EuroVelo 5 cycle route: explore the most beautiful villages of Alsace by gravel bike

Alsace is a region that seems tailor-made for gravel biking: a mosaic of small vineyard paths, forest trails, and winding country roads, all crossing landscapes where history, nature, and gastronomy intertwine. EuroVelo 5, also known as the "Via Romea (Francigena)," crosses this region from north to south, following the Alsace Wine Route. It's an ideal route for cyclists seeking beauty, authenticity, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Located in Hattstatt, directly on EuroVelo 5, Alsace Gravel Bike offers rentals of high-performance gravel bikes for exploring the gems of the Alsatian vineyards. This is the perfect route for discovering the region's most beautiful villages on a day trip or for a bikepacking adventure in Alsace.

The EuroVelo 5 cycle route going through Alsace

Starting point on the EuroVelo 5

When you rent your gravel bike from Alsace Gravel Bike, you can pick it up at one of our five meeting points on the EuroVelo 5: Rouffach, Pfaffenheim, Gueberschwihr, Hattstatt, and Eguisheim. These charming little wine-growing villages are excellent starting points. From the very first pedal strokes, they offer a picture-postcard atmosphere with views of the Vosges Mountains.

Eguisheim: the French's favorite village

Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", Eguisheim is a circular gem lined with colorful half-timbered houses. The historic center is perfect for a coffee break in the Place du Château Saint-Léon and a stroll along the ramparts. If you have the time, take a detour to the Three Castles of Eguisheim, accessible by a gravel track from the village: a short but intense climb, rewarded by a breathtaking view.

Where to eat in Eguisheim?

Feeling peckish during your gravel adventure? Stop by one of these restaurants to refuel.

• L’Auberge Alsacienne: delicious cuisine featuring fresh, local produce.

• Le Caveau d’Eguisheim: traditional Alsatian dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Le Thé au Citron: homemade pastries and refreshing drinks for a sweet treat.

Turckheim and Niedermorschwihr: Between Vineyards and fortifications

Continuing your gravel bike journey north through Alsace, the route follows the contours of the vineyards to Turckheim, a charming medieval town still encircled by its ramparts. Known for its night watchman, the town is full of charm with its cobbled streets and wine cellars.

Nearby, the small village of Niedermorschwihr is a hidden gem. Its small church with a twisted spire and its flower-adorned houses offer an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts.

Kaysersberg: Between Mountain and Valley

The cycle route then leads you to Kaysersberg, voted France's favorite village in 2017. Dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle, this village nestled in the Weiss Valley combines natural beauty with historical heritage. You can discover the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, or stroll along the riverbank.

Where to eat in Kaysersberg?

If you're hungry during your visit to Kaysersberg, there are plenty of great places to eat. Here are two:

• Flamme & co : delicious tarte flambée made with top-quality, fresh ingredients.

• La Table d’Olivier Nasti (2 ★ Michelin) : a must for demanding gourmets.

Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé: Medieval Alsace on the EuroVelo 5

The EuroVelo 5 continues along paths alternating between gravel and small farm roads, perfectly suited for gravel biking, towards Riquewihr, a true architectural gem. Its remarkably well-preserved town center is a delight for the eyes and the palate. Don't miss the Thieves' Tower (la tour des Voleurs), a medieval relic transformed into a museum.

A few kilometers further on, still along the cycle route, Ribeauvillé unfolds its charms between vineyards and mountains. Three castles overlook the town: Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre. The more adventurous can attempt the climb on a gravel bike, or hike there.

Where to eat in Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé?

Two excellent restaurants in Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé to satisfy both small and large appetites.

• Au Relais des Ménétriers in Ribeauvillé: Alsatian cuisine with a modern twist.

• La Table du Gourmet in Riquewihr (1 ★ Michelin): creative cuisine featuring carefully selected ingredients, sourced from garden to plate.

Gueberschwihr, Rouffach, and back to Hattstatt

From Hattstatt, you can also cycle through the vineyards towards Gueberschwihr, a stunning Alsatian village overlooked by cliffs ideal for climbing and offering lovely views of the Alsace plain. Its Romanesque church and flower-filled streets are well worth a stop. Then cycle towards Rouffach for a completely different atmosphere. This village boasts a wealth of Gothic and Renaissance buildings, especially its imposing Saint-Arbogast church.

Where to eat in Gueberschwihr and Rouffach?

Here are two places to eat in Gueberschwihr and Rouffach, where you can stop for a bite to eat before continuing your gravel ride.

• La Taverne médiévale in Gueberschwihr: traditional regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.

• Les Trois Colonnes à Rouffach: generous, homemade dishes right in the city center on the Alsace Wine Route.

If you're bikepacking, you can continue your gravel adventure on the EuroVelo 5 cycle route to Basel in Switzerland to the south or to Saarbrücken in Germany to the north.

If you rent a gravel bike for the day, you can easily return to Hattstatt or another meeting point from Rouffach via the vineyards, the plains, or the mountains for more elevation gain.

EuroVelo 5: Rent your bike with Alsace Gravel Bike

To fully enjoy this experience, Alsace Gravel Bike offers comfortable and lightweight Welt gravel bikes, perfectly suited to the Alsatian trails. Whether you're heading out for a half-day, a full day, or a few days, our 5 meeting points, directly located on the EuroVelo 5 cycle route, are the ideal starting points for your adventure.

Solo, with friends, or with family, discover the landscapes, villages, and flavors of Alsace, all at the relaxing pace of gravel biking. Book your bike online in just 2 minutes!

Alsace Gravel Bike wishes you a wonderful ride through the gems of Alsace!