Gérardmer in the Vosges Mountains of Grand Est is the hub of mountain biking in north-eastern France, offering a purpose-built trail network radiating from the La Mauselaine ski resort and extending across the surrounding Hautes-Vosges plateau. Sitting at 660 m with trails reaching 1,100 m, the area provides genuine climbing and technical descent within a compact footprint accessible from Strasbourg (130 km) and Nancy (85 km).
The trail network is maintained jointly by the municipality of Gérardmer and La Mauselaine resort, which opens its lifts to cyclists from June through September. A day uplift pass of €18–€25 allows unlimited ascents, enabling riders to maximise descents without pedalling back up. Approximately 15 dedicated MTB trails cover 120 km of marked itineraries graded using the standard French colour system from green (beginner) through blue and red to double-black (expert enduro).
The flagship descent, the Cascades de Tendon trail, drops 400 metres of vertical over 8 km through dense fir forest, crossing waterfalls and rocky chutes before emerging near the lakeshore at the edge of Gérardmer town. Intermediate riders favour the Mauselaine Loop — a 22 km circuit with 550 m elevation gain combining gravel forest roads with singletrack switchbacks. Technical riders gravitate to the Enduro Park, which features jump lines, berms, and rock gardens built to competition standard and used for regional enduro events in late July.
Bike rental is available at La Mauselaine station and from specialist shops in Gérardmer town centre. Full-suspension enduro bikes suited to local terrain cost €35–€50 per day; hardtails for cross-country riders start from €25. Helmet rental is included in most packages; full-face helmets and body armour are available separately for uplift-served enduro tracks. Riders under 16 must wear helmets and should be accompanied on technical trails.
Trail maps are available from the Gérardmer tourist office on Place des Déportés and from the La Mauselaine base station. A GPS track download service is available through gerardmer.com. Basic fitness — sufficient for 300–500 m of climbing — is needed for intermediate and advanced trails; the beginner green circuits suit all fitness levels with no technical skill required.
Activity facts
- Where
- Gérardmer, Vosges
- Duration
- Half-day to full day
Equipment
- Full-face helmet (rental available)
- Body armour (rental available)
- Gloves
- Hydration pack
Location
VTT de Gérardmer, Route de la Mauselaine, 88400 Gérardmer
48.0673, 6.8767 View on map
Highlights
- 120 km of marked MTB trails across 15 itineraries in the Hautes-Vosges, graded from green to double-black
- La Mauselaine uplift lift open June–September; €18–€25 day pass for unlimited summit ascents
- Cascades de Tendon trail: 400 m descent through waterfall-lined fir forest to the Gérardmer lakeshore
- Purpose-built Enduro Park with jump lines, berms, and rock gardens to regional competition standard
- Trail maps and GPX downloads available free from the Gérardmer tourist office and gerardmer.com
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at La Mauselaine by 9 a.m. on July–August weekends to avoid uplift queues; the lift closes at 5 p.m.
- Rent full-suspension bikes for enduro and technical trails — hardtails are adequate only for gravel cross-country loops
- Carry two spare inner tubes, a multi-tool, and a pump; forest sections are remote and shops cannot reach riders on trail
- Book accommodation mid-week in July–August — Gérardmer fills at weekends during French school holidays
- September offers the best conditions: trails are dry after summer, uplift still operates, and crowds are significantly reduced
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide available for mountain biking in Gérardmer?
Yes. Local guides can be arranged through the Gérardmer tourist office or via gerardmer.com. Guided rides are recommended for first-time visitors to the network and for anyone attempting technical enduro trails.
What level of experience is needed for the trails?
Green-graded trails require no technical experience and suit recreational cyclists on any bike. Blue trails require basic handling skills; black and double-black trails are for experienced enduro riders with technical technique and appropriate protective gear.
Are e-mountain bikes accepted on the La Mauselaine uplift?
E-mountain bikes are generally accepted on the uplift subject to weight limits. Riders should confirm current weight restrictions with the La Mauselaine lift operator before purchasing a day pass, as rules vary by season.
What is the best month for mountain biking at Gérardmer?
June and September offer the best combination of dry trails, moderate temperatures, and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months during school holidays; May trails can be muddy from spring snowmelt on higher sections.
Are helmets mandatory at Gérardmer?
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 on all trails and strongly recommended for all adults, particularly on uplift-served technical trails. Helmet hire is included in most bike rental packages at La Mauselaine and town shops.