Col Attitude, what’s that? It’s a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts in Alsace and the Vosges. Initiated by the Massif des Vosges, this annual event allows cyclists to enjoy several of the Vosges’ legendary mountain passes, car-free, for an entire morning!
The 2025 edition of Col Attitude at Lac Blanc – Col du Calvaire will take place on Sunday 15 June 2025.
Col'Attitude at Lac Blanc: the Col du Calvaire and the Col du Louschbach are yours!
Just imagine: on a cool Sunday morning, get on your bike (gravel, road or mountain bike, muscle bike or electric-assist bike) and climb the Col du Calvaire from Orbey or the Col du Louschbach from Plainfaing with family or friends.
With no motorized vehicles to bother you, the entire route is yours on both passes and on the route des crêtes!
Enjoy the scenery in complete tranquillity, admire the views of the surrounding mountains, listen to nature!
Combining a sporting challenge (as they say, “it climbs!”) with a friendly atmosphere, Col’Attitude at Lac Blanc promises a great outing!
The Col Attitude route towards the Col du Calvaire
- Starting just outside Orbey, at the junction towards Basses Huttes.
- A route of approximately 10 km.
- A total elevation gain of 575 m.
How do I get involved from Orbey?
The event is free and no registration is required! All you have to do is turn up between 8am and 11:30am at the Basses Huttes crossroads in Orbey.
There’s no group start, so come whenever you like!
The Col'Attitude route to Col du Louschbach
- Start at CDHV in Plainfaing.
- Approximately 12 km.
- A total ascent of 542 m.
How do I get involved from Plainfaing?
The event is free and no registration is required! Just turn up between 8am and 12pm in Plainfaing (Confiserie des Hautes Vosges parking lot).
There’s no group start, so come when you like!
Col'Attitude route idea 2 passes on the program starting from Orbey
- Departure from Orbey, at the junction with the road to Basses Huttes.
- Approx. 52 km (35 km closed road and 17 km open road).
- A total vertical drop of 1184 m.
How do I get involved from Orbey?
The event is free and no registration is required! All you have to do is turn up between 8 and 11.30 a.m. in Orbey, at the Basses Huttes crossroads.
There’s no group start, so just turn up whenever you like!
Col'Attitude route idea 2 passes on the program departure from Plainfaing
- Start at CDHV in Plainfaing.
- A route of approximately 61 km. (35 km of closed road and 26 km of open road).
- A total vertical drop of 1376 m.
How do I get involved from Plainfaing?
The event is free and no registration is required! Just turn up between 8am and 12pm in Plainfaing (Confiserie des Hautes Vosges parking lot).
There’s no group start, so come when you like!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Apart from emergency vehicles (firefighters, ambulance, or a doctor on call), the road will be completely closed to traffic from 8:00 am to 11:30 am on the day of the event. No exceptions to this rule will be tolerated by the authorities.
Even though the road is closed to motor vehicles, it is essential to follow the highway code and respect the usual direction of traffic. Cyclists should avoid taking up the entire width of the road to prevent collisions with those descending from the Col du Calvaire.
Additionally, a police patrol will be circulating along the route, ensuring that the highway code is respected and enforcing the ban on motor vehicles during the road closure.
There are no refreshment stands or drink stations along the route. The climb is done in self-sufficiency, so make sure to fill your bottles and stay hydrated. However, near the summit, there are inns that will be happy to welcome you.
If you wish to drive to Orbey before starting the Lac Blanc climb by bike, you can park at the community hall. Signs will be in place to guide you to the parking area.
You can rent your bike at Alsa Cyclo Tours in Kaysersberg or at VTTAE Lac Blanc 1200 (next to the Tricky Track rail sled).
Col'Attitude : Lac Blanc - Col du Calvaire - Col du Louschbach
Half-day
Cycling enthusiasts are invited to join us on Sunday June 15, 2025 from 8am to 12pm for another edition of Col'Attitude, with two possible departures this year: Orbey or Plainfaing!
Col'Attitude, késako?
Inspired by the "Cols Réservés" operations in the Alps, this event enables cyclists to climb the Vosges' legendary passes in complete safety, for the duration of a car-free morning. Launched in 2022 on the initiative of Massif des Vosges and Alsace Destination Tourisme, the event is back in full force with several editions planned between June and September 2025.
On June 15, the ascent to the Lac Blanc resort will take center stage. Two traffic-free routes will be offered:
- From Orbey: a 10 km ascent to the Col du Calvaire, with 580 m of ascent, on a magnificent route between pastures and panoramas over the Pays Welche. The ascent will take you to Lac Blanc, nestled in a sumptuous glacial cirque, at 1144 m altitude.
- From Plainfaing: a 12 km climb via the Col du Louschbach, with 436 m ascent, in a more forested and wild atmosphere. This slope offers you a peaceful, natural alternative to also reach the Lac Blanc.
To note: to reach Plainfaing by bike, the Route des Crêtes to the Col de la Schlucht will also be reserved for cyclists. On the other hand, the section between Col de la Schlucht and Plainfaing via Le Valtin will remain a road open to traffic: vigilance recommended.
The event is free, with no registration required, and open to all types of bikes: road, mountain bike, gravel, muscle or electric. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Vosges summits... at your own pace!
Event organized bythe Office de Tourisme de la Vallée de Kaysersberg, the Syndicat Mixte du Lac Blanc, the Communauté de Communes de la Vallée de Kaysersberg, and the Communauté d'Agglomération de Saint-Dié-des-Vosges.
Next dates
- On Dimanche 15/06/2025
- De 08:00 à 12:00
Practical infos
- Venue of the event
- road junction route des Basses Huttes - route de Pairis
- Length of visit/event
- Half-day
- Activity in :
- outdoor
