Bicycling the Vineyards of Alsace

Highlights: Strasbourg, Capital of Alsace

We gather in Strasbourg this afternoon for a bike fitting at our starting hotel. As host to many of the European Union’s institutions, this town is bustling with activity and has been recognized by UNESCO for its historic city center. A crossroads between Germany and France, we encourage you to arrive early to visit this politically fascinating town. The famed Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral was built in 1015 A.D. and now stands as one of France’s most famous architectural masterpieces. The glowing pink stone comes from the nearby Vosges Mountains and it was the world’s tallest building until 1874. Beyond its many architectural gems, Strasbourg is full of quaint neighborhoods such as La Petite France with its revolving bridges, canals and typical Alsatian-style buildings. We’ll suggest a warm-up ride this afternoon after we fit bicycles and before we meet for introductions and a welcome dinner.

Highlights: Alsatian countryside, bike paths

We pedal out of Strasbourg today via side streets, bike paths, and the peaceful 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 cycle through several beautiful villages including Bouxwiller and Dettwiller. Be sure to stop and take some pictures in these towns and perhaps enjoy an Alsatian lunch in a quaint cafe. Our route then leads us to the charming town of Saverne, laced by canals and the Zorn River. Saverne boasts an impressive neoclassical chateau which was once a fortress and the residence of the bishops of Strasbourg.

Highlights: Marmoutier, Molsheim, Marlenheim, Alsatian “Wine Road”

We enter the heart of the Alsatian vineyards today as we leave the pasturelands of the north. First we pass through the village of Marmoutier with its 12th century Romanesque church and then head to Marlenheim and Molsheim. The majority of our ride today is on a bicycle path along the famous Alsace Wine Route. You will have ample opportunities to do tastings at small family-run wineries, and we wil visit one together tomorrow evening in Obernai.

Highlights: Alsatian wine villages and vineyards, views of the Vosges Mountains

We’ll return to our hotel in Obernai tonight so spend the day following our recommended cycle route to Mont Sainte-Odile or wander around the town at your leisure. The ride takes you high into the Vosges Mountains with spectacular views. If you prefer to enjoy a day off the bike, Obernai has a beautifully preserved medieval city center that dates back to the Renaissance and plenty of sites to visit. This evening we will enjoy a special wine tasting at a local producer’s.

Highlights: Wine villages of Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and the Castle of Haut-Koenigsburg

We dive into in the heart of Alsace today, exploring its festive villages in the midst of vineyards, Renaissance house facades, expansive views across the Rhine River Valley, and the Haut Koenigsbourg castle. Take some time to visit the castle and then explore any number of the sixteen villages (Bergheim is probably the best preserved) of the local consortium on the way to our hotel in the center of Riquewihr. Take note of the different charms of these villages with populations ranging from 400 people to 5,000 in the town of Ribeauvillé.

Highlights: The festive villages of the Alsace Wine Road

We are in the same hotel again tonight so you can choose your ride again today. We’ll mark a beautiful route going up into the mountains with spectacular views around Labaroche. The ride takes us to the Col du Linge where you can visit the memorial of this World War I battlefield, testimony to the “war of the trenches”. An exhilarating downhill takes us through Orbey and back to Riquewihr.

Highlights: Gorgeous Munster Valley, La Maison du Fromage

Perhaps the best known town on your route today is Munster, founded by evangelizing Irish monks in the 7th century A.D. Here the monks used their cheesemaking skills to create one of the most famous cheeses in France, Munster cheese. We’ll stop at the Maison du Fromage and learn how this distinctive cheese is made. Plan on a lunch stop here or continue on to Colmar to explore the canals, museums, and great shopping. Colmar has been a famous market and wine center since the 13th century.

Highlights: Enjoy the city

Our tour ends after breakfast today enjoy the rest of your travels around Europe or have a safe trip home!