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One of the most picturesque regions of France, Alsace is also one of the most cycle-friendly. Designated bike paths and quiet country backroads provide a perfect passage along France's oldest wine route, passing Hansel and Gretel style houses overlooked by imposing medieval castles. Winding through the region's most beautiful villages and charming landscapes, this short ride along the must-see highlights of the Alsace Wine Route is a great option for those short on time. The route takes you to some of the key cities including delightful Strasbourg, home to the EU Parliament, as well as Obernai and Colmar, where you will witness the most delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. There is plenty of opportunity to get out of the saddle to explore their cobblestone streets and marvel at the impressive Romanesque and Baroque churches. As you ride through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards the gastronomic delights are plentiful with the German influence on the regional cuisine providing a culinary experience found nowhere else in the country. The unusual and stunning 'balloons' or round topped hills will provide some challenge on the bike but you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere along the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland.
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15kg of CO2-e PP per day
(59kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Strasbourg
Arrive in the university town of Strasbourg and settle into the hotel. Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and home to some great museums which are worth visiting. The old city is dominated by the Cathedral made of pink sandstone from the Vosges. Stroll through the narrow paved cobbled streets and see the beautiful half-timbered houses with painted plasterwork, stone gateways and intimate courtyards. You can also find some interesting churches, restaurants and shops and the city has a number of covered bridges which cross the Ill River. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle along the canal de la Bruche to Obernai (37km/23mi)
Your bikes will be available this morning from the bike shop, a short walk from the hotel. The Canal de la Bruche once served to transport wine from the vineyards to Strasbourg and today a cycle path runs along it. Ride from the inner city to Molsheim with some great cycling in the shadow of the Vosges. The route to the town of Obernai leads you through charming villages, past beautiful castles and winding vineyards to the beginning of the 'Route des Vins'. In Obernai you'll find medieval streets lined with the classic half-timbered houses of the region. Enjoy delicious Alsatian cuisine in one of the many restaurants in charming Obernai. 165m/541ft ascent, 119m/390ft descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to Riquewihr (49km/31mi)
The cycle path takes you through famous vineyards and their wine-growing villages, which are among the most beautiful in Alsace: Mittelbergheim, Andlau, Itterswiller, Dambach-la-Ville and Ribeauville, with opportunities to sample wines. Continue to the medieval town of Riquewihr, listed as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (most beautiful villages of France), in the heart of the Alsace wine region. The combination of beautiful architecture and world famous wines has given Riquewihr the nickname 'The Pearl of Alsace'. Overnight in Riquewihr. 419m/1375ft ascent, 319m/1047ft descent
Day 4
To the picturesque city of Colmar (36km/22mi)
Today there are more vines and beautiful wine-growing villages. You will visit beautiful Turckheim, a walled and fortified town. Take the time to walk through the streets lined with half-timbered houses. Continue cycling through scenic wine villages including Kaysersberg and end your ride in Colmar. You can make this cycling day more challenging by adding an extra loop through the area which takes you past five local castles. Colmar is situated in the heart of the Alsace plain and near to the foothills of the Vosges. Its old town is worth exploring, with its narrow cobbled streets flanked by sixteenth and seventeenth century half-timbered houses. Colmar is the birthplace of F.A. Bartholdi, the sculptor best known for designing New York's Statue of Liberty. Overnight in Colmar. 196m/643ft ascent, 286m/938ft descent
Day 5
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request. Recommended also if you'd like to visit the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (take the train Colmar-Selestat and the bus up to the chateau.)
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, lock and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.
Grade 2 - daily cycles of between 36-49km / 22-30.5mi on mainly flat terrain. Days 3 and 4 will involve some hill ascents and descents. You will ride mainly on cycle paths, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request). If you are not used to cycling then we recommend that you include as much cycling on roads in your pre trip training. This is to get used to cars passing you at times and will be invaluable practise for when you are entering and leaving towns and cities when on the trip.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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