A mountain biker explores the forest in autumn - Vosges du SudA mountain biker explores the forest in autumn - Vosges du Sud
©Mountain biking in the Southern Vosges|Etienne Kopp

Our ideas Mountain bike trails to try in Haute-Saône

After taking you on a tour of the 1000 Étangs and Monts de Gy mountain bike bases, discover our selection of routes across Haute-Saône. Explore a variety of routes to suit all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mountain biker, the trails of Haute-Saône offer breathtaking scenery, technical challenges and picturesque routes. Get ready to pedal through lush forests, peaceful ponds and characterful villages. Plan your next getaway on two wheels in the heart of Haute-Saône.

The mountain bike base of the Vesoul-Val de Saône region

Dreaming of discovering Vesoul? Then you’ve come to the right place! The terrain here is a real challenge for cyclists. Although the town of Vesoul and its lake are located on the plains, the surrounding plateaux and hills offer gradients that are perfect for beginners.

From the mountain bike base, there’s a vast network of routes to suit all levels, from beginners to experienced mountain bikers. From challenging climbs to steep descents, wide paths to narrow, winding trails, each route offers a unique adventure. Departures are from Lac de Vaivre, and you can choose from 14 different routes, depending on your level: three green routes, four blue routes, five red routes and two black routes.

Du Planey At the Hermitage

Passing at the foot of the mysterious chasm of the Planey spring with its turquoise waters, this trail crosses the Vôge region. The 30km route starts in Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse, a former “furniture town”, and takes you to the Planey spring, a place steeped in mystery and legend. Hidden in the middle of the woods, this bewitchingly blue spring was once a hotbed of witchcraft. Next, you’ll head through a forest of towering oaks and majestic beech trees to reach the hermitage and the Beuchot pond, with its rich industrial past. This route is a great escape for everyone.

Les Grandes Fontaines

Start your adventure in Saint-Bresson on this 31-kilometre circuit that takes you to the heights of the village, on the border with the Vosges department. The considerable gradient makes for a thrilling mountain biking experience. Along the way, be prepared to climb steep paths and cross picturesque streams. You’ll pass close to a dozen ponds once you reach the top, where you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views over the surrounding valley and the Vosges mountains. This route is a real playground for mountain bikers, full of adventure and discovery.

The mountain bike base Ballastières


Starting from the Ballastières campsite in Champagney, the mountain bike base offers five circuits and 122 kilometres of trails: a green route, two blue routes, a red route and a black route. The latter is reserved for experienced mountain bikers, who will have to tackle the climb up to La Planche des Belles Filles. Trails through high-altitude forests, technical descents, ultra-physical climbs – the myth comes at a price… and not just for the Tour de France!

The Petit Ban (blue) is more accessible, with its fine slopes, beautiful panoramas and pretty, bucolic paths… mountain biking in wellness mode! The route passes through the Champagney reservoir, where you can admire the impressive structure that forms the reservoir for this man-made body of water.

The “A l’assaut du Mont de Vannes” route flirts with the territory of the 1000 Étangs. Finally, the green route is ideal for a family outing, with its 5 kilometres of bucolic paths.

Les Croix

From Noroy-le-Bourg, follow the natural trails and accessible descents to the delight of woodland enthusiasts. As its name suggests, this route is dotted with crosses and other historical relics that bear witness to the region’s rich past. Each cross and historic site encountered along the way tells a story, adding a cultural and immersive dimension to your mountain biking adventure.

Between vines and orchids

Start in the pretty market town ofChamplitte, where you can extend your exploration by visiting the castle-museum and discovering the surrounding vineyards. Stroll along 11 kilometres of stone-lined paths, offering a zen-like immersion in the historical and natural heritage characteristic of the Pays Chanitois region.

Between rolling vineyards and meadows of wild orchids in bloom, you’ll travel through a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

Mount Varin

From Marnay, at the foot of the ramparts of this beautiful Cité de Caractère in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, you can follow the Mont Varin route. On this 40-kilometre route, you’ll pedal along white paths and pleasant singles, for a smooth and enjoyable mountain biking experience. You’ll wind your way through beautiful countryside dotted with villages typical of the Marnays valley. You’ll discover magnificent farmhouses and some remarkable buildings.

The easiest For the end

In the last part of the route, after crossing Mont Varin, the path becomes easier. You’ll pass through woods as you descend to Marnay. As you leave the woods, don’t forget to look up to admire the superb views over Marnay and the valley. On your return, explore the streets of this village with its rich past, whose charm is revealed by its picturesque streets, trajes and monuments.

The Orchard Walk

This 31-kilometre route offers a change of scenery in the heart of the Haute-Saône region. The route starts at the Lac de Faïencerie, in Rioz, an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. The route then follows the tacot track (an old railway line) through forests, fields and orchards.

Lac de la Faïencerie is also a starting point for a number of hiking trails. It’s also the setting for a short one-kilometre walk around the lake, a renowned fishing spot. You can enjoy a gourmet break at the shaded picnic tables.

Le Grand Huit

The starting point for this tour is Fondremand, a charming Cité de Caractère combining nature and heritage. We recommend that you take the time to discover the Romaine spring, sheltered by a pavilion and dominated by the keep of the old castle. The circuit du grand huit is an old route that was the highlight of the department’s first mountain bike competitions. This sporty and technical 51-kilometre circuit will delight mountain bikers of a good level.

The panorama of La Chapelle Saint Anne

Start the 33-kilometre tour at the foot of the Château de Filain. Old villages, chapels, isolated farms, the Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela… The high plateaux are mystical.

Your route will take you to the Chapelle Sainte-Anne, then through the chapel to the chapel of the same name. Take a break to admire the panorama before continuing on past a number of isolated farms to reach Dampierre-sur-Linotte. On the way back to Filain, you’ll take the Compostela Trail.

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