La Planche des Belles Filles

Located in the Massif des Vosges, in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, La Planche des Belles Filles rises to an altitude of 1148 metres. The only ski resort in Haute-Saône, it has become a symbol for cycling enthusiasts the world over. Indeed, this demanding climb has become a legendary stage in the Tour de France, marking the race’s history with decisive moments and legendary victories.

Getting there

A legendary climb thanks to the Tour de France

The Planche des Belles Filles has gained worldwide notoriety thanks to the Tour de France. On six occasions – in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022 – this climb has been chosen as a stage finish, making it a mountain stage on a par with the greatest Alpine passes.

In 2020, this climb was decisive for the outcome of the race. That year, the 20th and final stage of the race before the finish on the Champs Élysées in Paris was a time trial from Lure to La Planche des Belles Filles, a 100% Haute-Saône stage!

With Primož Roglič leading the classification, young Tadej Pogačar turned the tables and won the stage, before being officially crowned winner the following day. This was his first victory and he became a legend.

Tour de France 2020 - Proof of the time trial with a finish at La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©Tour de France |Destination 70

The Tour de France riders on the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles — ©Tour de France|Jean-François Maillot

Tour de France 2019 - The public awaits the arrival of the riders at La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©Tour de France|Karine Altmeyer

Other big names to have triumphed here include Vincenzo Nibali and Christopher Froome.

The Legend de La Planche des Belles Filles

The site also hides a poignant and tragic story, dating back to the Thirty Years’ War. According to legend, the young girls of the village of Plancher-Bas threw themselves into the icy pond to escape the Swedish invaders, reputed to be rapists and murderers, preferring to drown rather than be captured.

The Swedish chieftain, in love with the beautiful Inès, one of the village women known for her beauty, tried in vain to dissuade them and, overcome with grief, split a rock with his sword. This legend has left traces that can still be seen today: you can stop off at the Etang des Belles Filles and the nearby split rock.

A hiker stands on the edge of the Belles Filles pond - La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©Étang des Belles Filles|Etienne Kopp Photographie

Activities and leisure: a 4-season resort for all the family

La Planche des Belles Filles is much more than just a stopping-off point for cyclists. As the only ski resort in Haute-Saône, it offers a multitude of activities for all the family, whatever the season.

In winter :

Downhill skiing

For winter sports enthusiasts, there are slopes where you can enjoy the pleasures of family skiing to the full, with 6 slopes of varying levels.

Snowshoes

Put on your snowshoes and set off on one of the 3 marked trails, a peaceful way to discover the snow-covered countryside.

Cross-country skiing

There are 23km of pistes leading up to the Ballon d’Alsace, on a course designed for both skating and alternative skiing, offering a sporting alternative to downhill skiing.

Toboggan run

An area reserved for children so that even the youngest can enjoy the snow!

Two mountain bikers descend La Planche des Belles Filles from its summit - Vosges du Sud — ©Mountain biking at La Planche des Belles Filles|Pierre Pauquay

Tree climbing activity - Accro'Planche at La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©Accro'Planche|Woka Loisirs

Tubing - A little girl goes down the slope in a buoy at La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©Tubing activity|Woka Loisirs

In fine weather

– Hiking: there are a number of signposted trails to discover La Planche des Belles Filles, including the path leading to the Etang des Belles Filles.

– Accrobranche and tubing: for those in search of adventure and thrills, you can choose between 3 tree courses with 8 zip lines or a 60-metre buoy ride.

– Roll’herbe and mountain biking: activities that will delight lovers of speed and nature. Hire an electrically-assisted mountain bike and explore the surrounding forest at your own pace, or hurtle down the green roll’herbe track.

– Explor Games®: a fun and interactive way to explore the site in a different way, through the story of Inès and the legend of the Belles Filles.

A sporting challenge legendary

The most seasoned cyclists will be tempted by the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles, a mythical and dreaded pass in the Tour de France, offering a superb reward: a breathtaking panorama at the summit!

Rising to the challenge

A resort for everyone

La Planche des Belles Filles is a sporting destination, but also a place of nature and legend. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a winter sports fan, looking for leisure activities or simply in search of tranquillity, this resort is the ideal place for a family getaway or a nature break with friends.