- Alsace
- 7 day(s)
- Difficult
- ~ 39 km/day
- Itinerant
From Strasbourg to Colmar through the Alsacian vineyards
This week-long cycling trip will introduce you to the must-sees of Alsace: its charming towns, its hillside vineyards, its flowered half-timbered houses, its wine villages, its fortified castles, its Romanesque churches... From the covered bridges of Strasbourg to the romantic canals of Colmar, explore one of the most beautiful cycle routes in France. Your route will be punctuated by charming picturesque villages: Rosheim, Barr, Bergheim, Riquewihr, Kaysesrberg... Take a day-trip to Haut-Koenigsbourg castle perched on its rocky outcrop from where you can admire breathtaking views over the valley. Discovering Alsace also means tasting its many local food specialties with a glass of wine of course!
A beautiful week by bike in the heart of Alsace for unforgettable holidays!
Program
Free time of arrival in Strasbourg, check-in at your accommodation during reception hours.
A city with a rich cultural heritage, don't miss the opportunity to discover the architectural treasures of the capital of Alsace, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Covered Bridges and the Rohan Palace. Then take the time to stroll in the picturesque district of Petite France among the magnificent half-timbered houses where fishermen and tanners used to live.
- 39 km
- + 145 m
You leave the cobbled streets of Strasbourg to join the Bruche canal built by Vauban to bring sandstone from the Vosges to build the city's fortifications. You pedal on a greenway along the shaded banks and the old locks. This bucolic itinerary leads you near charming Alsatian villages with colorful and flowery facades. Then, you join the famous Véloroute du Vignoble d'Alsace in Molsheim, a touristic and wine-producing city, cradle of the Bugatti car brand. You continue along the mountainside through the Alsatian vineyards and wine villages to reach Obernai and its Belfry Square.
- 40 km
- + 230 m
Leave Obernai behind and discover Gertwiller and its Gingerbread House as well as Barr and its flowery square. You will take small country roads winding through vineyards, old railroads or parts of the old Roman road. At the level of Blienschwiller, two routes are available to you to reach the surroundings of Sélestat.
You can continue pedaling through the vineyards, passing through the charming villages of Blienschwiller, Dambach-la-ville and Scherwiller from where you can see the ruins of the Ortenbourg castle, nestled on its rocky promontory.
Another itinerary, a little more sportive, proposes you to leave the vineyards to discover the Vosges in the direction of the Val de Villé. You pedal on the wooded slopes and reach the villages of Saint-Pierre-Bois and Thanvillé. From there, you take the old Salt Road, a beautiful cycling path through the forest that leads you to Sélestat.
Wine cellar visit followed by a 5 wine tasting.
1h
- 42 km
- + 718 m
Enjoy a rest day to visit the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, witness to the various rivalries that moved the Europe’s history over the centuries. There are 2 choices :
- You leave your bikes for the day. A shuttle takes you from Sélestat to the castle and also stops at two animal parks on the way : the Eagle Park and the Monkey Mountain.
- The more athletic ones can cycle up to the castle located 757m high, taking a beautiful road through the forests of the Vosges mountains.
This imposing fortress located 757-meters high in the heart of the Vosges forest dates from the beginning of the 12th century and offers a magnificent panorama over the Alsatian plain, the Black Forest and the Alps. The medieval garden is open from June to Sept (free entrance).
Opening hours of the castle :
> April, May and September : 9.15 a.m.* - 6pm
> June, July and August: 9.15 a.m.* - 6:45pm
* Mondays the castle opens at 10:30 am
Self-guided tour.
Set off on a tour of a medieval fortress restored in the early 20th century, accompanied by a guide. The highlight of this tour is the discovery of the historical and architectural aspects of the monument. We strongly advise you to take the guided tour (no additional fees, regular departures, inquire on site).
Please hand in your dematerialized ticket directly at the entrance, you do not need to queue at the ticket office.
- 9,00 € € Adulte
- 9,00 € € Jeune (6-17ans)
- 42 km
- + 352 m
You leave the region of Sélestat with the famous castle of Haut-Koeningsbourg in view, you then enter the fortified enclosure of Bergheim, one of the rare Alsatian villages to have preserved almost all its medieval fortifications. Then, you leave the Vignoble bike route to take a little height and reach treasures nestled in the heart of the vineyards: Ribeauvillé and its picturesque neighborhoods, Riquewihr, the "Pearl of the Alsatian vineyard", and Hunawihr, both classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". Don't miss the detour to Kaysersberg, one of the most charming cities in Alsace. Finally, go back down through the vineyards and apple orchards to reach the beautiful city of Colmar, capital of Alsace wines.
- 35 km
- + 165 m
You leave Colmar to reach the shady banks of the Thur. Then, continue pedaling in the Alsatian countryside to Eguisheim, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and awarded many times for the quality of its flowering. Admire its beautiful and colorful 16th century houses and stroll through its cobbled streets. Continue through the vineyards to the pretty village of Turckheim where a night watchman continues to make his rounds every evening from May to October. You can stop in Ammerschwihr to taste a glass of Kaefferkopf, the last white wine to join the great Alsace wines, before returning to Colmar.
Enjoy a final stroll around Colmar before heading home, or extend your stay as you wish. Stroll through the “Petite Venise” district and admire the Maison des Têtes and the Maison Pfister.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let the accommodation know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane: flight from Paris.
By train: Train (TGV) to Strasbourg from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg (1:45). To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com
Car park
If you choose to drive, there are many options to park in Strasbourg. You can park at the public car park “Parking des Bateliers” for 20€ per day. There are also cheaper car parks outside of the city (park and ride).
To get back to the starting point
Train: There is a rail link between Colmar and Strasbourg (1 direct train approx. 30 minutes at rush hour, duration: 30min). If you have your own bike, be sure to check on the SNCF website that the train has a bike storage area, as not all TER trains do.
- Alsace
- 7 day(s)
- Difficult
- ~ 39 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Alsace
- Difficult
- ~ 39 km/day
- Itinerant