The best road cycling routes around Réserve naturelle du Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing

There are nearly 90 road cycling routes available in the Réserve naturelle du Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing area, catering to various skill levels. These include 5 easy, 48 moderate, and 34 difficult routes.

The region offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You'll encounter challenging ascents through mountain forests of beech, fir, and spruce, as well as open stretches across the unique high stubble plateaus (hautes-chaumes) between 1,200 and 1,300 meters above sea level. The varied terrain provides both shaded routes and exposed, panoramic sections.

Yes, there are several easier routes. For instance, the Le Valtin – Chorin Valley loop from Le Valtin is an easy 20.3 km (12.6 miles) path that winds through the scenic Chorin Valley, offering gentle gradients and beautiful forest views.

Many routes offer stunning panoramic views over the Vosges mountains. You can pass by or see highlights such as the Gazon du Faing, Le Tanet Summit, and the Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint. The high stubble plateaus themselves provide expansive, unobstructed vistas, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Bernese Alps.

The best time for road cycling in Réserve naturelle du Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. Summer offers cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, making it pleasant for strenuous activity. The high stubble plateaus are exposed, so checking weather conditions is always advisable.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Col de la Schlucht – Bagenelles Pass loop from Col de la Schlucht is a difficult 96.7 km (60.1 miles) trail that leads through multiple mountain passes, often taking over 5 hours to complete. Another demanding option is the Bagenelles Pass – Col de Mandray loop from Le Bonhomme, a difficult 65.2 km (40.5 miles) route with significant elevation gain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain passes to scenic open plateaus, and the magnificent panoramic views. The combination of natural features like mountain forests, peat bogs, and views of lakes also contributes to a highly enjoyable cycling experience.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Réserve naturelle du Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example of a popular circular route is the Col de la Schlucht – Schlucht pass loop from Lac Blanc, a moderate 35.3 km (22.0 miles) ride.

The region is characterized by its unique high stubble plateaus (hautes-chaumes) which offer long, open stretches and panoramic views. You'll also find significant peat bogs with specific flora, and routes often overlook beautiful lakes like Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites. The presence of granitic rock chaos and cliffs adds to the dramatic scenery.

Yes, the reserve overlooks several picturesque lakes, such as Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (or Lac du Forlet). Many cycling routes are designed to incorporate views of these beautiful aquatic elements, providing stunning photo opportunities and a refreshing change of scenery from the mountain passes.

The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route's difficulty. Easy routes might have a few hundred meters of ascent, while difficult routes, such as the Pinot Bend – Col de Petit Ballon Pass loop from Soultzeren, can feature over 1200 meters (3900 feet) of climbing, making them suitable for cyclists looking for a significant workout.