The best traffic-free bike rides around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
4.5
(664)
28,114
riders
54
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois navigate a diverse and rugged landscape in the southern Vosges mountains. The region is characterized by rounded mountain summits known as "ballons," such as Ballon de Servance and Ballon d'Alsace, which offer significant elevation changes. Cyclists encounter a mosaic of dense forests, peat bogs, rocky scree, and deeply incised valleys. High-altitude grasslands provide open vistas contrasting with the wooded areas, creating varied terrain for road cycling.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Ballon de Servance – La Planche des Belles Filles loop from Ballon de Servance, a 21.0 miles (33.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 16 minutes to complete. This route features significant climbs and descends through mountainous terrain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Col des Croix – Ballon de Servance loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle, a difficult 36.7 miles (59.1 km) path. This route includes challenging ascents to points like Col des Croix and past the foot of Ballon de Servance.
- Local road cyclists also love the Hautes Vosges Greenway – Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle, a 43.6 miles (70.2 km) trail leading through varied landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Road cycling around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois is defined by challenging "ballons," dense forests, and scenic greenways. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate routes to difficult climbs.
- The routes in Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 21,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
4.5
(6)
110
riders
33.8km
02:16
1,110m
1,110m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.9
(11)
345
riders
59.1km
03:21
1,330m
1,330m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. 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.
4.5
(2)
136
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
118
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
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Traffic-free bike rides around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
Traffic-free bike rides around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
Other adventures around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
Tips from the Community
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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beautiful cycle path along the Moselle
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic road cycling routes are available in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois?
There are over 45 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois. These routes offer a mix of challenges, with 8 easy, 20 moderate, and 17 difficult options to explore the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no traffic road cycling routes in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois?
Yes, the region offers several easier, traffic-free options suitable for families. The 'greenways' (Voies Vertes), which are former railway lines converted into bike paths, provide flatter and more accessible rides. For example, the Bike station – Voie verte along the Moselle loop from Fresse-sur-Moselle is a moderate route that utilizes these paths, offering a pleasant experience away from vehicle traffic.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see along the no traffic road cycling routes?
The routes in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois traverse a stunning variety of natural features. You'll encounter dense beech and fir forests, high-altitude grasslands known as 'chaumes,' and narrow valleys with streams and waterfalls. The iconic 'ballons' (rounded mountain summits) like Ballon de Servance offer panoramic views of the Vosges massif.
Are there any challenging no traffic road cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. The Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois is known for its challenging ascents and descents. Routes like the Ballon de Servance – La Planche des Belles Filles loop from Ballon de Servance or the Col des Croix – Ballon de Servance loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle feature significant elevation gains, taking you past major climbs and mountain passes such as the La Planche des Belles Filles and the Chevrères Pass.
What is the best time of year to road bike in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois?
The best time for road cycling in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the mountain passes are clear of snow. Summer offers lush green landscapes, while autumn provides spectacular foliage, making for very scenic rides.
Are there any circular no traffic road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Hautes Vosges Greenway – Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges loop from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle, which offers a substantial circular ride through varied terrain.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the challenging yet rewarding climbs, the stunning panoramic views from the 'ballons,' and the peaceful, traffic-free nature of many routes that allow for an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Vosges mountains.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the no traffic road cycling routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter several points of interest. Cyclists often aim for summits like La Planche des Belles Filles and Ballon de Servance, which are significant landmarks. The region also has historical traces, and you might pass by sites like the Sailley Refuge and Fountain on the Ballon de Servance. The Mountain Departmental Museum in Château-Lambert also offers insights into the local heritage.
How can I access the no traffic road cycling routes by public transport?
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited in this mountainous region, towns like Remiremont, Bussang, and Cornimont, which are often starting points for routes, may have bus connections. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes and their proximity to the 'Voies Vertes' or other cycling paths. Some routes, like the La Planche des Belles Filles – Pinot Ramp loop from Plancher-les-Mines, start from accessible villages.
Where can I find parking for no traffic road cycling routes in the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois?
Parking is generally available in the villages and towns that serve as starting points for many routes. For example, if you're looking to ride a section of the Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges, you can often find parking in towns like Remiremont, Bussang, or Cornimont. For routes accessing higher mountain areas, designated parking spots are usually available near popular trailheads or mountain passes.
Are there cafes or accommodation options along or near the no traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, the region is accustomed to outdoor tourism. You'll find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options (gîtes, hotels, campsites) in the villages and towns situated along or near the cycling routes. These establishments provide convenient stops for refreshments or overnight stays, especially in areas like Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle or Fresse-sur-Moselle, which are common starting points for tours.
Most popular routes around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
Most popular attractions around Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois
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