The Alsace Wine Route by Bike

Whether for its good wines, its gastronomy, its typical and flowery villages, its vines golden in the sun, its storks or its Christmas markets, the reputation of the Alsace is well established. It is less known, but Alsace is also the most developed cycling region in France. A dense network of greenways and cycle paths criss-crosses the region. All these elements form a perfect cocktail for an exciting cycling holiday.

Cycling seems to be the ideal way to explore this region: small roads with almost no traffic wander cheerfully through the vineyards on the slopes, interspersed from time to time by traditional villages which compete in charm. The innumerable half-timbered houses and the ramparts have resisted assaults of time and these villages thus seem straight out of a fairy tale. Especially since many of them are now closed to traffic. Add to that the cobblestones and the regular tinkling of its church towers and, a few glasses of Riesling or Pinot later, you'll be convinced that someone has cast a spell on you that has taken you back to the Middle Ages.

Departing from Strasbourg, your itinerary begins, after a short train journey (40 min), along the Vallée des Éclusiers, which, recently rehabilitated, will allow you to bike through a high place of the Vosges historical heritage. You then stroll through the interesting towns of Saverne and Marmoutier, before arriving on the Wine Route.

The Wine Route will take you through, for 3 days, a narrow band of vineyards located on the hillside on the first foothills of the Vosges, regularly offering you a beautiful panorama of the great plain of Alsace below. Along the way, you pass through many of the most beautiful villages in France, such as Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. A shuttle or a sporty ascent will also allow you to visit the impressive Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, located on the heights.

Your Alsatian odyssey then ends in the splendid city of Colmar, which in many ways forms a concentrate of Alsace.

Day 1 : Arrival in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, now a thriving metropolis, maintains a strong connection to its historical roots while looking towards the future and its place in Europe. Its remarkable medieval center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands alongside the imposing Gothic cathedral, harmoniously blending with modern neighborhoods that boast cutting-edge cycling infrastructure. Positioned along the Rhine River, Strasbourg serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe. Strasbourg also shares a border with Germany and hosts the Council of Europe, making it profoundly European. As a result, the city offers an abundance of attractions and activities, and if you have the opportunity, we highly recommend extending your stay there by an additional night.

Day 2 : Strasbourg - Réding - "Vallée des Éclusiers" - Saverne - Molsheim 57 km (36 mi) - D+ : 400 m

A short train ride (approximately 40 minutes) takes you to Réding, the starting point of the Vallée des Éclusiers (Lock Keepers' Valley), a beautiful yet lesser-known destination to the general public. This narrow waterway once allowed ships to connect the Marne and Rhine rivers. Since 1969, the Arzviller inclined plane (which you can visit!) enables vessels to navigate the entire elevation difference at once, avoiding the passage through the 17 original locks of the old canal. The canal has recently been restored, the old lockkeeper houses renovated, and a splendid greenway now allows visitors to explore this unique heritage.
You then continue along the canal, which winds its way through the Vosges Mountains, passing through the charming village of Lutzelbourg, before emerging on the other side in Saverne, a picturesque town steeped in history and regarded as the 'Gateway to Alsace.' The route then takes you through bucolic countryside with rolling hills, introducing you to Marmoutier and its famous abbey church along the way. Next, you reach Marlenheim, the starting point of the Route des Vins (Wine Route), and a little further on, you rest in Molsheim, a quaint typical town and the headquarters of the automobile brand Bugatti.

Note: This stage is slightly longer, but it mostly takes place on greenways or towpaths, making the overall route smooth and easy.

Day 3 : Molsheim - Obernai - Barr - Itterswiller 29/52 km (18/32 mi) - D+ : 250/810 m

It is a string of villages, each more picturesque than the other, that you are passing through today: Rosheim, Obernai, Barr, Mittelbergheim and Andlau, just to name a few of the most famous ones. In between, the route winds through vineyards cultivated on the hillsides. Thanks to the slightly elevated position of the wine-growing area, the journey offers sumptuous views over the Grand Ried - the large plain of Alsace - below, as well as the Black Forest massif on the other side of the Rhine. On the eastern side, the vineyards are overlooked by the Vosges mountains, crowned with dense forests that extend to their summits. At the Maison du Pain d'Épices ("The Gingerbread House"), you will discover the world of this Alsatian delicacy.
Then you can also visit a wine cellar and, of course, indulge in a tasting. The more adventurous can also climb Mont-Sainte-Odile, where the view is splendid, and visit the abbey. By the end of the day, you will reach Itterswiller, a typical Alsatian village.

Day 4 : Itterswiller - Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (by bus/bike) - Ribeauvillé - Riquewihr 34/46 km (21/29 mi) - D+ : 290/790 m

After having cycled in the vineyards during 15 km, take advantage of rest the morning to get to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which is one of the most visited sites in France due to its unique charm and the breathtaking view from the top. On clear days, the view extends all the way to the Alps. To save your legs, a shuttle bus is available from the village of Kintzheim. For the more adventurous, cycling to the castle and descending through another slope is also an option.
In the afternoon, the vineyard landscapes once again pleasantly alternate with picturesque villages. Bergheim, Hunawihr, and Riquewihr are among the 172 most beautiful villages in France, but a selection had to be made as others, such as Ribeauvillé, appear equally romantic.
The fortified village of Riquewihr is probably the most remarkable of all and is considered the gem of the Wine Route. This also makes it one of the most touristy, but since you will be stopping there for the night, you will have plenty of leisure time to explore in the evening when the crowds have dissipated.

Day 5 : Riquewihr - Kaysersberg - Eguisheim - Colmar - 32/42 km (20/26 mi) - D+ : 160/560 m (525/1840 ft)

You wander through another set of splendid villages. Kaysersberg, a beautiful medieval town, is crowned by ruins of a fortress A little further on, the more adventurous can indulge in an ascent to the Hohlandsbourg Castle. The two routes then meet again in Eguisheim, which seems to rival Riquewihr for the status of a star village. Its circular streets around the center make it quite unique.
You then cross the agricultural plain of Alsace to reach Colmar and its exceptionally well-preserved medieval quarter. Its half-timbered houses in pastel colors adorned with geraniums, canals, and Renaissance merchant houses have made it enchanting. Whether it's for a stroll in the "Little Venice", an excursion to its covered market, or to marvel at historic monuments as the Maison des Têtes or the Maison Pfister, Colmar will have something to please you. Art enthusiasts will delight in the Unterlinden Museum, considered the Louvre of Alsace.

Day 6 : End of stay or extra night in Colmar

The stay ends after breakfast. There is the possibility to opt for an additional night in Colmar. Please note that it is also possible to combine this trip with our itinerary from the Black Forest to Lake Constance. This would require an additional 5 to 6 days of cycling. Please contact us for more information.

1. Duration:
   6 days and 5 nights, including the arrival and departure days. 4 days of cycling.
   
   5-days/4-night version (3 days of cycling): it is possible to shorten the trip by one day. The stages are then between 45 and 57 km long if you opt for the relaxed variants everyday. You then benefit from a discount.


2. Minimum Age: 10 years


3. Seasonality: between April and October.
   
   Alsace has the most continental climate in France due to its distance from marine influences. Winters are therefore quite pronounced, and snow is not uncommon in these regions.
   
   The pleasant season extends from April to October, although, like elsewhere, a heatwave can occur during summer. In July and August, tourist crowds are also at their peak. Early autumn is the period of grape harvesting, and October is when the vineyards display their most beautiful colors.
   
   Note: Weather can vary significantly from year to year. The information provided above represents averages.
   
   
4. Possible Departure Days: any day
   
   
5. Arrival and Departure:
   
   
   • Start of the trip: Strasbourg
   
   
   • End of the trip: Colmar
   
   
   • Or vice versa!


6. Return to the starting point :
   
   At the end of your journey, you can return to your starting city by train (approximately 30 minutes by TER (regional train) between Colmar and Strasbourg, with 2 to 3 departures per hour). The ticket can be purchased on-site and costs between 5 and 16 €. Carrying bicycles in regional trains is free of charge, and they don't have to be dismantled. .
   For an extra cost, you can also opt for a private transfer.


7. Parking :
   
   Whether in Strasbourg or Colmar, our roadbook - which will be sent to you a few weeks before departure - will provide information on some paid and free parking options where you can leave your car for the week.
   
   In Strasbourg, the suggested free car park is a bit out of the center, but a tram allows you to reach the train station or the city center in 15-20 minutes from the parking area.


8. Meeting point :
   
   The cycling adventure begins on the morning of Day 2. If you rent bikes, a member of our local team will deliver your bikes in the early morning or the evening before at your accommodation.


9. Type of parcours :
   
   Linear.


10. Guidance :
    
    Self-guided, with telephone assistance in case of mechanical issues. To navigate, you will have a detailed roadbook, as well as GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. As the navigation is satellite-based, no internet connection is required.


11. Extension :
    
    It is possible to combine this trip with our tour from the Black Forest to Lake Constance. Count on an additional 5 to 6 days of cycling. Please consult us.


12. Difficulty Level: Intermediate
    
    Some days, there are alternative routes to the normal route. Thus, you can tailor your ride's duration to suit your mood or the day's weather conditions.
    
    
    • Elevation changes: Although slightly hilly in some places, the Alsace Wine Route does not present any technical difficulty. While there may be a few hills to climb, the route is generally accessible to a wide public and can also be done with an electric bike.
    
    
    • Lenght of the stages: The stages are designed to allow you to go at your own pace and visit multiple sites along the way. The first stage is a bit longer (57 km), but since it is mostly on greenways or towpahts, it is hardly more challenging than the following stages.
      
      During stages 2, 3, and 4, a sportive variant will also provide the most adventurous with some additional challenges while discovering beautiful places along the way.
    
    
    • Terrain: More than 90% of the route consists of paved roads. There are a few compact gravel paths that do not require suspension or mountain bike tires.
    
    All the details are summarized in the table below.
    
    

    Table 1: Distances and Height differences

    THE ALSACE WINE ROUTE
    Stage	Variant	Distance (km)	Elevation gain (m)	Drop (m)	Estimated time
    Day 1	Arrival in Strasbourg
    Day 2 (stage 1) Strasbourg - Réding - Molsheim	Normal	57	400	480	3h38
    Day 3 (stage 2) Molsheim - Itterswiller	Normal	29	250	180	1h51
    	Sporty	52	810	740	3h43
    Day 4 (stage 3) Itterswiller - Riquewihr	Normal	34	290	230	2h15
    	Sporty	46	790	730	3h22
    Day 5 (stage 4) Riquewihr - Colmar	Normal	32	160	270	1h55
    	Sporty	42	560	670	2h52
    Day 6	End of tour

    
    


13. Accommodation:
    
    Standard category: 3* hotels (except once in 2*-hotel).
    
    Comfort+ category: 3-4* hotels
    
    Whichever option you choose, the accommodations are mostly boutique hotels, and have all the comforts you need for a good night's sleep! All rooms have a private bathroom and all accommodations have some space to store your bicycles.


14. Meals:
    
    Breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are not included.
    During the day, you can dine at local restaurants (daily suggestions can be found in our roadbook) or have a picnic by getting supplies from supermarkets.
    Half-board is not available on this trip, but you will always have a few restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation... if not within the accommodation itself!


15. Luggage transport:
    
    You only need to carry your day's belongings during the cycling stages. Your luggage will be transported from one accommodation to another by us, and you will find them at your accommodation at the end of the day.
    
    If you wish to transport your luggage in side bags, you will receive a discount.


16. Travel Documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook (Dutch or English), a topographical map of the route and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure.
    
    The roadbook, which you'll also receive in hard copy, contains not only a description of the route, but also a wealth of tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions and places to buy food along the way.


17. Bicycles:
    
    We offer quality bikes for hire, fully equipped and adapted to the type of terrain.
    
    Equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof pannier, a lock, a repair set and (on request) a helmet.
    
    An electric bike can be hired for this trip.
    
    If you wish to bring your own bike, remember to check all the parts of the bike beforehand (wear and tear of brakes, tyres, sprockets, chain, etc.) to ensure that it is in technical order for a ride of 200 km (ca. 125 miles). The bikes suitable for this trip are trekking bikes (hybrid bikes), mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes. Road bikes (tyres too thin for the gravel sections) and city bikes (insufficient number of gears) are not suitable.


18. Cancellation and assistance insurances:
    
    In order to guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay or in the event of problems (e.g. health, accident, theft, lost luggage, ...) during the trip, you can opt for a cancellation (CAP Explorer - premium cancellation) and/or assistance insurance (CAP Exporer - premium assistance). To learn more about our proposed insurances, click more info or ask us.

The price of the tour and the bike rentals is given in below tables:



The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook in English, produced by us during our scouting trip (Paper booklet + PDF)
• The GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• A topographic map of the tour
• 5 nights in hotels (4 x 3* hotels and 1 x 2* hotel)
• 5 breakfasts
• Transportation of your luggage between accommodations
• Luggage tags
• Train ticket between Strasbourg and Réding
• Telephone assistance in case of mechanical issues
• Local taxes
• Registration fees

Possible options:

• Rental of a bicycle on-site, with/without electric assistance
• Visit to a winery on Day 3 (€ 16)
• Single room supplement
• Comfort+ supplement (accomodation): 3-4*-hotels. A majority of them have a swimming pool or a wellness area.
• Additional nights in Strasbourg or Colmar
• Private transfer back to Strasbourg (note: there is also a direct train)
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or 24/24 assistance (more info)

The price does not include:

• The journey from your home to the meeting point, as well as the return journey
• Return ticket to Strasbourg (30 minutes by TER)
• Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in "the price includes"

Other:

• Child discounts are applied (see table above) if there are at least 2 adults and you accept to sleep in family rooms when those are available. Big group discounts are also applied for groups of 3 people and more.
• If you prefer to transport your luggage yourself from one accommodation to another, you will receive a discount. An additional bag will be provided.
• A 'solo traveller' supplement of 140 € is counted for individuals doing this tour alone.

    Nathalie and Morgane, 62 and 32 years old

"Overall, the splendid landscapes, riding on cycling paths amid vineyards (plus, during the grape harvest), was a unique and amazing experience! 🤩 We truly enjoyed it a lot."  September 2023