"La Petite Finlande" circular from Faucogney-et-la-Mer

Departure from the Tourist Office.

Circular cycling loop no. 15

(S/E) Head towards the town centre. After passing through the historic centre, turn right towards Esmoulières. Take advantage of the gentle slope at the start of the route to warm up before the road gradually climbs towards the Plateau des 1000 Étangs.

(1) Once you have crossed the Moulin de Saphoz bridge, you are ready for the climb to Esmoulières. Ignore the junction leading to Beulotte-Saint-Guillaume on your right and continue straight ahead. A 2.5 km challenge with an average gradient of 8% awaits you.

(2) At the top, the village offers a unique visual reward: a mosaic of ponds, meadows and hamlets, with the Ballon de Servance in the background, recognisable by its antenna rising to 1,216 m. Follow the road and, once you reach the Vierge du Reposou, take a break to admire the superb panorama over the Breuchin valley.

(3) As the road ahead leads towards Ramonchamp and the Vosges peaks, turn right to begin the descent towards the village of Beulotte-Saint-Laurent.

(4) Turn left towards the centre of the village, then return to the crossroads.

(4) Continue left. The terrain becomes hilly again and the road climbs once more towards the Plateau des Grilloux.

(5) At the four-way crossroads on the plateau, continue left.

(6) After leaving the Grilloux car park, begin a long descent towards the village of Servance. Be careful: the road is narrow and steep, so it is advisable to keep to the right. Once you have passed the hamlet of Les Évaudois, you will reach the centre of the village. Then turn right onto the departmental road towards the town hall and continue straight on until you reach the junction marked "La Mer".

(7) Continue left for a short detour (1 km round trip) to admire the Saut de l'Ognon waterfall.

(7) On your return, continue on your way to tackle the formidable Montandré climb.One kilometre at an average gradient of 10%, with a section at 16%. Finally, a hilly landscape between ponds and forests will lead you to the hamlet of La Mer.

(8) Continue on the D266. After skirting the ponds, the road descends.

(9) At the intersection, turn left for a 4 km round trip to the Church of Saint-Martin, famous for its exceptional views.

(10) Then return to the crossroads.

(9) Continue left and then straight on for 4 km to reach Faucogney-et-la-Mer. Finally, turn right at the main intersection to reach the town centre and the Tourist Office (S/E).

(8) Landscape enthusiasts can take the Mer circular cycle route via Melisey and Ecromagny (20 km).

Electric bikes can be hired from the Tourist Office in Faucogney.

- Faucogney and the Plateau des 1000 Étangs