The Planche des Belles Filles is a summit in the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges that became famous through the Tour de France, a few dozen kilometres from La Bresse, on the Haute-Saône side of the range. In summer, the climb draws cyclists keen to ride in the pros’ tracks, while the resort opens its hiking trails and family activities. Here is what’s worth knowing before setting off, without repeating what already covers the Markstein and Grand Ballon, a separate area on the Alsace side.
A summit made famous by the Tour de France
According to Haute-Saône Tourisme, the Planche des Belles Filles reaches 1,148 metres and sits within the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges. It is the only ski resort in Haute-Saône.
The Tour de France has finished a stage here six times: in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022. The 2020 edition stands out: an individual time trial starting from Lure, entirely within Haute-Saône, won by Tadej Pogačar, who took the yellow jersey here for the first time. Vincenzo Nibali and Christopher Froome are also among the stage winners on this summit.
The cycling climb: official profile and figures
For cyclists, the benchmark route is the climb from Plancher-les-Mines. The page “Comme un grimpeur du Tour de France” from Haute-Saône Tourisme gives a precise profile: 5.9 km long, an average gradient of 8.5%, with a stretch reaching 22% at its steepest. The same page announces “more than 600 metres” of elevation gain, a figure contradicted by the profile the operator publishes in its summer 2026 brochure: the start at Plancher-les-Mines at 532 m and the finish of the climb at 1,035 m, or roughly 500 metres, which matches 5.9 km at 8.5%. The 1,148 m mentioned above refers to the orientation table at the summit, above the finish of this climb. The road starts in Plancher-les-Mines and climbs straight up to the resort.
From La Bresse, the drive crosses the range on mid-mountain roads with no fast section. None of our official sources publishes a standard route from La Bresse: check it with your own navigation tool on the day rather than planning around an assumed travel time in advance. To place this stretch of Vosges passes in context, our Ballon d’Alsace guide rounds out this ride.
The mountain bike routes in the Vosges published on this site cover the range on the La Bresse side. For the Planche des Belles Filles itself, the resort points to its own mountain bike routes and bike rental, listed on the official Massif des Vosges page.
Hiking: marked trails and the Étang des Belles Filles
Haute-Saône Tourisme lists several marked trails starting at the resort, including one leading to the Étang des Belles Filles, a spot tied to the local legend that gives the site its name. The official page does not publish an exact distance or duration for this route: check with the resort’s welcome desk or the Ronchamp tourist office (Ronchamp Tourisme) before setting off.
This summit is one ridge outing among others for anyone already exploring the Vosges side from La Bresse, alongside a walk to the Lac des Corbeaux or an unusual stop at the Montagne des Lamas.
Summer activities at the resort: what the operator confirms
The operator Woka Loisirs lists for summer: hiking, mountain biking and cycling, Accro’Planche (a treetop adventure course), tubing, roll’herbe, electric scooters and Explor Games. A paintball activity is announced as new for 2026.
A few prices and conditions published on the official site:
- Tubing (a 64 m descent): 7 EUR per hour solo, 9 EUR for two; from age 4.
- Roll’herbe: from 2 EUR per run up to 15 EUR per hour for full rental; the activity is restricted to those aged 10 and up, helmet required, sports clothing and closed shoes required. It does not run in the rain.
In 2026 the resort is open every day from 11am to 6pm from 4 July to 31 August. Outside that window the operator’s two documents disagree: the site’s home page gives weekends and public holidays in May and June from 11am to 6pm, while the summer 2026 brochure states “April, May, June and September: school holidays, weekends and public holidays from 1pm to 6pm”. These schedules depend on the weather for some activities such as roll’herbe: check the resort’s official site on the day rather than an earlier date.
Rounding out a pass ride from La Bresse
For a loop ride, the operator’s summer 2026 brochure describes the Boucle des Belles Filles: 62 km starting from Plancher-les-Mines, 1,800 metres of elevation gain and three climbs, the Col des Chevrères, the Ballon de Servance and the Planche des Belles Filles, with signage along the way giving the altitude and the gradient ahead. Check road conditions and weather at altitude before heading out: nothing replaces a same-day check with local tourist offices or road authorities.
To plan the rest of a stay in La Bresse without a car between cycling outings, the Navette des Crêtes 2026 shuttle serves the Col de la Schlucht and Grand Ballon area, a different axis from the Planche des Belles Filles but useful for combining several days of mountain hiking.
The La Bresse guide, cycling edition
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Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of the Planche des Belles Filles?
The summit reaches 1,148 metres, according to Haute-Saône Tourisme. The profile published by the operator puts the finish of the cycling climb at 1,035 metres, below the orientation table at the summit.
How many times has the Tour de France finished at the Planche des Belles Filles?
Six times: in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022. The 2020 stage was an individual time trial starting from Lure, won by Tadej Pogačar.
Can you go mountain biking or hiking in summer at the Planche des Belles Filles?
Yes. The resort offers marked hiking trails, including access to the Étang des Belles Filles, as well as mountain bike and cycling routes, alongside activities such as Accro'Planche, tubing and roll'herbe.