Does looking through "Vosges-tinted" glasses inspire you? We'll take you to the Vosges mountains in the east of France, a real paradise for gravel riding. It's a special corner of France with lush forests, sometimes steep climbs and an authenticity that's hard to find nowadays. There's trails a-plenty where you will (re) discover the sound of gravel crunching under your tires.
The Thur Valley, Lac Vert, Lac Noir and Lac Blanc, with the mythical Grand Ballon in between... this really is Gravel paradise!
This lesser known (outside of France at least!) mountain range is the perfect playground for two-wheeled exploring with perfect gravel tracks and really quiet roads, just waiting for you to come on a journey.
What we love about gravel riding in the Vosges:
pure fresh air with forests as far as the eye can see
great local wine with Munster cheese tasting
ridge-line trails dotted with view points of the surrounding mountains
trout-filled lakes nestled in the rolling hills
traditional farm guesthouses and their hearty home-cooked meals
Alsace wine region just a pedal up the road
What jumps out at you from the Vosges?
2 full day rides from our Base Camp, the perfect way to discover the Vosges Massif and adventure gravel riding.
3 full day rides from our Base Camp, the perfect way to discover the Vosges Massif and adventure gravel riding.
We’ll head straight to the « Route des Crêtes » (ridge route) for this 5 days journey in the Hautes-Vosges. Built during the First World War, we will explore around this route taking us through typical Vosges landscapes with jaw dropping views to boot.
How does traversing the Vosges Massif north to south sound to you ? We’ll spend 7 days loosely following the official Traverse of the Massif de Vosges, but getting off the beaten track to explore the richness and variety of this lesser-known corner of France.
Practicalities
For Adventurer trips your luggage will remain at the base camp, where you will sleep each evening.
For Explorer or Pathfinder trips your luggage will be transported by us between your accommodation each day. You won't have access to it during the daytime but it will be waiting for you at the end of each days ride.
Practicalities
Recharging your batteries is essential after a day on the bike. Post ride you can relax at our base camps or partner hotels and guest houses. We have chosen them carefully for their comfort, tranquility, location and the quality of their food.
Safety
Not at all! Our expeditions do not require previous gravel riding experience. Our itineraries are designed to be accessible to all, as long as you have a spirit of adventure. You may have to carry or push your bike on some short sections, but that's part of the Gravel Up adventure!
Please note: Our hire bikes are the latest spec models and are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. They are the ideal bikes in terms of comfort and safety for all our adventures
Trip report of a bike adventure in The Vosges, a fantastic region of forest covered, dome shaped mountains and jaw dropping landscapes.
Our team have come up with three expeditions to keep everybody happy, from regular social cyclists to bikepacking fanatics.
Between 3 and 7 days riding crisscrossing Le massif des Vosges on a gravel bike with a group of like minded riders will allow you find landscapes and views that will take your breath away. GravelUp takes care of everything during the trip, from carefully chosen accommodation to local meals and snacks ideal for a days riding.
It’s not just this care that makes our expeditions unique, its the local knowledge of our guides and the chance to visit local people and places that make for genuine and beautiful picnic spots and overnight stays. All that’s left for you to do is choose which of our trips to start with and get your gravel bike ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Download our catalogue HERE to see all our offers
