Col du Firstplan, Mountain pass in Haut-Rhin, France
Col du Firstplan is a mountain pass in the Vosges on 722 meters elevation, with two different ascent routes through forested terrain. The northern route extends 7.3 kilometers with a 414-meter climb, while the southern approach from Soultzmatt covers 8.4 kilometers.
The pass entered cycling history when the Tour de France routed through it four times, with prominent riders climbing its slopes. This connection to professional racing shaped its reputation in regional sports history.
The pass sits in Alsace, a region where French and German traditions blend in the villages and customs of the surrounding area. Visitors notice this mixed heritage reflected in how locals live and in the character of the communities nearby.
Visitors should expect steep forest paths with regular woodland conditions as you approach the summit. Weather in the Vosges can shift quickly, so proper equipment is important for safe hiking or cycling.
Between 2010 and 2011, the pass served as a racing venue for the Rally Alsace competition in the World Rally Championship. Drivers tackled multiple special stages on the mountain roads, bringing motorsport competition to the region.
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