The best road cycling routes around La Bourgonce

There are over 170 road cycling routes around La Bourgonce, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 26 easy routes, 107 moderate routes, and 37 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

The terrain around La Bourgonce is characterized by the Vosges mountains, featuring well-paved roads with varying elevations. You'll encounter moderate climbs and descents, winding through dense forests of beech, fir, and spruce, and past scenic valleys and mountain lakes. The region offers a mix of challenging sections and comfortable stretches, suitable for various fitness levels.

Yes, many road cycling routes around La Bourgonce are designed as loops. For example, the Rabodeau Valley – Prayé Forest Road loop from St-Michel-sur-Meurthe is a popular 78.4 km circular route. Another option is the Fave Valley – Saint-Dié Cathedral loop from St-Michel-sur-Meurthe, covering 58.4 km.

The region offers several natural viewpoints and rock formations. You can visit La Roche Saint-Martin and View of Saint-Dié or Roche d'Anozel for expansive views. The wider Vosges area also features numerous mountain lakes like Lac des Corbeaux and Lac Lispach, and magnificent waterfalls such as Le Pissoire and Tendon, which make for refreshing stops.

Yes, the area around La Bourgonce is rich in history. You can explore the La Bure Celtic Camp, a fortified plateau with Neolithic, Celtic, and Roman history. The Fave Valley – Saint-Dié Cathedral loop from St-Michel-sur-Meurthe passes by the historic Saint-Dié Cathedral, offering a glimpse into the region's heritage.

The best time for road cycling in La Bourgonce is generally from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the forests are vibrant. Summer offers pleasant conditions for longer rides, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in the Vosges mountains.

The road cycling routes in La Bourgonce are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained roads, and the serene environment of the Vosges forests, making it a rewarding destination for various skill levels.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 37 difficult routes available. These routes typically feature significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example of a route with notable climbs is the Climb of Haut du Bois – Chipotte Pass loop from St-Michel-sur-Meurthe, which includes a 595-meter elevation gain over 53.9 km.

Absolutely. The wider Vosges region is known for its mountain lakes. A route like the Vieux-Pré Dam – Lac de la Plaine loop from St-Michel-sur-Meurthe offers a chance to cycle past water features. Additionally, the region boasts magnificent waterfalls like Le Pissoire and Tendon, which can be incorporated into longer rides or visited as side trips.

For a particularly picturesque and quiet cycling experience, the forest road between Brouvelieures and Autrey is highly recommended. This route follows the La Mortagne river, winding through a dense and enchanting forest, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and comfortable cycling away from traffic.

The elevation gain varies significantly across routes, catering to different fitness levels. Moderate routes typically feature elevation gains between 500 and 800 meters. For instance, the Rabodeau Valley – Prayé Forest Road loop has an elevation gain of 766 meters, while the Chipotte Pass – Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Autrey loop involves about 525 meters of climbing.