La Planche des Belles Filles Mountain
Mountain used as Tour de France summit finish
A Vosges mountain known to cyclists for steep Tour de France stages; hikers use forest trails and ridge viewpoints, and a small winter ski area operates near the summit.
La Planche des Belles Filles at a Glance#
Address: La Planche des Belles Filles, Vosges Mountains, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
About La Planche des Belles Filles#
La Planche des Belles Filles is a mountain and small ski station in the Vosges range in eastern France, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It gained international cycling fame as a steep summit finish repeatedly used by the Tour de France beginning in 2012.
The venue includes ski slopes and facilities for winter sports, together with marked hiking and mountain-biking routes in warmer months. The defining sporting feature is a short, steep final climb that has become notable on professional cycling routes.
Originally a local mountain and forested area, its profile rose after being introduced as a Grand Tour finish, which increased visitor interest from cyclists and tourists. Local infrastructure supports visitors seasonally.
Geographically it sits in the southern Vosges, within reach of regional towns in eastern France and is commonly reached from Belfort, Épinal and other nearby towns depending on the route.
- Tour de France climbs: Famous in cycling circles for a short steep final ramp that reaches gradients of about 20 percent, used in multiple Tour de France stage finishes since 2012.
- Year-round outdoor use: Serves as a small ski and outdoor recreation area in winter and a hiking and mountain-biking destination in summer.
How to Get to La Planche des Belles Filles#
La Planche des Belles Filles is reachable by regional roads from Gérardmer or Belfort; for cyclists, local departmental roads lead to the ascent. Driving is the most common approach; check local traffic notices during cycling events.
Tips for Visiting La Planche des Belles Filles#
- If visiting during a cycling event (e.g., the Tour de France sometimes uses the climb), expect road closures and heavy crowds.
- Hike the summit tracks early in the morning to avoid traffic noise from the road and to catch better light.
- The ascent is steep and can be windy - mountain weather changes quickly; dress in layers.
Best Time to Visit La Planche des Belles Filles#
Summer and early autumn are best for cycling and hiking; winter is for snow sports if prepared.
Weather & Climate near La Planche des Belles Filles#
La Planche des Belles Filles's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1372 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 2° | -6° | 122 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 2° | -5° | 116 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 5° | -2° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 13° | 7° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 119 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 97 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 115 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 0° - 5° | -2° | 129 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 3° | -5° | 142 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |