SMALL GROUP TOURS IN FRANCE AND GERMANY
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The France Alsace
Wine Route
(La Route des Vins d’Alsace)
Bicycle and Walk Through Intensely Colorful Medieval Villages and Rolling Terrain of Lush Vineyards Nestled at the Foothills of the Vosges Mountains
Alsace is a beautiful and culturally unique region of France. Located on the northeastern side of France, Alsace comprises a long, narrow region of France that shares its eastern border mostly with Germany and a small section with Switzerland. Alsace’s geographic location at the border of French and German cultures and languages has given the region a distinct cultural identity within France – as seen today in its architecture, history, cuisine and dialect. With the Rhine River defining its eastern side and the Vosges Mountains defining its western side, the Alsace interior landscape is filled with centuries-old vineyards that produce Alsatian wines of national and international renown.
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Tour Distance
We will discover most, but not all, of the Alsace Wine Route.
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Total Distance we will ride: ~ 216 km (134 miles).
Daily Average: 43 km per day (27 miles per day); some days will be longer or shorter.
There is no biking on the first and last days.
Grapes, vineyards and the techniques of wine production were introduced by the Romans to Alsace between 58 B.C and the 5th century. Later, as the Roman Empire declined, Alsace came under the control of German-speaking people and was part of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire for several centuries. With the end of the 30 Years War in 1648 most of Alsace was returned to France where it remained for more than 200 years.
The result of another war, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, transferred control of Alsace to the newly formed Germany. From 1871 to 1918 Alsace was part of Germany until it was returned to France as part of the Treaty of Versailles ending World War I. With the start of World War II, Alsace was again absorbed into Germany. Finally, at the end of World War II Alsace returned to France where it has been part of the modern French Republic for more than 75 years.
This complicated historical interplay between French and German cultural, linguistic, and political influence has made Alsace the unique area of France that it is today. While Alsace is decidedly French, the influence of German cuisine, architecture, and language remains to this day.
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The capital and largest city of Alsace is Strasbourg. Its historical urban center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as is its German-influenced Neustadt city section.
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Our tour begins in beautiful Strasbourg and proceeds west until we reach the Alsace Wine Route. Running south to Colmar and beyond, the Alsace Wine Route is adjacent to the foothills of the Vosges mountain range.
Alsace’s rich and ancient history is on display throughout the wine route in the picturesque hills filled with vineyards and numerous fairytale-like, medieval villages made mostly of intensely colorful, half-timbered buildings. Cobblestone streets line the village lanes and town squares, and colorful, cascading flowers fill the window boxes. This is stunningly beautiful Alsace!
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Famous for its white wines, Alsatian winemakers produce wine of the highest quality and are known throughout the world. The most commonly grown Alsatian grape varieties include:
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Riesling d’Alsace: a white wine with vibrant acidity and expressive bouquet of ripe citrus fruits, green apple, and mineral qualities, ranging from dry to semi-dry.
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Pinot Blanc d’Alsace: a white wine with balanced acidity with fresh and inviting aromas of green apples, pears and citrus with hints of floral notes, honey or almond.
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Sylvaner d’Alsace: a white wine with light, fresh, crisp profile with subtle floral and herbal notes.
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Muscat d’Alsace: a white wine with an intense and fragrant bouquet, notes of orange blossom and floral characters, and ranging from dry to sweet.
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Pinot Gris d’Alsace: a white wine with a complex and aromatic bouquet, with the aromas of ripe stone-fruits and moderate acidity.
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Gewürztraminer: a white wine with intense aromas of lychee, rose and spice, ranging from semi-dry to sweet.
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Pinot Noir: the only red wine of Alsace, light to medium-bodied, with flavors of red berries and earthy undertones.
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Crémant d’Alsace: a sparkling white wine that is crisp and refreshing with complex aromas and an inviting bouquet.
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A day of biking along the Alsace Wine Route, discovering the villages and vineyards, ends in the pleasures of Alsatian culinary specialties, such as the savory tarte flambée of onion, bacon and crème frâiche, choucroute garnie of sauerkraut, sauage, salted meats and potatoes, the savory, soft bretzel (pretzels), and sweet dessert tarts filled with red plums or apples, all accompanied, of course, by delicious Alsatian wine. This is not only a place for those who love good food and delicious wine, it’s a place for those who love beautiful scenery and fascinating history.
This map was created by Niko67000. No changes have been made. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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France with Alsace Highlighted in Red
Alsace Wine Route
Alsace Wine Route map provided by wineroute.alsace and Alsace Destination Tourisme (ADT)
ITINERARY
7 Days Together, 6 Nights of Accommodation
Day 1 Late Monday Afternoon - Strasbourg
Check-in between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. (15:00 – 17:00).
Bike Fit and Helmet
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We fit you to your bike and confirm you’ve got a helmet.
We gather as a group and introduce ourselves to each other.
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We enjoy dinner together.
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The schedule for the week is reviewed, including important considerations for safe navigation by bicycle and by foot, including local bicycling laws and norms.
Day 2
In the morning we cycle west out of Strasbourg along a historical canal built in 1682 by the well-known French military engineer Vauban. We cycle toward a wine-producing area known as La Couronne d’Or or Golden Circle of vineyards, an area of wine-making villages where the wine route begins.
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As early as the 6th century, records praise the wine from these vineyards.
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We pass through several vineyards designated as“Grand Cru”, a label reserved for vineyards producing wines of superior quality.
Along the way we explore picturesque medieval villages that line the northern Alsace Wine Route.
We cycle up to 53 km (33 miles) on this day.
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Breakfast and lunch together. Dinner on your own.
Day 3
We cycle south as the villages and vineyards unfold around us in beautiful tranquility. We stop to see sites of historical and architectural interest, including villages from the 12th century, their medieval gates and surrounding stone fortifications, and picturesque, flower-filled village squares. Our route includes Alsace’s oldest bakery from 1602, and for car aficionados, we visit the birthplace of the Bugatti brand.
We continue south to one of the larger towns along the Alsace Wine Route, Obernai, the birthplace of the Patron Saint of Alsace, Odile.
Additional highlights of the day include:
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Gertwiller, for those who enjoy gingerbread; and
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Mittelbergheim, voted by the French as one of the most beautiful villages of France​.
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We cycle about 50 km (31 miles) on this day.
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Breakfast and lunch together. Dinner on your own.
Day 4
Our journey continues south through rolling terrain of vineyards and medieval villages until we reach the town of Sélestat which is famous for its humanist library containing handwritten books from the 700s and 800s.
From Sélestat we cycle (or take a shuttle) southwest and upward to the majestic Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg from which there is a spectacular panoramic view of the Alsatian countryside below.
Originating from medieval times, the Château (castle) is designated a monument of historical importance by the French Ministry of Culture.
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After touring the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, we descend to a nearby medieval village surrounded by vineyards where we spend the night.
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We cycle about 46 km (29 miles) on this day.
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Breakfast and lunch together. Dinner on your own.
Day 5
We begin a day in which we pass through some of the more well-known and colorful, fairy-tale villages of Alsace, including Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg-Vignoble, Ammerschwihr, and Turckheim. Our ride takes us through a rolling terrain of vineyards.
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Along the way we pass by a nature park dedicated to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity, with a unique focus on the region’s wildlife, particularly the stork population whose nests are visible high-above and throughout the Alsace Wine Route.​
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On this day we cycle about 40 km (25 miles).
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Breakfast and lunch together. Dinner on your own.
Day 6
For those interested in WWII history, we visit a museum that offers a fascinating look into the liberation of the area by French and American soldiers in the final months of the war.
We spend time exploring the Alsatian gem of Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages along the Alsace Wine Route.
Our day ends in Colmar, the star of Alsace and our final destination. We explore its canals, walkways, town center and large market. There are museums to visit and Alsatian cuisine to enjoy.
On this day we cycle no more than 25 km (16 miles).
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Breakfast, lunch, and festive final dinner together.
Day 7
After breakfast, we spend more time exploring Colmar before we travel by train to Strasbourg together as a group with our bicycles. We turn in our bicycles, and say good-bye to each other.
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Breakfast together.
Supplementary Itinerary Information
Each day we will stop to visit medieval villages full of colorful, half-timbered houses.
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When available, we will have tickets to a local concert for one evening of beautiful music.
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We will adjust our itinerary for the week to coincide with one of the many local festivals throughout the season.
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We will offer an optional, two-hour session to learn to make a regional dish.
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We will incorporate visits to local museums when there are special exhibits of interest to the group.
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In Case of Rainy weather
Although our trips our planned for the warmest and driest parts of the spring, summer and fall, it may rain. On rainy days we will continue to bike and take shelter or stop when it pours. We will adjust the schedule as needed based on the weather forecast.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
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Distance per Day
No more than 56 km (35 miles) by bike per day at casual biking speeds (10 -13 mph) or (16 - 21 kmh).
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All days, except the first and last days, will consist of 6 to 7 hours of activity, mostly biking and some walking. Although we bike all day we make many stops throughout the day as we visit the villages and sites of cultural and historical interest.
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Level of Difficulty
The terrain consists of rolling hills of varying elevations, including one steeper climb to a castle.
You should be comfortable riding a bike at casual speeds from morning until late afternoon, with occasional hills.
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Electric bikes are available at the time of booking for a supplemental fee. Electric bikes are helpful if you aren't routinely riding a bike at home and/or you might need assistance climbing the hills.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations will be in charming, comfortable, uniquely Alsatian establishments that also provide WiFi and breakfast.
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The booking fee is based on double occupancy per room. If you are a single traveler, there is a single supplemental fee payable at the time of booking.
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We transport your luggage each day to each night's lodging so that you do not need to carry it on your bike.
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MEALS
All meals - except four dinners on your own - will be provided from Monday evening dinner to Sunday morning breakfast.
One wine tasting with small plates of food will also be provided.
Lunches will either be at local establishments or pre-packed bagged lunches.
One glass of wine will be provided at lunch (except for the pre-packaged bagged lunch) and at dinner; additional glasses of wine or other alcohol will be at your own expense.
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We can accommodate vegetarians with advance notice; we may not be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions but we will try as long as we have advance notice.
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Please note that Alsatian cuisine often includes carbohydrates and pork products.
BICYCLES
We provide bicycles for you based on the sizing information you provide at the time of booking.
All bicycles are upright, hybrid bicycles. They have multiple gears and hand brakes. They are not electric bikes.
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Electric or eBikes are available for an additional fee at the time of booking.
Each bike will have a rear bike rack to which a backpack can be attached for carrying personal items throughout the day. Rear panniers are also available with advance notice; please request this at the time of booking, if desired.
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We will provide locks for all of the bikes.
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WHAT TO BRING
A curious and open mind, and a good sense of humor are appreciated.
Clothing suitable for biking; after a few days on the bike you may appreciate having padded bike shorts.
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Solid shoes for walking on cobblestones and rough or muddy paths.
Some days it may be cool or warm or rainy. Please bring clothing for all of these possibilities, including rain gear, light gloves for cool mornings, and a reflective vest for when it is dark.
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A bike helmet is required, unless you would like to buy one from us which you are then able to take home with you.
A water bottle.
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Bikes will not have clip-in pedals, so there is no need for clip-in shoes.