The best road cycling routes around Schermenei
4.5
(377)
17,220
riders
83
rides
Road cycling routes around Schermenei traverse a landscape characterized by significant elevation changes, including challenging climbs like the Ballon d'Alsace and La Planche des Belles Filles. The region features a mix of forested hills, natural reserves such as the Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois, and scenic lake areas like Étang du Malsaucy. These physical features provide varied terrain for road cyclists, from demanding ascents to more gentle routes around water bodies.
Best road cycling routes around Schermenei
- The most popular road cycling route is Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop, a 45.3 miles (72.9 km) trail that takes 3 hours 45 minutes to complete. This difficult route includes the notable climb of Ballon d'Alsace.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is La planche des belles filles — Loop from Malsaucy, a difficult 34.1 miles (54.9 km) path. This route features the challenging ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles and passes by the Malsaucy lake.
- Local road cyclists also love the Chapel of Saint-Antoine – Ronchamp loop from Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois, a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) trail leading through the Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois, often completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
- Road cycling around Schermenei is defined by challenging climbs, scenic lakes, and natural reserves. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
- The routes in Schermenei are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 13,500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Schermenei's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
4.6
(38)
1,269
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)
560
riders
54.9km
02:55
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.7
(3)
1,339
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(6)
400
riders
15.0km
01:03
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(11)
237
riders
75.2km
03:40
1,020m
1,020m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
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.
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Een schilderachtig stuwmeer langs de beklimming van de Ballon d'Alsace, omringd door de beboste hellingen van de Vogezen. 🚴⛰️🌲
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A spectacular hairpin bend on the climb to the Ballon d'Alsace. As the road winds its way up the slope, beautiful views open up over the wooded valley of the Vosges.
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A picturesque mountain lake at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, surrounded by forests and steep slopes. 🚴♂️🏞️⛰️
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The Doller-fietspad (Voie Verte de la Vallée de la Doller) between Masevaux and Sewen largely follows a former railway line through the Doller valley in the southern Vosges. The route is approximately 10 to 12 km long, almost entirely car-free and asphalted. The gradient towards Sewen is very gradual, around 1%, making it a pleasant approach to the surroundings of the Ballon d'Alsace.
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La Planche des Belles Filles is a 5.8 kilometer climb. It is a category 1 climb. It is located in Plancher Les Mines, Franche-Comté, France. The average gradient of this climb is 8.6% with a maximum of 13.6%. La Planche des Belles Filles climbs from 527 meters at the start to 1,033 meters at the summit, for a total elevation gain of 506 meters.
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This 5.9-kilometer climb from the village of Plancher-les-Mines in Haute-Saône is one of the most difficult in the Vosges. Indeed, cyclists who want to try it will need to be at least somewhat trained. With a gradient of 24% towards the end of the route, it's better to be well-attached. The gradient never seems to ease, with its hairpin bends and, upon reaching the resort, the last 2 kilometers rise like a wall. However, you'll be able to say that you've done it, so come and try the climb of La Planche too!
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At the foot of the climb to La Planche des Belles Filles stands this modest water tower — a wooden reservoir on a steel frame, built in the mid-20th century to provide the mountain village with water pressure. Today, it forms a quiet industrial accent between fir and pine trees, overlooking the Ballon de Servance. For cyclists, it marks the last flat stretch before the climb.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Schermenei?
Road cycling routes in Schermenei are characterized by significant elevation changes, offering challenging climbs such as the famous Ballon d'Alsace and La Planche des Belles Filles. You'll also find routes winding through forested hills, natural reserves like the Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois, and scenic lake areas including Étang du Malsaucy.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Schermenei?
Yes, Schermenei offers a good selection of routes for beginners. There are 15 easy road cycling routes available. For example, the Chapel of Saint-Antoine – Ronchamp loop from Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois is an easy 36.5 km trail, often completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Schermenei region?
There are over 60 road cycling routes available around Schermenei, catering to various skill levels. This includes 15 easy, 30 moderate, and 16 difficult routes.
What are some scenic viewpoints along the road cycling routes in Schermenei?
Many routes offer beautiful vistas, especially those traversing higher elevations. For instance, the area around Viewpoint overlooking Lake Malsaucy provides stunning views, and routes like the Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop feature panoramic scenery from the mountain passes.
Are there any road cycling routes that pass by lakes or water bodies?
Absolutely. The region features several scenic lake areas. The Étang du Malsaucy – Véronne Pond loop from Lepuix is an easy route that takes you past these beautiful water bodies. You can also find highlights like Lake Alfeld and Véronne Pond along various routes.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Schermenei?
The road cycling routes in Schermenei are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained paths through natural reserves and past scenic lakes.
Can I find challenging climbs for road cycling in Schermenei?
Yes, Schermenei is known for its challenging ascents. Notable climbs include the Ballon d'Alsace and La Planche des Belles Filles. Routes like the La planche des belles filles — Loop from Malsaucy offer a demanding experience with significant elevation gain.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Schermenei?
Many of the road cycling routes in Schermenei are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Ballon d'Alsace and the Lakes Loop and the La Planche des Belles Filles – Pinot Ramp loop from Plancher-les-Mines.
What kind of natural attractions can I explore while road cycling in Schermenei?
The region boasts natural reserves like the Réserve naturelle des Ballons Comtois, which you can cycle through. Additionally, you'll encounter beautiful lakes such as Neuweiher Lake and Lake Alfeld, offering picturesque stops along your ride.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or shelter along the routes?
Yes, some routes pass by huts or farm inns where you can take a break. For instance, you might find places like Neuweiher Refuge Inn or Gresson Moyen Farm Inn, which are popular stops for cyclists.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Schermenei?
While specific weather conditions vary, the region's challenging climbs and forested areas suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, avoiding potential snow or ice on higher passes and enjoying milder temperatures.
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