Route des Crêtes

A spectacular point-to-point ride with minimal elevation gain, this one follows the Route des Crêtes from Cernay to Col des Bagenelles. Right out of Cernay, you’ll take on the climb to Grand Ballon, which is the toughest part of the day. After that, it’s smooth riding along the ridgeline for about 50 kilometers. You'll pass Le Markstein, Col de la Schlucht, Col du Calvaire, and Col du Bonhomme before reaching the finish. Depending on where you're staying, consider dropping into the eastern valley to skip a few climbs.

It’s best to ride this one midweek, as weekends and holidays can get busy on these roads.

About the Route des Crêtes
Built during the First World War, the Route des Crêtes was created by the French military to run along the ridge. It gave troops faster access to the valleys on both sides, improving movement and supply routes.