We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Read more about the ExpeditionPlus! concept to see if this type of tour is for you. If it is fill out our Expedition Application if you have not traveled on an Expedition Trip with ExperiencePlus!***
Measuring 64 km in length and 12 km at it widest point, Lake Constance is at the confluence of Switzerland/Germany/Austria and is the third largest lake in Central Europe. Explore Constance today as we rest up before heading into Germany and Northern France on our way to Paris.
Test Ride. Meals: D
Lodging: Hotel 47 Grad
Meals : Dinner
Highlights: Crossing borders, Germany’s Black Forest
We pedal West through another border today as we first jump on the cycle path around the lake and then continue into Switzerland, Germany, and into Germany’s Black Forest.?Our destination is Donauschingen, famous as the source of the mighty Danube River.
Distance: 80km (50 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel Zum Hirschen
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: The beautiful city of Freiburg
Our ride today leaves the hills of the Black Forest heading to Freiburg, without doubt one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy its splendid colorful houses, and the impressive cathedral. And, of course, you will also notice the old “Bächle” an unusual system of gutters that run throughout its center. These Bächle, were once used to provide water to fight fires and feed livestock. They have a constant flow of water diverted from the Dreisam River and were never intended to remove sewage, such use would lead to harsh penalties even during the Middle Ages. The running water provides a natural form of air conditioning in the summer, and offers a pleasant gurgling sound. It is said that if one accidentally falls or steps into a Bächle, they will marry a Freiburger, or ‘Bobbele’.?Watch your step!
Distance: 63km (39 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel Oberkirch
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: the Alsace, Haut Koenigsbourg castle,
Today we head into the Alsace region with its festive villages in the midst of vineyards, Renaissance house facades, and expansive views across the Rhine River Valley, and the Haut Koenigsbourg castle. Those who want to can visit the castle, then explore any number of the sixteen villages of the local consortium on the way to our hotel in the center of Riquewihr (Bergheim is probably the best preserved). The villages have populations that range from 400 to 5,000 at Ribeauvillé.?
Distance: 65km (40 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel ? l’Oriel
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Alsace
Alsace is arguably the most unique region of France. It has gone from German to French hands 5 times over the last 150 years, it is now a cultural crossroads where French finesse meets German gusto. Tucked between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River we pedal to Strasbourg, the capitol of this region that features a perfect balance of architecture, nature, and gastronomy.
Distance: 88km (55 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel Maison Rouge
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Rest Day
Enjoy Strasbourg today and visit highlights of the city such as the Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral which was started in 1015 AD and now stands as one of France’s most famous architectural masterpieces. The cathedral’s glowing pink stone comes from the nearby Vosges Mountains and it was the world’s tallest building until 1874. Strasbourg is full of architectural gems as well as quaint quarters such as the La Petite France, often called the little Venice of the north with its canals, revolving bridges, and typical Alsatian-style buildings.
Meals: B
Lodging: Hotel Maison Rouge
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights: Canal de la Marne au Rhin, Saverne
We leave Strasbourg today via side streets, bike paths, and the serene Canal de la Marne au Rhin ? part of the vast network of canals that crisscross Europe north of the Alps. Pedaling west over rolling hills, you’ll pass through several beautiful villages including Bouxwiller and Dettwiller and where you’ll want to stop for pictures and perhaps an Alsatian lunch. Our route then leads us to the charming town of Saverne, laced by canals and the Zorn River. Our route ends in Sarrebourg in the Moselle region of France.
Distance: approx. 70-90km (44-56 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Ibis Styles
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: UNESCO Heritage historic city center
Our route continues through quiet roads, along canals and small villages on our way to Nancy. A bustling town that mixes modern and historic life seamlessly with its UNESCO Heritage historic city center, art nouveau galleries and gourmet specialties.
Distance: approx. 75-90km (44-56 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Hotel des Prelats
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights: Picturesque villages and country roads
We continue bicycling quiet canal paths and country roads on our way to Bar Le Duc, the “capital of the currant”. We’ll pedal through small towns and villages that look and feel more quintessentially French than what we’ve seen so far. This area has been part of medieval and renaissance aristocracy since the 10th century.
Distance: 108km (67 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel Ibis
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Champagne Region
A stark contrast to previous days’ rides we have fields for as far as the eye can see as we leave the canals and forests behind and enter one of the premier wine regions of France: Champagne.
Distance: 125km (78 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Grand Continental
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights: Rest Day
An important city for the Roman Empire and as the traditional site of the crowning of Kings in France, Reims has quite a few sights to visit. Or, rest your legs and sip some Champagne as we prepare to pedal the last few days towards Paris.
Meals: B, D
Lodging: Grand Continental
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Battle ground of the Napolenic Wars and WWI
Our route today traverses some of the most important battle grounds of both the Napoleonic Wars and of WWI. Rolling hills greet us en route to Chateau Thierry. We are still in the heart of Champagne country and will be following the regional Champagne “route” for the last 25 kms of today’s ride.
Distance: 82km (51 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Best Western Hotel Ile de France
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Celebration under the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élys&eagrave’es
Pedalling into Paris, the scenery, vineyards, villages, churches, magnificent architecture to Notre Dame Cathedral then finish under the Eiffel Tower with a celebration, champagne, French bread, cheese, olives, meats. Photos and 3 cheers before cycling down to the Champs-Élys&eagrave’es. Our hotel is exceptional, placed between the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élys&eagrave’es, in a lovely area of Paris.
Distance: 110km (68 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: West End Paris