Col’Attitude 2026 : cycling the Vosges on closed roads
- Jérémie Bourquenez
- Apr 22
- 6 min read
Every summer since 2020, the Vosges mountains turn into an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts thanks to the Col’Attitude event. Inspired by the "Cols Réservés" initiative in the Alps, it offers cyclists the unique opportunity to climb several iconic Vosges summits without motorized traffic, as the roads are exceptionally closed for a morning or a full day.
Accessible without registration and without timing, the event focuses above all on friendliness, safety, and slow tourism, inviting everyone—solo, couples, with friends, or as a family—to take on a personal challenge at their own pace, whether on a road bike, hybrid, gravel bike, or electric bike (e-bike).
A simple concept
The idea behind Col’Attitude is to give cyclists the incredible experience of riding on closed roads, just like professional riders do during major national and international events such as the Tour de France.
Once you’re on the bike, the effect is immediate. Without traffic, the atmosphere changes completely. Silence replaces engine noise, and you climb at your own pace, free from the stress of passing cars.
There is no registration, no ranking, and no stopwatch. You arrive whenever you want during the time slot, you ride, you enjoy, and you come back down with a smile. It’s this simplicity that makes the experience so unique.
Col’Attitude 2026 : the dates for the 11 Vosges passes
The 2026 edition of Col’Attitude runs from early June to late September across 11 events:
Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Lac Blanc / Col du Calvaire / Col du Louschbach
Sunday, June 28, 2026 – Col du Loosthal
Sunday, July 5, 2026 – La Planche des Belles Filles
Sunday, July 19, 2026 – Col des Pandours
Sunday, August 9, 2026 – Col du Haag
Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Col du Firstplan
Sunday, August 23, 2026 – Col du Ballon d’Alsace
Sunday, August 30, 2026 – Col du Wintersberg
Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Hartmannswillerkopf
Sunday, September 13, 2026 – Col Amic
Sunday, September 27, 2026 – Petit Ballon
Most climbs take place in the morning, generally between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., allowing riders to enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful light over the Vosges ridges.
⚠️ Note: road closures begin 1 hour before the event and end 1 hour after.
The 11 Vosges climbs in detail
One of Col’Attitude’s main strengths is the diversity of its routes. Each climb has its own identity, atmosphere, and level of difficulty. Here is a brief overview of each one.
1. Lac Blanc – Col du Calvaire / Col du Louschbach (Sunday, June 7)
Two options offered on the same day, suitable for all levels, on closed roads between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
From Orbey – Carrefour des Basses Huttes: a 9 km climb with 580 m elevation gain, between pastures and panoramic views over the Welche region, up to Lac Blanc at 1,144 m.
From Plainfaing – Le Rudlin/Étang des Dames (88): a 7.6 km climb with 439 m elevation gain, in a wilder, more forested setting.
2. Col du Loosthal (Sunday, June 28)
Meet between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to climb this accessible pass.
Start: Neuwiller-lès-Saverne, in front of the abbey
Distance: 16 km round trip
Elevation gain: 205 m
3. La Planche des Belles Filles (Sunday, July 5)
Ride one of the region’s must-do Tour de France stages. This climb, with an average gradient of 8.5%, is reserved for cyclists with strong legs. Start between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Start: Plancher-les-Mines
Distance: 7.7 km climb
Elevation gain: 539 m
4. Col des Pandours (Sunday, July 19)
Two options for this climb, with roads closed between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.:
From Oberhaslach: about 6.1 km with 233 m elevation gain, with winding roads and views of the Rocher de Mutzig, the Struthof, and Nideck castles.
From Wangenbourg-Engenthal: a steady 4 km climb with gradients from 7 to 12% and 219 m elevation gain, through a Scots pine forest.
5. Col du Haag (Sunday, August 9)
Between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., tackle this fifth climb of Col’Attitude 2026. In the heart of the High Vosges, it is a scenic but demanding route leading near the Grand Ballon.
Start: Moosch
Distance: 11 km one way
Elevation gain: 826 m
6. Col du Firstplan (Sunday, August 16)
Two options are available again, both accessible climbs on a shaded road, ideal for families or beginners. Start between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
From Osenbach: about 5.4 km with 322 m elevation gain.
From Soultzbach-les-Bains: 5.2 km with 357 m elevation gain.
7. Col du Ballon d’Alsace (Sunday, August 23)
Meet between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to climb this iconic Vosges pass, which requires a certain level.
Start: Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle
Distance: 9 km climb
Elevation gain: 619 m
8. Col du Wintersberg (Sunday, August 30)
A fairly accessible climb, with roads closed between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Start: Niederbronn-les-Bains
Distance: 5.6 km climb
Elevation gain: 316 m
9. Hartmannswillerkopf (Saturday, September 5)
Set off between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to climb this well-known Vosges pass. The finish is at an impressive memorial site for a unique experience.
Start: Uffholtz
Distance: 10.4 km climb
Elevation gain: 593 m
10. Col Amic (Sunday, September 13)
To climb this Vosges pass on a closed road, meet between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Start: Soultz – Gros Chêne area
Distance: 8.8 km climb
Elevation gain: 414 m
11. Col du Petit Ballon (Sunday, September 28)
After climbing the Ballon d’Alsace in August, finish the event by riding up to the legendary Petit Ballon at your own pace, without cars.
Start: Sondernach – Chemin du Querben
Distance: 9.2 km climb
Elevation gain: 544 m
The Col’Attitude spirit: why cyclists love this event
In 2025, Col’Attitude gathered 4,322 participants across 10 events. Whether local cyclists happy to climb their favorite Vosges summits without traffic, or tourists discovering the region, this friendly event appeals for several reasons.
No registration and no timing, just the pleasure of climbing freely, without competition or stress.
Safe roads dedicated to cyclists, without motorized traffic—ideal for focusing on the climb without stress, and enjoying the scenery.
A wide variety of routes, from the most accessible (Col du Firstplan, Col des Pandours) to the most demanding (La Planche des Belles Filles, Col du Haag).
Rewards: the 10 cyclists with the most points will receive the Col’Attitude polka-dot jersey. An additional 50 winners will be randomly selected at the end of the event to win a Col’Attitude technical cap. Don’t forget to scan the QR code at the dedicated stand to validate your participation.
A festive atmosphere: music, entertainment, refreshment stands, and markets—each climb is also a social and enjoyable moment.
Summary table of the 2026 climbs
Here are the climbs for the 6th edition of Col’Attitude in the Vosges mountains.
# | Vosges pass | Date | Distance / D+ |
1 | Lac Blanc – Col du Calvaire / Louschbach | Sunday 7 June 2026 | 7,6 or 9 km / 439 or 580 m |
2 | Col du Loosthal | Sunday 28 June 2026 | 8 km / 205 m |
3 | Planche des Belles Filles | Sunday 5 July 2026 | 7,7 km / 539 m |
4 | Col des Pandours | Sunday 19 July 2026 | 4 or 6,1 km / ~220 m |
5 | Col du Haag | Sunday 9 August 2026 | 11 km / 826 m |
6 | Col du Firstplan | Sunday 16 August 2026 | 5,2 or 5,4 km / 322 or 357 m |
7 | Col du Ballon d'Alsace | Sunday 23 August 2026 | 9 km / 619 m |
8 | Col du Wintersberg | Sunday 30 August 2026 | 5,6 km / 316 m |
9 | Hartmannswillerkopf | Saturday 5 September 2026 | 10,4 km / 593 m |
10 | Col Amic | Sunday 13 September 2026 | 8,8 km / 414 m |
11 | Col du Petit Ballon | Sunday 28 September 2026 | 9,2 km / 544 m |
Col’Attitude: which bike should you use?
Col’Attitude celebrates all types of bikes. You come regardless of your ride: road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike, hybrid, muscle-powered bike, or electric bike.
Since there is no motorized traffic and the closed roads are paved, you’ll enjoy riding no matter which bike you choose.
Why not take advantage of this major cycling event in the Vosges to try a gravel bike by renting one from Alsace Gravel Bike? They can even fit slick tires so you can test it in a slightly different setup.
To avoid the stress of starting early in the morning, you can also pick up your bike the day before the event for a small additional fee. The gravel bike will be properly adjusted to your size, and you’ll be able to test it before starting your chosen climb.
It’s an ideal option to fully enjoy your day, especially if you’re coming from far away.
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