km / 12 km / 30 km / 60 km and 110 km.
The Iron Man takes place in Gérardmer every other year in early September. The route combines 1.9 km of swimming with 90 km of cycling and 21 km of running.
For the less battle-hardened there are also triathlons open to all."
Champion from the Vosges
"Now aged 36, Julien Absalon has lost none of his verve, and continues to promote the mountain biking culture around the world...
A two-times Olympic champion in 2004 and 2008, European XC champion in 2014 and winner of the XC World Cup in 2014. These are the impressive achievements of Julien Absalon, the cross-country mountain biking ace for whom everything began in the Vosges! It was in the area around Remiremont that this local boy first revealed his talent."
Made in Vosges
Take a group of classmates with a passion for wood and outdoor sports. Add a dash of creativity and a lot of daring, and what you get is the [In Bô] collective! These young entrepreneurs create and sell products made from wood in the Vosges. Their love of cycling can be seen in the design of wooden, bamboo and flax fibre bicycles.
INBO.FRbike.vosges
"Backed by the Vosges Departmental Council, the free bike.vosges mobile app is dedicated to cycling.
11 waymarked routes are offered across the Vosges massif and plains.
Top-flight cyclists share their professional advice via videos to help you improve your performance in a fun way. Functional, practical and fun, the application is sure to win over anyone who loves cycling!"