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Region: Vosges
Climbing effort: 485 cep
Elevation meters: 685
Steepest kilometer: 9.5%

Steepest 250 m: 11%
Foot: 500 m    Top: 1165 m
Mean slope: 5.1%
Length: 13.0 km

From: Sewen
Road conditions (2014): good
Other race bikers: 5-10 per hour
Motor vehicles: 10-30 per hour
Scenery and road: (5/5)
Restaurant or bar near top: yes

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Other climbs Vosges

The climb from Sewen through the Döllertal takes a prominent place in cycling history since it was the first ever climbed col in the Tour de France. The Frenchman René Pottier was the first to arrive at the highest point of the road, where he is honoured with a small memorial. The ascent itself is one of the most beautiful and most variable in the Vosges. The first two kilometers are almost horizontal. Then a short (1 km) relatively steep (7-8%) ramp is taken by a few hairpin bends, after which the road flattens somewhat (5%) to pass the Lac d'Alfeld. The following 5 kilometers are the most scenic. A narrow, steep (7-9%) and quiet road winds itself up through the forests. Shallow stone walls delimit the road on the valley side and if you are lucky goat herds block your way. After this stretch another 4 kilometers with a very variable slope (1-8%) have to made. Here the road is wider, the landscape more open and signs of ski tourism are abundant. A kilometer before the top you may have a look down on the Döllertal, situated on your right hand side.