Planche des Belles Filles, Mountain summit in Vosges Mountains, France
The Planche des Belles Filles is a mountain pass in the southern Vosges that rises to 1,148 meters and features demanding grades throughout its length. The approach from Plancher-les-Mines spans roughly 6 kilometers with average grades near 8 percent, winding through six hairpin turns before reaching the summit.
The name originates in the 16th century and refers to the beech forests that once blanketed the mountain landscape. The region has served as a crossing point through the Vosges for centuries.
The area carries the weight of a tragic local legend from the 17th century that has shaped how people view this mountain. The story remains woven into how locals and visitors understand this landscape.
The climb is challenging regardless of weather conditions and can become slippery or difficult to navigate, particularly on the gravel section at the summit. Plan your visit between May and October when conditions tend to be most stable.
Since 2019, the route includes a kilometer of gravel at the summit, adding a technical element to this famous cycling climb. This addition was deliberately introduced to increase the challenge of the stage.
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