Northern Alsace by bike: between breweries, canals and flower-filled villages

A circular route between the Rhine and the Vosges mountains, discovering flower-filled villages, breweries, and the heritage of Northern Alsace

Starting in Strasbourg, this cycling loop in Northern Alsace is an invitation to discover an important aspect of Alsatian identity: its breweries. Between France and Germany, you'll cycle through authentic villages and historic towns with remarkable heritage. Gently, you'll ride through verdant hills and bucolic valleys, discovering remarkable natural areas and splendid landscapes. The Rhine and its canal, which connects to the Marne, will guide you on several stages. All your efforts will be rewarded with a visit to Villa Meteor, a famous family brewery established in 1640!

Highlights of the trip:

• The cities of Strasbourg, Rastatt, and Karlsruhe
• The numerous breweries and microbreweries
• The exceptional Haguenau Forest
• The cycle paths along the Rhine or the Marne-Rhine Canal
• The bucolic valleys of Northern Alsace

Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg
Arrival at your leisure in Strasbourg. Enjoy your free time strolling through the historic center and visiting the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. A stop at a traditional brewery is a great idea to sample delicious local specialties.

Overnight in Strasbourg.

Day 2: From Strasbourg to Rastatt (65 km)
Take a beautiful cycle path that crosses Strasbourg to reach the Rhine. Cycle along the river through the plains to Drusenheim. From there, take the ferry to cross to the other side and cycle into Germany, enjoying the lovely alluvial landscapes. Rastatt, your destination for the day, offers a picturesque setting with its Baroque old town. Upon arrival, we recommend enjoying a beer garden (outdoor beer garden) or visiting one of the microbreweries to taste local specialties while observing the brewing tanks. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed!

Overnight in Rastatt.

Day 3: From Rastatt to Ettlingen (45 km)
Before setting off, visit the magnificent Rastatt Palace and its gardens if you didn't have time yesterday. It's the oldest Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine. On the way, make your first stop in Malsch, home to a lovely local brewery housed in a former train station, the Hausbrauerei Alter Bahnhof. Then, via small roads winding through charming villages, you'll reach Karlsruhe and its pretty streets, inviting you to linger. Your hotel is just a few kilometers away. Ettlingen is a beautiful medieval town, and the picturesque Durlach district is well worth a visit.

Overnight in Ettlingen.

Day 4: From Ettlingen to the Wissembourg region (40 km)
Today's stage takes you back to the French side of the border. You'll be cycling largely on a beautiful cycle path. Cycle through beautiful wooded areas and fields in the Lauter Valley. In Wissembourg, don't miss the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This prestigious Gothic building testifies to the town's importance in the Middle Ages. For a cultural experience, visit the Westercamp Museum, which houses diverse collections and is located in a former chapel.

Overnight in or near Wissembourg.

Day 5: From the Wissembourg area to Haguenau (50 km)
Today's route takes you through rolling hills dotted with vineyards, meadows, orchards, and villages. In Cleebourg, cycle through the northernmost vineyards of Alsace. In Hunspach, admire the half-timbered houses and flower-filled streets that earned it the title of "France's Favorite Village" in 2020. In Schoenenbourg, take a detour to discover an important fortification of the Maginot Line. The fortress offers an impressive view of the surrounding area. Haguenau is not far away. Its forest is classified as an "Exceptional Forest," offering a unique and unspoiled setting. Its historic center is pleasant, lively, and well-preserved. The hop hall is an iconic monument and was once used for drying and storing hops, the main ingredient in beer.

Overnight in Haguenau.

Day 6: From Haguenau to Saverne (50 km)

The Uberach craft brewery is on today's itinerary. Book a guided tour if you want to learn all about their brewing secrets and taste their finest brews. You'll drive through bucolic valleys to Neuwiller. Stop to admire its beautiful Romanesque abbey church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. Continue on to Saverne, which was once the residence of the bishops of Strasbourg. The town is known for its Rohan Castle, nicknamed the "Little Versailles of Alsace," and is also crossed by the charming Marne-Rhine Canal.

Overnight in Saverne.

Day 7: From Saverne to Strasbourg (60 km)
The Marne-Rhine Canal will be your guide for this final leg of the journey. Its peaceful towpaths will take you to Hochfelden, home to France's oldest independent, family-owned brewery, Villa Meteor. Enjoy the included tour and tasting. Then hop back on your bike and cycle to Strasbourg. The route passes through the European institutions district.

Day 8: Strasbourg
End of the tour after breakfast. Option to spend an additional night(s) in Strasbourg.

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3-star hotels
• Child rates: please contact us

2026 Dates:

Departures daily from March 28 to October 10

• Low season: March 28 to April 10 and October 3 to October 10
• Mid-season: April 11 to May 1 and September 26 to October 2
• High season: May 2 to September 25

Included:

• 7 nights in hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• Self-guided circular tour
• Detailed travel documents or a navigation app
• Luggage transport
• 24/7 telephone assistance

Not included:

• Transportation to the departure point
• Lunches and dinners
• Drinks
• Parking
• Personal expenses
• Sightseeing other than Included in the program:
• Tourist tax

Options:

• Hybrid bike or electric bike rental
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour in Strasbourg
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Levels:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

Hilly, with very smooth roads and paths. The route includes cycle paths and small country roads.

Climate:

Spring: Mild with possible cold spells. Summer: Hot and dry. Autumn: Pleasant temperatures.

Technical difficulty:

• 45 to 65 km of cycling per day, approximately 4 to 6 hours of riding.
• The route is partially marked; map reading is recommended.

Bibliography :

• Bike guide in Alsace (Ouest-France)
• Bike rides in Alsace (Petit Futé)

Additional Nights:
An extra night is offered at the beginning and end of your stay.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hearty (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet.
• Lunches: Not included.
• Dinners: Not included.

Bicycles:

• Rental Bike: Hybrid or electric bike, which will be provided at the first hotel. At the end of the tour, you must return the bike to the last hotel and notify reception.
• Personal Bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to have your bike serviced before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will be responsible for your own bike.

Assistance:
Assistance in case of breakdown (except for punctures, for which we do not provide assistance).

Luggage:
During your stay, luggage will be transported by a courier or our team and is limited to one piece per person (max. 20 kg).

Travel Guide:
We will provide you with detailed maps and itinerary descriptions upon your arrival at your first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants, as well as luggage tags.

Transportation:

• By train: TGV station in Strasbourg
• By road: Strasbourg is 500 km east of Paris. A4 motorway from Paris.
• By plane: Strasbourg Airport.

Parking:
Parking is available near the hotel.

Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.