Cycling in Alsace: the complete guide to discovering the region

With nearly 2,500 km of cycling facilities and three EuroVelo routes crossing its territory (EuroVelo 5, EuroVelo 6, and EuroVelo 15), Alsace is one of the most beautiful regions in France to explore by bike. Between vineyards, typical villages, Vosges mountains, and well-developed cycle paths, it offers an exceptional playground for all cyclists—solo, with family, as a couple, or with friends.

Whether you enjoy long-distance bike touring, day rides, or sport cycling, this complete guide explains everything you need to know to explore Alsace by bike.

A family cycling through vineyards in Alsace

Why discover Alsace by bike?

Bicycle tourists (who go on holidays by bike) enjoy taking the time to fully appreciate landscapes with every pedal stroke and to experience the unique atmosphere of a region. Unlike a car, a bike allows you to stop easily, discover lesser-known places, meet people, and enjoy a more immersive experience.

Alsace is perfectly suited to this type of cycling holiday thanks to its many advantages:

• A wide diversity of landscapes, between vineyards, plains, and the Vosges mountains.

• A well-developed cycling network with safe paths and signposted routes, as well as many gravel-friendly trails and tracks.

• A rich heritage with villages ranked among the most beautiful in France such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Bergheim, numerous delicious culinary specialties, and wines renowned worldwide.

• An accessible region suitable for all cyclists, regardless of level or preferences.

The best cycling routes in Alsace

Planning to explore Alsace by bike for your next holiday? Great idea! Here are some of the best routes accessible to everyone to discover Alsatian villages and landscapes.

1. The Alsace Wine Route by bike

The Vineyard Cycle Route is the must-do itinerary to discover Alsace by bike. This route follows the EuroVelo 5 through Alsace, between Thann and Marlenheim. It passes through the most beautiful wine villages and offers stunning scenery, alternating between shared roads and dedicated cycle paths. Note that there are some climbs, as the vineyard area is quite hilly. But you can recharge at the many cyclist-friendly stops and traditional wine cellars to taste the region’s iconic grands crus. It’s the perfect route combining cycling and gastronomy.

• Distance: about 170 km

• Level: beginner to intermediate

• Duration: 2 to 4 days

👉 Don’t miss:

• Eguisheim

• Riquewihr

• Kaysersberg

• Local vineyards and wine cellars

The Vineyard Cycle Route or EuroVelo 5 in Alsace

2. EuroVelo 15 in Alsace

EuroVelo 15, also known as the Rhine Cycle Route, connects the source of the Rhine in Switzerland to the North Sea in the Netherlands. In Alsace, it runs from Huningue in the south to Lauterbourg in the north, over nearly 200 km. This pleasant, flat, and well-developed route offers an exceptional natural setting. You follow the Rhône–Rhine canal and the Rhine itself. You pass through the Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve, cross the Hardt forest, and discover Neuf-Brisach, Vauban’s fortified town. Locks, characterful churches, and typical villages punctuate this cycling route. You can also make a loop by returning through the German vineyards on the other side of the Rhine.

• Distance: 196 km one way

• Level: beginner

• Duration: 4 days for the Alsace section

👉 Don’t miss:

• Petite Camargue Alsacienne

• Neuf-Brisach

• Strasbourg

3. The Sundgau loop by bike

The Sundgau Loop lets you discover southern Alsace by bike. It forms a large 125 km loop with more than 1,000 m of elevation gain. You ride through the beautiful Alsatian Jura massif, offering numerous viewpoints. This route crosses rolling countryside dotted with ponds, forests, and small typical villages. Less crowded than other routes, it offers total immersion in a quieter, more natural Alsace. It uses both cycle paths and quiet, winding roads. Variants allow you to extend the route. It is particularly well suited for gravel riding.

• Distance: 125 km

• Level: intermediate to advanced

• Duration: 1 to 3 days

👉 Don’t miss:

• Altkirch

• Ferrette

• Tasting fried carp

4. The Three Countries cycling route (France, Switzerland, Germany)

This route goes beyond Alsace. Welcome to the heart of the Dreiland, where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet. In this cross-border region, the Three Countries cycling route offers a unique and varied experience. You pass through the vineyards of Markgräflerland in Germany, the hills of the Swiss Jura, and the green landscapes of Sundgau in southern Alsace. You cycle along former towpaths by the Rhine, ride through charming villages, and discover three cultures in a single trip.

• Distance: 210 km

• Level: intermediate to advanced

• Duration: 4 to 6 days

👉 Don’t miss:

• Rothelin Castle in Lörrach (Germany)

• Arlesheim and Rheinfelden (Switzerland)

• Ottmarsheim Abbey and Mulhouse old town (France)

Which bike to choose for cycling in Alsace?

In Alsace, your choice of bike depends on your profile, your cycling style, and your preferences.

Road bike

• For experienced cyclists

• Ideal for covering long distances

• Best for performance on paved roads

• Suitable for roads and asphalt cycle paths

Mountain bike (MTB)

• Suitable for technical terrain in the mountains

• Ideal for trails and forest riding in the Vosges

• Less comfortable for long distances or paved routes

Gravel bike (best compromise)

• Perfect for exploring Alsace, switching easily between roads, vineyard paths, cycle routes, and forest trails

• Versatile and comfortable, can carry bikepacking bags

• Suitable for all levels

Electric bike (e-bike)

• Allows long distances and climbs with less effort

• Ideal for less sporty riders, older cyclists, or those carrying gear

Can you cycle Alsace with family?

Yes, Alsace is an ideal cycling destination for families. There are routes for all levels, safe cycle paths, and flat rides suitable for children.

For cycling in Alsace with children, we recommend:

• choosing flat routes, especially in the Alsace plain, with great views of the Vosges ;

• planning short stages ;

• taking regular breaks with water and snacks.

Here are some suggestions for family-friendly cycling routes in Alsace:

• The Three-Parks Bike Tour in Strasbourg: this is an 11.6 km loop that lets you discover three parks in Strasbourg. The route was designed for people with disabilities, so it is also well suited for families with children. There is no elevation gain, the cycle paths are wide and comfortable, and toilets are available along the way.

• Cycling in the countryside between the Ill and the Rhone–Rhine canal around Colmar: starting from Neuf-Brisach, this 83 km route reaches Colmar by following the Ill and the Lauch rivers, then passes through its historic center. It continues toward the Alsatian Ried and Illhaeusern before joining EuroVelo 15 along the Rhine back to the starting point. Best done over 2 days.

• The Munster Valley cycle route: do you like cheese? Ride this route as a family, which takes you into the heart of Munster country, linking Wintzenheim to Metzeral over 20 km. You cycle along a pleasant bike path surrounded by the Vosges Mountains. If your children get tired, you can even return by train.

• Cycling across borders – Hardt Forest near Mulhouse: in summer, enjoy the coolness of the Hardt Forest near Mulhouse. This is a flat 62 km loop that can be done over 1 or 2 days. You follow a paved forest track, paths through fields and small villages along the Rhine, and the cycle path of the Rhone–Rhine canal.

Where to sleep and eat during your cycling trip?

Alsace is a tourist region very well equipped to welcome cyclists. Indeed, many accommodations (hotels, gîtes, bed and breakfasts and campsites), restaurants, tourist offices, bike rentals and repair shops, as well as places to visit and activities are labeled "Accueil Vélo".

What is the “Accueil Vélo” label?

Establishments awarded the Accueil Vélo label are committed to welcoming cyclists and their equipment in accordance with a quality standard. In Alsace, there are over 330 Accueil Vélo places of all types offering the following services:

1. Information about the best route to easily reach your Accueil Vélo location.

2. A warm welcome with information and advice tailored to cyclists.

3. Free and secure bicycle parking.

4. Safe storage for your panniers during your break.

5. Access to power outlets for charging your phone or GPS.

6. Charging the battery of your electric bike (e-bike).

7. A complete repair kit in case of a breakdown or information on the nearest repair shop.

Accueil Vélo logo

Examples of Bike-Friendly Accommodation Establishments in Alsace

Here are some examples of bike-friendly establishments in Alsace, categorized by type.

Restaurants

• Restaurant Au Lion Rouge in Bartenheim

• Restaurant Au Soleil in Wettolsheim

• Restaurant Au Parc des Cigognes in Kintzheim

• Restaurant Au Petit Bois Vert in Strasbourg

Accommodations

• Relais de Rixheim – Hôtel Originals – Mulhouse Est

• Camping d’Osenbach

• Hôtel Spa Husseren Collection in Husseren-les-Châteaux

• Camping municipal Le Vallon de l’Ehn in Obernai

Tourist Offices

• Guebwiller Region Tourist Office

• Eguisheim and Rouffach Region Tourist Office

• Barr – Dambach-la-Ville Region Tourist Office

• Molsheim-Mutzig Region Tourist Office

Places to visit and activities

• Le Parc des Eaux Vives in Huningue

• Domaine viticole Gueth in Gueberschwihr

• Cigoland Parc des Cigognes & Attractions in Kintzheim

• Chocolaterie Daniel Stoffel in Ribeauvillé

• La Maison de la Choucroute Le Pic in Meistratzheim

You can find all the establishments labeled Accueil Vélo in Alsace and in France on the France Vélo Tourisme website.

When to go cycling in Alsace?

Cycling in Alsace can be done in almost any season, as each offers a different experience.

In spring, starting in April, the temperatures become pleasant again and nature awakens. The trees are in bloom and the leaves begin to unfurl. It's a wonderful season for cycling in Alsace.

In summer, you can take advantage of the long, sunny days to explore the cycle paths, cool off on the forest trails, or head into the Vosges Mountains for the more athletic. It's peak tourist season, and numerous events celebrate cycling and cyclists, such as:

• Col’Attitude, which allows participants to climb certain Vosges mountain passes on closed roads during 11 events, the first of which takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Lac Blanc;

• SlowUp Alsace, also taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, is a lovely route to do by bike, rollerblade, or on foot going through the towns at the foot of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle;

• Colmar Vélotour offers an unusual bike ride through the streets of Colmar on Sunday, June 14, 2026;

• The L'Alsacienne cyclosportive, for competitive cyclists, takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Kruth.

Autumn is a beautiful season for cycling in Alsace. The colors are magnificent, with the vine leaves turning orange, red, and gold. It's also harvesting time, so you need to be extra careful on the vineyard paths where you'll encounter winemakers and grape harvesters.

Finally, winter is the least suitable season for cycling in Alsace. If the temperatures are mild and the days sunny, the experience remains very pleasant, provided you are well equipped, as you will be alone or almost alone.

Practical tips for cycling in Alsace

Cycling in Alsace, like anywhere else, requires preparation. Here are our tips for making the most of Alsace by bike, whether it's a short ride or a long one.

• Plan your route ahead using an app like Komoot or websites such as www.cyclinginalsace.com. You can also stop by tourist offices to ask for information on cycling routes in the region.

• Be well-equipped with cycling shorts for comfort, a helmet for safety, sunglasses or photochromic lenses for better visibility, and even gloves.

• Bring water to stay hydrated and snacks (like energy bars) to avoid energy dips.

• Take a repair kit with you and note down the locations of repair shops along your route in case of a more serious problem.

• Plan to stop in villages to eat and discover Alsatian culture and heritage.

Why choose Alsace Gravel Bike?

To begin with, Alsace is an excellent playground for gravel biking. This comfortable and versatile bike allows you to ride everywhere, from vineyard paths to trails in the Vosges forests, or even roads and bike paths. You can ride your bike safely, avoiding main roads and traffic. Gravel biking offers a freer, more adventurous, and more authentic cycling experience.

To fully enjoy it, having the right equipment is essential.

At Alsace Gravel Bike, we rent high-performance gravel bikes as well as accessories for worry-free riding (helmets, locks, repair kits, phone mounts, etc.). And above all, we recommend routes suited to your skill level and preferences.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, we will make sure you have an unforgettable cycling experience in Alsace.

Don't wait any longer: choose your bike and set off to discover the rich heritage of Alsace, the local cuisine, and the diverse surrounding nature. The region is accessible to all levels with nearly 2,500 km of cycling routes.

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