サンレオナールの峠・トップ7

Everything written about the road surface and gradient of this forest lane is correct. It's unsuitable for a fast descent on a racing bike. However, it's very well suited for climbing, provided you have the fitness and leg strength, as it has a 15% gradient towards the end, just below the Col de Bonhomme. The potholes on this asphalt section are easy to avoid on the ascent. It therefore represents a genuine alternative to the D415, the Route d'Alsace, which is very busy. I advise against the D415 and recommend taking this beautiful, very quiet forest lane, the Route Joseph Valentin, where you'll encounter virtually no one – and certainly no cars. Status: July 2025

The Col du Louchpach (978 m) is a lesser-known but charming mountain pass in the Vosges, located along the Route des Crêtes. The climb is relatively short but tough, and leads through a quiet, wooded area with little traffic – ideal for cyclists who want to avoid the crowds of the larger cols. The pass forms a beautiful connection between the Meurthe and Weiss valleys and is often part of longer tours towards Lac Blanc or the Col du Calvaire. The ascent via the Rudlin road is particularly atmospheric: narrow, shady and with an authentic mountain feel.

Col de Mandray (694 m) is a quiet and steady climb in the Vosges, ideal for a relaxing ride or as a warm-up for more difficult cols. From Fraize you climb over 4.5 km with an average gradient of 4.2%. The road is well passable, with little traffic and beautiful views over the Meurthe valley. A hidden gem for those who love quiet, natural climbs.

The Col du Louchpach, or Louchbach, or Louschbach (978 m) is a rather inconspicuous Vosges mountain pass that, like many other passes in the Vosges Mountains, would have gone unnoticed if it weren't for the signpost. It is located in the northern section of the Route des Crêtes on the D148, about 3.5 km from the higher mountain lake Lac Blanc. There is a stand on the pass road where cheese is occasionally sold.

The surface isn't the best in some places, but you can still ride downhill well.

If you are coming from the direction of the Col de Bonhomme or the Route de Cretes, this is the best alternative to the busy yellow road. Going the other way... phew 😁

Instead of driving down the Col de Bonhomme on the yellow road, there is an option to drive into the "forest" further up the Route de Cretes in the bend. You drive on tarred roads through the forest to the Col de Mandray. Simply great...

I recommend riding uphill (towards east) because the asphalt is very nasty in some places.