Vosges, France · from Plancher-les-Mines
La Planche des Belles Filles
La Planche des Belles Filles packs serious punishment into under 6 km: sustained 8-10% ramps with barely any recovery and a final wall that kicks close to 20% at the line. It is the defining modern Tour finish — small on the map, enormous in consequence.
Summit elevation: 1035 m
How fast would you climb La Planche des Belles Filles?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
La Planche des Belles Filles and the Tour
The Tour first finished here in 2012, when Chris Froome won the stage and Bradley Wiggins took yellow. It has returned roughly every other year since, and the gravel "Super Planche" extension adds a kilometre of dirt above the classic finish.
The 2020 Tour was decided here in the final-day time trial, when Tadej Pogačar overturned Primož Roglič's lead in one of the sport's great upsets. Winners at La Planche read like a who's-who of the modern era.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
Rideable April to November in most years; the climb is low-altitude by Alpine standards. The steep finish faces the weather — in summer, morning rides beat both heat and tourist traffic.
Base & logistics
Plancher-les-Mines sits at the base; Belfort and Lure are the practical towns. Pair it with the Ballon d'Alsace and Ballon de Servance roads for a classic Vosges day. Compact gearing strongly recommended for the final ramp.
FAQ
How long is the La Planche des Belles Filles climb?
From Plancher-les-Mines, the climb is about 5.9 km with roughly 500 m of elevation gain at 8.5% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up La Planche des Belles Filles?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for La Planche des Belles Filles?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 7 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.