バン＝ド＝ラヴラインのおすすめツーリングルート

Nestled in a valley between wooded hills, this peaceful village is a gateway to the Vosges. During the First World War, it was close to the front, which is still visible in the area via bunkers, trenches and memorials. Today, Ban-de-Laveline is a popular base for hikers and cyclists, with routes to the Col d’Hermanpaire, the Spitzemberg and the nature reserve around the Tête de Raves. In the village itself, you will find a sober Église Saint-Laurent, a classic Monument aux Morts, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to explore.

The Combrimont town hall stands on the site where the former hamlet of Bonipaire was officially transformed into an independent municipality in 1848. The building is simple in design, in keeping with the rural character of the village, and together with the nearby Calvary cross it forms the symbolic heart of the community.

Fraize – Gateway to the Vosges A quiet village in the Meurthe valley, ideal starting point for climbs such as Col du Mandray. Fraize breathes history and nature, with charming streets, an old church and memories of WWI and WWII.

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.

This impressive First World War cemetery is located in the hamlet of Aux Zières de la Vigne near Bertrimoutier (Vosges). It consists of two parts: a French national necropolis with 966 individual graves, including 12 Russian and 1 Romanian soldier, and a German military cemetery with 6,749 dead, more than 4,000 of whom are buried in ossuaries. The site was created between 1921 and 1924 and has become a symbol of shared remembrance. The German graves are marked with simple metal crosses; the names of the unknown are on bronze plaques. Most of the dead fell during the Battle of Lorraine in August 1914 or during trench warfare in the years that followed.

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...

the descent on the silver valley is magical to do at full speed, good tour