Cycling tours in Alsace

Discover Alsace by bike

Alsace, located in north-east France on the border with Germany and Switzerland, is a region of geographical and cultural diversity. The region is made up of two départements, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin, and boasts a varied landscape, with the Vosges mountains to the west, the fertile Alsace plain between the Vosges and the Rhine, and the sun-drenched hillsides of the Alsace vineyards. The Rhine, to the east, forms an important natural border and plays an essential role in trade and the local ecosystem.

Alsace is home to several nature parks, including the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park and the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. These parks offer spectacular scenery, rich biodiversity and plenty of outdoor activities. The region is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including deer, roe deer, lynx and many species of migratory and water birds. Forests, wetlands, vineyards and meadows contribute to this rich biodiversity by providing diverse habitats for local flora and fauna.

Alsace combines a diverse geography, a favourable climate and exceptional biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and cyclists. Thanks to the diversity of its landscapes and topography, it offers routes to suit all abilities, from the flat cycle paths along the banks of the Rhine, ideal for families, to the more demanding slopes of the Vosges mountains for experienced cyclists. The Route des Vins is a great way to discover the vineyards while enjoying the picturesque rolling countryside. The region is well-equipped with cycling infrastructure, with hundreds of kilometres of signposted trails, bike hire services and accommodation suitable for cyclists. Annual cycling events, such as the Tour Alsace, attract enthusiasts from all over Europe, underlining the region’s vibrant cycling culture.

The region and its inhabitants

Alsace is a land of traditions and the many events and local festivals that punctuate the year are there to confirm it.
The local language, Alsatian, is still widely used and preserved from generation to generation. At traditional festivals, it is not uncommon for costumes to accompany traditional dances and music.
We could not talk about Alsace without also talking about its gastronomy whose spearheads are beer and sauerkraut. The Alsatian restaurants, the Winstubs, will also allow you to taste hearty tarte flambé or Baeckeoffe, traditional dish with vegetables, potatoes, and meats cooked for a long time.
Its famous vineyards are also part of the Alsacian terroir: sylvaner, riesling or gewurztraminer, so many names and flavors that will brighten your taste buds.
Alsatian architecture will also make you travel with its half-timbered houses typical of the region. The picturesque atmosphere of the villages is increased tenfold at the end of the year at Christmas markets that attract the curious.

Roads and bike lanes in Alsace

Alsace is crossed by 3 EuroVelo roads that make it a must for many cyclists traveling across Europe. Nearly 2,500 km of cycle routes and greenways are available to cyclists of all levels along major routes or on thematic circuits specific to the region.
The tracks along the Rhine offer flat courses accessible to all while the small hilly roads of the Alsatian vineyard will delight the most athletic.

The Alsatian weather

Alsace has a semi-continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. It’s pleasant to travel in Alsace from April to October, with a little more rain in May and July. It is one of the driest regions in France, protected from oceanic influences by the Vosges mountains. This particular climate favours prosperous agriculture and a renowned vineyard, producing top-quality white wines.

The 8 must-see sites in Alsace

Lovers of heritage, nature or culture will be delighted during their bike trip stay with these must-see sites in Alsace:

• Strasbourg and its typical neighborhoods crossed by canals, its Cathedral masterpiece of the Renaissance, Place Kléber and its facades with multiple influences and the European Parliament
• Colmar, city of culture and history with many museums and historic monuments, its typical neighborhoods including the “Little Venice” and its houses overlooking the Lauch to discover during a boat trip
• The Alsace Wine Route will lead wine and food lovers through Piedmont wine and its many medieval castles that overlook the plain of Alsace
• The Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane, surprising boat lift and river site among the most visited in France
• Kaysersberg, a city with a typically Alsatian charm, with its flowery streets and half-timbered houses
• Mulhouse whose museums will delight science and technology enthusiasts
• The regional natural park of the Vosges, its castles and its natural spaces suitable for hiking
• Mont Sainte-Odile, a major pilgrimage site, overlooked by an abbey, and its “pagan wall”, remains of an ancient archeological enigma wall