LA COTE D’HAROL ROUTE

In the land of Nacer and Rayane Bouhanni, this central tour of 62 kilometres winds through the hills between the Madon and the Moselle to the west of Epinal. Starting from the Maison du Vélo at the lake of Bouzey, you will ride over five bumps and accumulate 740 meters of positive elevation gain. To get in shape, ride along the Vosges Canal on the departmental road D460 in the direction of Chaumousey, then Girancourt. In Girancourt, take the D39, a hilly road that takes you to the gates of Dompaire, passing under Virine via the Côte de Circourt and the Côte de Derbamont (>7%). You will enjoy the long sheltered passages under the oak and beech trees. Pay attention to the markings from the entrance to Lamerey to the Madonne exit (junction with the D166). You arrive at the foot of the third hump above Vautrincourt. This stretch of road, open to all winds, leads you to the famous Côte de Harol (17% gradient), which is well known to cyclists from the Grand-Est. At the top, you will enjoy the 360° panorama. To finish this route, join the Canal des Vosges at the Forges d'Uzemain via Charmois l'Orgueilleux and find, by a small tortuous road, the lake of Bouzey having crossed beforehand the "côte des Salades", the highest point of the course. And that's five!