5 cycle paths in Alsace for safe cycling

Alsace is an ideal region for cycling, whatever your level or discipline (mountain biking, road cycling, or gravel biking). Beginners, families, or casual cyclists will appreciate the Alsatian plain, a flat terrain offering superb views of charming Alsatian villages, vineyards, and the Vosges Mountains crowned with castles. Experienced cyclists and athletes, on the other hand, will prefer riding through the gently rolling Alsatian vineyards or in the Vosges forests, conquering peaks and passes like the Firstplan or the Grand Ballon.

Besides the Alsace Wine Route, which can be explored by bike along the EuroVelo 5, Alsace offers over 2,500 km of cycle routes and greenways that can be enjoyed at your own pace, stopping to admire the scenery, visit charming villages, and sample local specialties. It's one of the densest networks in France.

Here are five must-do cycling routes in the Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin departments, all on car-free cycle paths for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Reminder: Difference between a cycle track, a cycle lane, and a greenway

In Alsace, as elsewhere, there are several types of infrastructure for cyclists, and it's helpful to understand the differences:

• A cycle track: This is a lane exclusively for bicycles, physically separated from the roadway. Traffic can be two-way or one-way.

• A cycle lane: This is a lane for bicycles integrated to the roadway, often marked by painted lines and pictograms. It doesn't offer the same level of protection as a cycle track.

• A greenway: This is a route shared by cyclists and other non-motorized users (pedestrians, rollerbladers, joggers). It's often located outside urban areas, along canals, in forests, or in natural spaces.

1. The Munster Valley Cycle Path

Starting in Wintzenheim (near Colmar), this route follows the Fecht Valley and climbs to Metzeral, passing through Munster, famous for its cheese, storks, and picture-postcard scenery. The route follows the railway line, away from the road, sometimes sheltered by trees, sometimes through fields, surrounded by mountains. It passes through typical villages such as Turckheim, Wihr-au-Val, and Gunsbach.

This cycling path is accessible for everybody thanks to its gradual elevation gain (247 m), perfect for an introductory ride, a family outing, or for connecting to more challenging routes towards the Vosges peaks. For gravel enthusiasts, the detours through the vineyard slopes offer varied terrain, between vines and woodlands.

• Distance: 20 km from Wintzenheim to Metzeral (40 km round trip)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Varied landscapes, rural heritage, and the natural beauty of the Vosges Mountains.

• More information: https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/403000169-munster-valley-cycle-route/

2. The Colmar to Neuf-Brisach Cycle Path

From Colmar, a direct cycle path leads to Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by Vauban in the 17th century, this star-shaped fortified town is unique in Europe. The flat, well-marked route crosses agricultural plains and sometimes runs alongside canals, offering a contrast to the Vosges mountains. A 44 km loop is possible by following the canal and passing through Artzenheim.

This safe route is ideal for families or for a leisurely ride. Gravel enthusiasts can extend their journey by following farm tracks to the Rhine, where several unpaved sections invite exploration.

• Distance: a 44 km loop

• Difficulty: easy

• Highlights: exceptional historical heritage and a smooth, flowing route.

• More information: https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/403000080-bl617-from-vauban-to-bartholdi/

3. The Rhône-Rhine Canal

The Rhône-Rhine Canal is one of Alsace's major cycling routes. It's part of EuroVelo 15. Lined with trees and dotted with locks and lock houses, this route offers a peaceful, shaded ride along the water. From Mulhouse or Strasbourg, it's possible to cycle long distances on a completely flat route.

From Colmar, you can join the canal at Artzenheim, then follow its banks south (towards Mulhouse) or north (towards Strasbourg). For gravel riders, the parallel farm tracks offer great off-road alternatives.

• Distance: 55 km from Artzenheim to Strasbourg (one way, with the option of returning by train)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Strength: A linear route ideal for long distances.

• More information: https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/403000005-canal-du-rhone-au-rhin-cycle-route-northern-branch/

4. The Cycle Path Along the Colmar Canal

Less well-known than the Rhine-Rhône Canal, the Colmar Canal connects the city to the Rhine River, crossing the Alsace Plain. This secluded, shaded, and peaceful route allows you to quickly leave the city center and immerse yourself in a bucolic setting.

Locks dot the route, adding a historical dimension. This cycle path follows a flat route, perfect for a family outing or an endurance training session. Gravel cyclists will appreciate the small country lanes that offer varied terrain while remaining close to the canal.

• Distance: 14 km to the Rhine (28 km round trip)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Advantage: A peaceful atmosphere and immediate proximity to Colmar.

• More information: https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/403000004-colmar-canal-cycle-route/

5. The Bruche Canal Cycle Path

In the Bas-Rhin region, the Bruche Canal is a gem for cyclists. Built by Vauban between 1682 and 1687 to transport sandstone from the Vosges Mountains for the construction of Strasbourg's fortifications, it is now bordered by a green cycle path connecting the Alsatian capital to Molsheim in the heart of the vineyards.

This cycle route combines history and nature, punctuated by bridges, eleven old locks, and picturesque villages. On a gravel bike, it's possible to leave the main path to explore the vineyards of the Molsheim and Obernai region.

• Distance: approximately 25 km between Strasbourg and Molsheim

• Difficulty: easy

• Highlight: a shaded route steeped in history.

• More information: https://www.cyclinginalsace.com/403000003-bruche-canal-cycle-route/

Alsace, a European cycling hub

What makes Alsace unique is not only the density of its cycling network, but also its integration into major European routes: EuroVelo 5 (Via Romea Francigena), EuroVelo 6 (Atlantic-Black Sea), and EuroVelo 15 (Rhine Route). Local cycle paths connect to these major routes, making it possible to plan multi-day cycling trips or simple day trips.

For gravel enthusiasts, Alsace offers the perfect balance: safe and accessible infrastructure, as well as countless vineyard, forest, and farm tracks that break the routine by riding on varied terrain and thus broaden the adventure.

Rent your gravel bike and set off on an adventure

Whether you're a long-distance enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious, the cycle paths of Alsace guarantee a unique experience. It's also the perfect opportunity to try a gravel bike if you're not yet familiar with this type of cycling. With a gravel bike, you can combine comfort on dedicated cycle paths with the freedom to explore side roads.

Alsace Gravel Bike, in Hattstatt, near Colmar, offers high-performance bikes for rent, perfectly suited to these varied terrains. From our meeting points, you're directly on the EuroVelo 5, also known as the Alsace Wine Route, and you have access to a multitude of other routes. Every pedal stroke allows you to appreciate the charm and diversity of the Alsatian landscapes even more.

Book your gravel bike today and set off to explore Alsace along its cycle paths and trails.