The Alsace Wine Route by Bike
- From 649 € / pers.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- From April to October
- Departures: any day
- Level: intermediate
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- One of France's most beautiful cycling and wine routes
- A succession of villages straight out of the Middle Ages: Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Obernai, and many others!
- The Vallée des Éclusiers and its charming old-world atmosphere
- Discovering Strasbourg and Colmar, typical Alsacian cities
- Numerous touristic attractions : wine cellars, castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, abbeys, museums, markets, …
- The option to choose between 2 levels of difficulty on most stages
Highlights :
- One of France’s most beautiful cycling and wine routes
- A succession of villages straight out of the Middle Ages : Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Obernai, and all the others !
- the Vallée des Éclusiers with its charming old-world atmosphere
- Discovering Strasbourg and Colmar, typical Alsacian places
- Numerous touristic attractions : wine cellars, castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, abbeys, museums, markets, …
- the option to choose between 2 levels of difficulty for most stages
From 649 € / pers.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- From April to October
- Departures : any day
- Level : intermediate
- Electric bike option
- Luggage transfer included
ALSACE BY BIKE
Whether for its excellent wines, gastronomy, picture-perfect flower-filled villages, sun-drenched vineyards, storks or Christmas markets, Alsace’s reputation is well established. What is less well known is that Alsace is also France’s leading cycling region, thanks to its strong Germanic influences. A dense network of greenways and cycle paths criss-crosses the region.
Cycling is the ideal way to explore this fascinating region: quiet country lanes with almost no traffic wind cheerfully through hillside vineyards, punctuated by charming traditional villages competing for prettiness. Countless half-timbered houses and fortified walls have withstood modernisation, making these villages feel straight out of a fairy tale. Even more so as many are now closed to motor traffic. Add cobbled streets and the regular chime of church bells, and after a few glasses of Riesling or Pinot, you may well be convinced you have been magically transported back to the Middle Ages.
YOUR ITINERARY
Starting from Strasbourg, your itinerary begins after a short train journey (40 minutes) along the Vallée des Éclusiers. Recently restored, it reveals a key part of Vosges heritage. A beautifully scenic greenway now runs along the canal.
You then cycle through the interesting towns of Saverne and Marmoutier before reaching the famous Alsace Wine Route. Over three days, you follow a narrow strip of vineyards clinging to the foothills of the Vosges, regularly offering superb views over the Alsace plain below. Along the way, you pass through some of France’s most beautiful villages, including Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. A shuttle or a sporty climb also allows you to visit the impressive Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched high above the plain.
Your Alsatian odyssey ends in the magnificent town of Colmar, which in many ways embodies the very essence of Alsace.
Have a great trip!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg
Now a major European city, Strasbourg remains deeply attached to its roots while looking firmly towards the future. Its magnificent UNESCO-listed medieval centre and towering Gothic cathedral sit alongside boldly modern neighbourhoods equipped with cutting-edge cycling infrastructure. Bordering Germany, connected to Europe by the Rhine, and home to the Council of Europe, Strasbourg is profoundly European. There is no shortage of things to see, and if time allows, we strongly recommend staying an extra night.
Stroll through the old town, admire the cathedral and its pedestrian streets, then enjoy a break in Jouvet Park, a true green oasis. In the evening, treat yourself to a local restaurant where regional cuisine is paired with famous Côtes-du-Rhône wines.
Day 2: Strasbourg – Réding – Vallée des Éclusiers – Molsheim
57 km |
+400 m |
⏱︎ 3h25
A short train journey (around 40 minutes) takes you to Réding, the starting point of the Vallée des Éclusiers. This narrow waterway once linked the Marne and the Rhine. Since 1969, the Arzviller boat lift (which you can visit!) has enabled boats to overcome the entire elevation change in one go, avoiding the historic series of 17 locks. The old canal has been restored, lock-keepers’ houses renovated, and a magnificent greenway now showcases this unique heritage.
You continue along the canal as it winds through the Vosges massif, passing the charming village of Lutzelbourg, before emerging on the other side at Saverne, a historic town known as the “Gateway to Alsace”. The route then crosses gentle countryside and rolling hills, taking you past Marmoutier and its famous abbey church. You reach Marlenheim, the starting point of the Wine Route, and stay overnight in Molsheim, a typical Alsatian town and home of the Bugatti brand.
💡 This stage is slightly longer, but mostly follows towpaths and greenways, making the ride smooth and easy overall.
Day 3: Molsheim – Itterswiller
29 km |
+250 m |
⏱︎ 1h51
Today you ride through a string of picturesque villages: Rosheim, Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim and Andlau, to name just the most famous.
Between them, the route winds through vineyards planted on the hillsides. Thanks to the slightly elevated position of the wine-growing area, you enjoy superb views over the Grand Ried — the Alsace plain — as well as the Black Forest beyond the Rhine. To the west, the vineyards are backed by the Vosges mountains, topped with dense forests.
At the Gingerbread Museum, you will discover this iconic Alsatian delicacy. A wine cellar visit with tasting is also available as an option.
By late afternoon, you reach Itterswiller, a charming Alsatian village set in the heart of the vineyards.
🚲 Sporty option (52 km | Ascent: 810 m | ⏱︎ 3h43):
The most motivated can tackle the climb to Mont Sainte-Odile, offering stunning views and a must-see abbey.
Day 4: Itterswiller – Riquewihr
34 km |
+290 m |
⏱︎ 2h15
The day begins with scenic cycling through vineyards and traditional villages. At one point, you arrive close to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.
🏰 Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Its distinctive character and breathtaking views make it one of France’s most visited sites. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Alps.
In high season (June–August) and at weekends, a shuttle bus runs from Kintzheim. Outside these periods, access is by bike only.
In the afternoon, vineyard landscapes alternate once again with storybook villages. Bergheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr are officially listed among France’s most beautiful villages, although others such as Ribeauvillé are just as enchanting.
The fortified village of Riquewihr is undoubtedly the jewel of the Wine Route. While very popular, staying overnight allows you to enjoy it peacefully once the crowds have left.
🚲 Sporty option (46 km | Ascent: 790 m | ⏱︎ 3h22):
Confident cyclists or e-bike users can ride up to Haut-Koenigsbourg by bike and descend via a different slope, rejoining the main route before Bergheim.
Day 5: Riquewihr – Eguisheim – Colmar
32 km |
+160 m |
⏱︎ 1h55
You continue through a succession of superb villages. Kaysersberg, a beautiful medieval town, is overlooked by the ruins of a fortress. A little further on lies Eguisheim, whose circular streets make it truly unique and a serious rival to Riquewihr.
You then cross the Alsace plain to reach Colmar and its exceptionally well-preserved medieval quarter. Pastel-coloured half-timbered houses, canals and Renaissance merchants’ homes make it irresistible. Whether wandering through Little Venice, visiting the covered market, or admiring the Maison des Têtes or Maison Pfister, Colmar has plenty to offer. Art lovers will enjoy the Unterlinden Museum, often described as the Louvre of Alsace.
🚲 Sporty option (42 km | Ascent: 560 m | ⏱︎ 2h52):
Between Kaysersberg and Eguisheim, a more demanding route climbs through forest to Hohlandsbourg Castle before descending back into the vineyards.
Day 6: End of the trip
After breakfast, your Alsatian odyssey comes to an end… unless you choose to extend your stay in Colmar.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort category you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also make sure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT CATEGORIES
2–3 ★ hotels
Simple but welcoming hotels, selected for their hospitality and location.
Well-appointed 3 ★ hotels
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
High-comfort 4 ★ hotels
Elegant accommodation combining refinement, comfort and high-end services.
Photos are provided for illustrative purposes only and represent the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bicycle storage
- Restaurant within walking distance
- Well-located accommodation
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you choose a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that is both suited to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, fully equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available.
Trekking bikes (hybrid bikes)
Versatile bikes with at least 21 gears, making them ideal even for uphill sections.
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
CUBE Touring electric bikes, equipped with a BOSCH motor delivering 75 Nm of torque and a 625 Wh battery. You’ll be able to tackle all sporty route variants without any battery concerns.
Children’s bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult size, children’s bikes can be rented. Various sizes are available.
Child trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for hire.
Photos for information purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, cassette, derailleur, chain…
You may be far from help in the event of a mechanical issue!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking / hybrid bike
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with good battery range
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 The route is almost 100% paved. One short section of compact gravel remains, but as it is part of an official cycling route, the surface is well maintained.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over physical effort.
We therefore adjust the length of each stage according to the terrain, type of paths and points of interest, so that every day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
On some days, a more sporty variant is available for the most motivated cyclists, which you can decide on the same day whether or not to ride. These variants still include all the must-see highlights.
STAGE DISTANCES:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Overall average of 40 to 60 km per day
➡️ Around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5
➡️ A pace suitable for most riders, combining the pleasure of cycling with discoveries along the way.
RELIEF:
MODERATE ℹ️
➡️ Overall average elevation gain: between +200 and +600 m per day
➡️ Mostly gentle and accessible terrain, though some sections are more undulating and may include a few steeper climbs.
Long, gradual climbs—often on greenways—may also occur.
⚡ To enjoy the route to the fullest—even on the climbs—you may choose an electric bike.
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route alternates pleasantly between cycle paths and small country roads with generally very little traffic.
Over 99% of the route is paved, with a few short sections of compact gravel.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
6 days and 5 nights, including arrival and departure days. 4 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Daily departures from April to October.
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of the trip: Strasbourg
End of the trip: Colmar
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
Weather conditions are generally favourable from April to October.
The pleasant season runs from April to October, although, as everywhere, heatwaves can occur in summer. In July and August, tourist numbers are also at their peak. Early autumn coincides with the grape harvest.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you’ll find recommendations in our roadbook) or enjoy a picnic using supplies from local shops.
For dinner, you’ll always find several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation—unless your hotel has its own restaurant!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. You only carry what you need for the day during cycling stages. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in panniers, you will benefit from a price reduction.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Strasbourg is served by several regional (TER) and high-speed rail services (TGV / Ouigo / ICE).
Direct high-speed lines from:
💡 We have only listed the terminus stations of each high-speed line. Intermediate cities are of course also served.
BY CAR
Our roadbook will provide information on several paid and free car parks where you can leave your car for the week in Strasbourg.
💡 The free car park we recommend is slightly outside the city centre, but a tram allows you to reach the station or city centre in 15–20 minutes.
🔁 RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT
The easiest option is to return by train. By regional TER train, the journey takes around 33 minutes, slightly less by TGV. There are approximately two trains per hour. More information on train times is available on the SNCF website.
💡 If you are travelling with your own bikes, they can be taken on board TER trains between Colmar and Strasbourg without being dismantled. However, we strongly recommend reserving your bike spaces in advance—especially at weekends—as the number of bike spaces per train is limited.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To ensure you make the most of your adventure, we provide several practical and easy-to-use resources:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by our team, including:
- Practical information
- A detailed route description
- All essential tourist information
- Restaurant recommendations
- Places to stock up on supplies
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- A list of bicycle repair shops located along or near the route
A route map
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Custom routes between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT
You travel independently (self-guided), with telephone assistance available 7 days a week in case of any issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement in the event of trip cancellation or issues during your stay, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance options.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone mount and waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you rent a bike, these are included (helmets available on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, road spray and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover your shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for recharging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes a lot of power, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your phone battery is very efficient.
Budget: €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing vibrations and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside of summer, mornings can be cool—you’ll be glad you brought one!
2026 PRICES
The price is calculated based on a room for 2 people. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the selected room type.| Package | Standard Category | Comfort Category | Prestige Category | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |
| Double or twin room | €649 | €699 | €739 | €799 | €919 | €999 |
| Single room supplement | + €250 | + €270 | + €250 | + €270 | + €250 | + €270 |
| Children discounts (sharing a room with 2 full-paying adults) |
0–3 years: −80% | 4–11 years: −40% | 12–17 years: −30% | |||||
| Group discounts | 6–11 people: −10% | 12+ people: −15% | |||||
| Additional nights (optional) |
Standard Category | Comfort Category | Prestige Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Strasbourg | Double or twin room | €80 | €90 | €110 | €130 | €140 | €160 |
| Single room | €155 | €175 | €185 | €210 | €230 | €260 | |
| Colmar | Double or twin room | €75 | €85 | €105 | €120 | €130 | €150 |
| Single room | €145 | €165 | €175 | €200 | €220 | €250 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 1 April – 30 April & 1 October – 31 October
- High season: 1 May – 30 September
| BIKE HIRE – equipment, delivery and return included – |
|
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €260 |
| Trekking bike | €195 |
| Children’s bike (under 12) | €150 |
| Child trailer | €120 |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Hotel accommodation in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each hotel
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Train ticket between Strasbourg and Réding (bike included)
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), created by our team during the reconnaissance trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A route map
- Luggage tags
- 7-day telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike hire
- Single room supplement
- Additional night(s) in Strasbourg and/or Colmar
- Wine cellar visit and tasting (Day 3)
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel to Strasbourg and return from Colmar
- Meals not mentioned above
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount applies (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you hire a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistics supplement applies in addition to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Benoît and Elisabeth, aged 69"Five stars because the trip ‘The Alsace Wine Route’ we have just completed was truly exceptional from start to finish: organisation, follow-up, information, tips (roadbook), GPS tracks — everything was perfect. We felt completely confident throughout. The route, with alternatives almost always on very quiet paths, allowed us to discover stunning and varied landscapes. All accommodations were excellent too. Well done Cyclodyssées, and thank you!" August 2025
Myriam and Michel, aged 62 and 63
"Congratulations to the Cyclodyssées team for this wonderful route through Alsace. Magnificent landscapes, well-designed itineraries, perfect organisation. Highly recommended!" June 2024
Nathalie and Morgane, aged 62 and 32
"Overall, stunning scenery. Cycling on cycle paths through the vineyards (especially during the harvest) was a unique experience 🤩 We really enjoyed it." September 2023
See all reviews or leave us a review.