Cycling loop B5 – The source of the Saône

This hilly route winds through the Vôge, known for its vast forests and numerous waterways. It partially follows the route of the Ronde des Vosges, a regional cycling race organized for over 40 years. Starting from Vôge-les-Bains, you take the D434 heading south. This first part, which is downhill, allows you to warm up for about ten kilometers along the Canal de l'Est and the Coney. Upon arriving at Fontenoy-le-Château, watch out for the cobblestones, strap on your water bottles! From the port, you ascend slightly and cross the Grand Bois until Gruey-les-Surance, the highest point of this route. You can recover by winding through the enchanting valley of the Ourche until you reach Droiteval Abbey where things will get tougher with a section steeper than 14% that leads to Claudon. You continue for about twenty kilometers to reach Morizécourt, via Monthureux-sur-Saône, then join Provenchères-les-Darney via the D15 which winds along the old Roman road. You bypass Darney from the north, passing in front of the Lichecourt castle and then crossing the Saône at Bonvillet. A gentle climb of about ten kilometers will take you to Vioménil, the source of the Saône. Following the Cailloux stream, you finish on a small winding road that descends to the Forge de Thunimont where you will face the Grande Fosse climb, the last difficulty of this loop.