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!
Col Attitude at Lac Blanc: Take on the Col du Calvaire!
Imagine this: a Sunday morning, fresh and cool, you hop on your bike (whether it’s a gravel, road, or mountain bike, muscular or with electric assistance) to climb the Col du Calvaire from Orbey, with family or friends.
No motor vehicles to disturb you— the entire road is yours!
Enjoy the scenery in complete tranquility, take in the views of the surrounding mountains, and listen to the sounds of nature!
Combining a sporting challenge (as they say, “it’s a climb!”) with a friendly atmosphere, Col Attitude at Lac Blanc promises a wonderful 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 to participate in Col Attitude Lac Blanc?
The event is free and requires no registration! Simply show up between 8 am and 11 am in Orbey, at the Basses Huttes junction (link to maps).
There’s no group start, so come whenever 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 on bikes 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.
Despite the closure of the road leading to the Col du Calvaire from Orbey, the Col du Calvaire remains accessible via the Col du Bonhomme, then through the Col du Louschbach or the Col de la Schlucht.
The activities at Lac Blanc station (including the Barefoot Trail, Adventure Park, Till and Froll fun trail, Auberge du Blancrupt, Terrasses du Lac Blanc Hotel-Restaurant, etc.) will be accessible via footpaths.
Information signs and detours will be set up by the technical management of the CEA on the main roads around Orbey and the Col du Calvaire.
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
Infos Pratiques
- Venue of the event
- road junction route des Basses Huttes - route de Pairis
- Length of visit/event
- Half-day
- Activity in :
- outdoor
