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.
By booking with us, you also do good for our planet!
A program 100% created by Gravel Up
Come and explore the Vosges mountains on a Gravel bike by crossing the blue line of the Vosges!
Near the town of "La Bresse", we will meet you in the heart of the Vosges forest for the start of this 5-day adventure between lakes, fir trees and other secrets of the territory. (Re)discover this mountainous massif with those who make its authenticity!
You will meet, from Wednesday afternoon, the people with whom you will share strong moments throughout this journey. Our guide will help you to get to know our Gravel bikes and will give you precious riding tips. The goal is for you to be as comfortable as possible while enjoying the scenery.
Between anecdotes and moments of sharing, enjoy a peaceful moment in the company of your hosts in a friendly environment rich in discovery.
Summer and winter alike, the Vosges Massif is a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors and the great green. On the program: "Canadian" forests, invigorating pure air, blueberries and wild lakes. The Vosges is the promise of regeneration. From the route des crêtes, a tightrope between the Vosges and Alsace that crosses the Ballons des Vosges regional park, we have prepared the itinerary for your next road trip in the Hautes-Vosges.
It's not just about seeing life in the Vosges ... but rather living it!
Travel insurance for repatriation and civil liability
Personal drinks and other souvenir purchases
Anything not specified in "What's Included"
Gravel bike rental (supplement available)
The beautiful Munster Valley, just before jumping back in the heart of the Vosges. Anyone for a cheese break ?
Preparation & equipment
Guide
We select for you local guides, passionate about their territory.
Bike mechanic, bike shop manager and even eco-guard on the Hoeneck, our guide is the best person to help you discover Vosges mountains. Anecdotes, encounters and sharing of experiences, he/she will make sure that you have an unforgettable stay and above all that you soak up as much as possible of this fabulous territory.
Spoken languages: French, English
State certified for bike guiding (BPJEPS), he/she will make sure you are safe and will share with you various tips and tricks on how to ride the Vosgian trails.
Gravel bike
We propose you on this destination the Gravel 3T Exploro (or equivalent)
A Gravel bike that can handle any surface, from asphalt to singletrack to steep trails. An all-road spirit, but with aggressive geometry and aerodynamics that feel almost identical to a road bike. But it's really off-road on our unique tracks that you'll see its versatility, offering comfort and control. Its weight, very modest for such a robust bike, helps a lot on steep climbs.
eGravel bike
On this destination you will be able to ride the eGravel 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost (or equivalent).
The Exploro Racemax Boost e-bike is perfect for gravel & all-road riding. It’s light yet tough, agile yet planted and fast yet fun.
This makes the Racemax Boost a great range-extender on your gravel adventure. Or it can help you keep up with faster friends on road and gravel rides.
The RaceMax Boost feels every inch the same as the standard RaceMax, with one difference – when the dirt road heads upwards, you can add extra boost for greater traction, this additional power keeping you pedalling up trails you’d otherwise have no right to be riding.
Physical preparation
The territories we cross offer an environment that can sometimes be demanding depending on the weather conditions. We evolve in a mountainous landscape where the cumulative difference in altitude can quickly be important.
To get the most out of this expedition, we recommend that you practice an endurance sport such as jogging, swimming or cycling several times a week. Having already done long bike rides of at least 4 hours will allow you to feel more comfortable and better enjoy the breathtaking landscapes you will cross. At least 2 days in a row of cycling experience is a plus.
Use of automatic pedals is mandatory, ability to maneuver the bike on all types of terrain and good braking technique.
How to get there ?
By train : Mulhouse train station
By car : Meet us directly at our base camp at La Bresse.
As soon as you arrive, our teams will take care of you and drive you directly to our base camp where the beyond biking experience takes its full meaning. The disconnection can begin, do not worry about anything, we take care of everything!
On your first day, we will meet you at 3pm. And for the last day, plan a departure from our base camp at 12pm.
And if you want even more information, don't hesitate to contact us directly by email at bonjour@gravelup.earth so that we can help you choose the type of expedition that will suit you best.
How is my luggage transported?
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.
What happens if I become ill or I'm struggling one day?
Safety
Don't worry its not problem and it happens to everyone, even the best, at some point! Our guides will be there to make sure you hydrate and eat properly each day to help avoid this, as well as manage your effort levels whilst riding.
In case of more serious difficulties:
On our Adventurer routes, our base camp will never be too far and our support vehicle can come and pick you up at any time.
On our Explorer or Pathfinder point-to-point routes, our support vehicle will be available to collect you as needed to help you recover. Theres also the possibility to shorten the routes in some places or to leapfrog some sections allow you to join the group a little further on.
Superb experience in the Vosges with a great team. A flawless organisation, an idyllic setting and a great discovery of gravel. A must for all lovers of cycling and beautiful nature!
Xavier B. - June 2022
Bravo GravelUp for the impeccable execution! The destination is crazy, the environment extraordinary, but it's your sense of organisation down to the last detail and the gravel spirit you carry that makes the difference. Well done, the adventure has just begun.
Cyril F. - June 2022
Top team for a discovery of the Vosges in Gravel, invested, professional, and with the smile every morning!
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.
GravelUp, our expeditions to discover Les Vosges on a gravel bike
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.
