A mountain biker surveys the forests of the 1000 Etangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Mountain biking in the 1000 Etangs|Etienne Kopp

The 1000 ponds A paradise for mountain bikers

With its exceptionally rich natural landscape dotted with ponds, peat bogs and waterfalls, the 1000 Etangs region offers a unique setting for mountain biking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, you’ll find an authentic and welcoming natural environment here, in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. Follow the signposted trails to discover beautiful landscapes and admire breathtaking panoramas.

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A mountain bike base 200km of trails

The 1000 Étangs mountain bike base is in Faucogney-et-la-Mer. There are seven circuits to choose from, totalling more than 200 kilometres of signposted routes of varying levels and technical difficulty: two blue circuits, three red circuits and two black circuits. You’ll have the chance to test your mettle against the rugged terrain of the foothills of the Vosges mountains. You can also tackle these difficulties with complete peace of mind by hiring an electrically-assisted mountain bike from the1000 Étangs Tourist Office, which has an office in Faucogney itself.

A cyclist admires a pond below, on the Plateau des 1000 Etangs. — ©The 1000 Lakes by bike

To help you make your choice, we’ve decided to make your mouth water with route 50, called “Le Beuletin”. This route will take you through the magnificent Beuletin valley and the characteristic landscapes of the 1000 Étangs: stretches of water, peat bogs, panoramic views, charming villages, crosses and calvaries.

At Les 1000 Étangs, the search for a mountain bike circuit is an embarrassment of riches. There’s something for every taste, every level and every colour. This one is in the upper mid-range in terms of difficulty: the climb up to the plateau has to be earned!

Discover the itinerary

Roll on the Beuletin circuit

Leaving Faucogney-et-la-Mer

The exit from Faucogney merges with the banks of the Breuchin. You leave the river behind to tackle the first slopes, in the undergrowth, in the direction of small hamlets of no more than a few stones, evidence of an old and sparse habitat. Nestling in the heart of a landscape with a strong character, moorland, meadows, ponds and rocky outcrops.

At Le Pré Tremeloup, after a steep climb, you reach the northern end of the route. The landscape becomes more open, with paths, wider tracks and tarmac roads.

We reach Brumbief, where an old farmhouse has been converted into a gîte. After a long descent past Beulotte-la-Guillaume, the sea is within pedalling distance.

A few renovated houses in the heart of a vast clearing, including an old mill, make for a brief visit. Back in the saddle and heading for La Chapelle-Saint-Martin, where a break in the scenery is most welcome. Faucogney is reached via the “Chemin des morts”, at the end of a fairly steep descent.