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 during 5 days 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
Your Guide
You will be guided by Tim, a native of the Vosges who grew up walking the length and breadth of the Vosges massif.
Tim is passionate about their territory and is definitely the best person to help you discover this amazing region. He 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
He or she will make sure you are safe and will share with you various tips and tricks on how to ride the Vosgian trails.
Our bikes
Ride on the latest gravel or e-gravel bikes from the French brand Origine that combine performance, versatility, and lightness.
At ease on the road as well as on paths, these bikes filter terrain imperfections through suspension tuning. Coupled with a comfortable and secure geometry and generous tire sections, it allows for engaging routes to be undertaken safely.
Rental price : 60 eur/day (or 80 eur/day for e-gravel)
The complete list will be sent to you a few weeks before your expedition.
You will find here the few essential items that you may not have at home:
Cycling shorts with chamois to be more comfortable
Bike gloves to avoid blisters
Cycling shoes
Physical preparation
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 (shuttle at 5pm / return at 5pm)
By car: Meet us directly at our base camp at La Bresse (from 3pm)
By plane: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (shuttle at 5pm / return at 5pm)
As soon as you arrive, our team will pick you up and take you directly to our base camp where the disconnection can begin.
Your stay starts at 7pm and ends at around 3pm on Sunday.
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
Logistic
You can cancel at any time before the start of the trip subject to payment of a cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs:
More than 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 75% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 100%
Between 61 and 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 50% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
Between 31 and 60 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 25% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
30 days or less prior to Departure => No Refund OR Trip Credit of 50%
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance, with a guarantee which also covers you in case of contracting the Covid-19. Please note that such insurance can only be subscribed within 48 hours following the order of your trip. Subscription link available here.
Important:the realisation of the trip is conditional on the registration of a minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure. We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation. You will be informed by email whether or not a trip is confirmed.
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!
Bertrand D. - May 2022
I can highly recommend GravelUp, great organisation, nice accommodation, great team! Thanks for everything!
Johannes H.
A trip that leaves superb memories!
An experience to share with complete strangers or good friends, the time spent on and off the bike creates moments of sharing that help to forge or strengthen bonds!
Alice G.
I had a wonderful time with GravelUp! The organisation was perfect and the team very attentive. The cycling route was magnificent and several surprises made the stay very enjoyable (yoga session, visit of the forest with a specialist, visit of a sheepfold with cheese tasting...). In short, an unforgettable experience that I will repeat!
Thomas C.
Trip report of a bike adventure in the Vosges, a fantastic region of forest covered, dome shaped mountains and jaw dropping landscapes.
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 four expeditions to keep everybody happy, from regular social cyclists to bikepacking fanatics.
Between 2 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.
