Road · France
La Planche des Belles Filles from Plancher-les-Mines
A mountainous 8 km road cycling route from Plancher-les-Mines, with 650 m of climbing over La Planche.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 8 km
- Elevation gain
- 650 m
- Riding time
- 34 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Best months
- Jun to Sep
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Plancher-les-Mines
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 650 m
- 8 km
Route description
- Plancher-les-Mines
- La Planche
Starting from Plancher-les-Mines at 491 m elevation, this route leads 8 km uphill to La Planche des Belles Filles at 1142 m. The main climb begins at 1.3 km and covers 6.7 km with an elevation gain of 629 m, featuring an average gradient of 9.4% and a maximum of 19.7%. The route gains 650 m overall, mostly climbing with 91% of the distance ascending and some sections over 10%.
The surface is mostly paved (88%) but includes 12% gravel or unpaved sections. The roads used are mainly minor roads (81%), with about 0.9 km on paths and 0.6 km on tracks. There is 4.3 km on the named D 16E road, and 4.7 km on roads with posted limits of 80 km/h or more. Amenities near the start include a bakery, convenience store, and restaurant. Water is available close to the start, and notable stops include Calvaire at 0.9 km, Aire de Mérique picnic site at 3.9 km, and the viewpoint near the summit at 7.8 km. There is a long stretch without café, shop, or water between 1.3 and 8 km.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs La Planche (6.7 km at 9.4 %).
- Tops out at 1,142 m, 8 km in.
Highlights
- La Planche des Belles Filles summit at 1142 m
- Average gradient 9.4% over 6.7 km ascent
- Calvaire attraction at 0.9 km
- Aire de Mérique picnic site at 3.9 km
Along the route
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Planche | 1.3 km | 6.7 km · 629 m · 9.4 % · max 19.7 % | 6.7 km · 629 m · 9.4 % | 1142 m |
La Planche · full ascent, starts at 1.3 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Know before you go
- 6.7 km with no café, shop or water from 1.3 km
- 4.7 km on roads with 80 km/h or higher speed limits
- 12% gravel or unpaved surface
