Alsace-lorraine & Franche-comté

Rolling scenery, hills, and mountains dominate this area

WHILE THE VOSGES sit on the eastern frontier with Germany, there are more mountains just a little further south on the Swiss border. The rolling hills of the Doubs and taller peaks of the Jura hide some of the finest, least well-known riding in France.

These are well-settled regions, with some stately towns and the odd interesting city. Ancient châteaux appear briefly on the skyline, frowning down on the rolling pastures and dark woods that are the key notes in this landscape. Agriculture and forestry dominate the land and the local cuisines are some of the finest in France.

But we’re not here to eat, we’re here to ride – right? From the rolling hills of the northern Vosges to the high peaks of the Jura, this southernmost, eastern-most corner of France is crammed to the rafters with amazing roads. Best of all, it’s so easily reached from the UK.