Alsace biking : vineyards, greenways and Germany

7 days across Alsace by bike

Highlights

Start your trip from Strasbourg or Colmar
The Alsace wine route
Riquewihr, the pearl of the vineyard
The canals of Alsace
A day in Germany in the Kaiserstuhl vineyard
Choice of short routes or long routes for each day

Between plains, vineyards and Alsatian villages

Discover what makes up the identity of Alsace on a bike trip on the wine route and in the most beautiful villages of the region. Cross the Rhine and get away for a day in Germany.

Your journey begins in Colmar, city of art and history. You set off to explore Alsace by bike. The first part of your stay is spent on the Alsace wine route by bike between Colmar and Strasbourg. Small villages on the hillside punctuate your route and offer you delicious gourmet breaks. In each of these villages you will find winegrowers ready to welcome you to help you discover the wonderful grape varieties of Alsace such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir.

Riquewihr is without doubt one of the most typical and interesting villages. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, nicknamed The Pearl of the Vineyard, the city of ramparts presents half-timbered architecture from the Renaissance period. A stopover that certainly does not leave travelers indifferent.

Another highlight of this Alsatian getaway is the Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle. It must be earned! Built on the mountain, directly overlooking the plain of the Rhine valley, it offers a unique panorama over a large part of the region.

Arriving in Strasbourg, enjoy a stroll through la petite France, visit a market and do not miss the must-see clock in the Strasbourg Cathedral.

You take the road towards Selestat across the Alsatian plains. You ride along the Rhine then for an afternoon you continue your cycling route to Germany in the wine region of Kaiserstuhl. You take the Rhine Cycle Route to stop at Neuf-Brisach, a city fortified in the shape of a star by Vauban, military architect of the King of France, in 1697 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Your stay ends in little Venice, the flattering nickname given to Colmar.

 

We also offer this trip starting from Strasbourg.

Carte Alsace à vélo entre vignoble, canaux et Allemagne
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

COLMAR

Meet your guide at the hotel in the late afternoon. Take advantage of the rest of your day to discover the city of Colmar.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From COLMAR to RIBEAUVILLE 39km 441m Niveau Loisir

First, you start south to discover Eguisheim. Then Cycle on the wine road from Colmar to Ribeauvillé. 

You cycle through these emblematic villages of the Alsace Wine Route. Kaysersberg, imperial city overlooked by the remains of his castle, Ammerschwihr, Riquewihr, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France with its Dolder Towera and finally Ribbeauvillé, with its 3 chateaux overlooking the village and its many half-timbered houses.

  • For a few more km 67km 716m Niveau Forme

    On this longer version, after your visit of the village of Eguisheim, your ride to the most famous cheese area of the Vosges mountain region: Munster. Rounded summits, thatched farms and glacial lakes make up the varied landscape of the Munster Valley. Then you cycle through these emblematic villages of the Alsace Wine Route. Kaysersberg, imperial city overlooked by the remains of his castle, Ammerschwihr, Riquewihr, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France with its Dolder Towera and finally Ribbeauvillé, with its 3 chateaux overlooking the village and its many half-timbered houses.

Day 3

From RIBEAUVILLE to OBERNAI 48km 334m Niveau Loisir

You follow the route of the “Alsace wine route”. You meet many winegrowers along your journey. The occasion for a gourmet, friendly and enthusiast tasting. Your ride follows the hillsides among the vineyards and you cross many beautiful villages like Orschwiller, Kintzeim or Dambach. The village of Itterswiller is undoubtedly one of the most interesting stops with an architectural heritage typical of Alsace.

  • For a few more km 61km 870m Niveau Forme

    This longer option involves a challenging climb to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle. It is a rewarding climb of 17km for 500m elevation.Since its construction in the 12th century, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle has been a constant witness to both European conflicts and rivalry between lords, kings and emperors. Its strategic position, quite easy to defend in former times, now provides visitors with an exceptional panoramic view over the Alsace plain, the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest and even -on a clear day- the Alps.

Day 4

From OBERNAI to STRASBOURG 37km 147m Niveau Loisir

After a short passage through the vineyards along the Alsace wine route by bike, the road winds through the long Bruche valley. An easy, calm and flat ride takes you directly into the city center of Strasbourg. Strasbourg was one of the first cities in France to adapt to cycling and you will love riding in this city which accompanies your day beautifully.

Day 5

From STRASBOURG to SELESTAT 55km 57m Niveau Forme

You leave the capital of Alsace in the direction of the South, by a succession of cycle paths. Strasbourg is not the most cycling French city for nothing. The stage of the day allows you to discover the plain landscapes of Alsace. At the end of the stage, you will reach Sélestat, a town located on the edge of the Vosges mountains.

Day 6

From SELESTAT to BIESHEIM, par le vignoble allemand 62km 401m Niveau Forme

Today, enjoy a bike ride in Germany and cross the border to the Kaiserstuhl wine region. The Kaiserstuhl is a low mountain range of ancient volcanic origin. The vineyards now form a very distinct part of the landscape grown on large terraces that follow the contours of several old volcanic cones. After a nice stop at one of the many places for lunch, you ride for a short time on the Rhine Cycle Route before you come back to France.

Day 7

From BIESHEIM to COLMAR 25km 73m Niveau Facile

You take the road towards the town of Neuf Brisach. Following the Treaty of Ryswick of 1697 and the loss of Brisach on the German bank, Louis XIV chose to build a new fortified city. Neuf Brisach was born and construction was entrusted to Vauban.

During a short coffee break, you will discover this charming town, listed since 2008 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be surprised by its surprising architecture and its peacefulness.

You then ride towards Colmar, still on wonderful cycle paths.

  • For a few more km 52km 151m Niveau Loisir

    On this longer version, you head south to Rouffach and then reach Eguisheim, one of the most famous village in Alsace.

    Note for road bike travelers: you have a small portion on a white path along the Ill river (km 14 to km 20). The path is very clean and allows you to avoid a road with a lot of traffic.

Day 8

COLMAR

End of stay after breakfast. If you wish, you can request a transfer to Strasbourg (optional).

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Restaurant Beauséjour - Colmar Hôtel La Cloche Hôtel le Grillon Aux Deux Clefs - Biesheim

Starting from 1065€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Saint-Martin - Colmar Le Gouverneur - Obernai Les Prés d'Ondine - Baldenheim Aux Deux Clefs - Biesheim

Starting from 1270€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Cour de l'hôtel Le quatorze à Colmar Les Prés d'Ondine - Baldenheim Aux Deux Clefs - Biesheim

Starting from 1540€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Trekking bike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 2 back bag 15L
    • 1 front bag 3L with plastic map holder
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bottle

    Ebike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 2 back bag 15L
    • 1 front bag 3L with plastic map holder
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bottle

    Child bike

    from 1.20 meters
    with or without gears

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bottle

    Getting here

    Departure city : COLMAR

    Coming by car

    • at 5h30 from PARIS
    • at 8h from BORDEAUX
    • at 4h15 from LYON

    Parking*

    • Lacarre – COLMAR

    Coming by train

    • Colmar train station - 2h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Bâle airport
    • Strasbourg airport

    Arrival city : COLMAR

    Coming by car

    • at 5h30 from PARIS
    • at 8h from BORDEAUX
    • at 4h15 from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Colmar train station - 2h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Bâle airport
    • Strasbourg airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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