From Wissembourg in the north on the German border, it winds its way to Orschwiller, almost 200 kilometres through picturesque villages and almost 15,000 hectares of vineyards. Here's a little tip: In July and August, the village streets of the popular wine villages can get a little crowded. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs prefer to cycle in spring and, of course, in autumn during the grape harvest.
Character:
The Alsace Wine Route cycle route runs mainly on cycle paths and low-traffic side roads, many of which are asphalted or at least have a firm surface. Between the wine villages, the route sometimes runs through the hills, so a certain level of fitness is required.
Route:
Wissembourg - Reichshoffen - Ingwiller - Weiterswiller - Saverne - Reinhardsmunster - Romanswiller - Avolsheim - Mutzig - Rosheim - Bischoffsheim - Obernai - Barr - Itterswiller - Kintzheim - Orschwiller
Recommended in three to four day stages.
Best time to travel:
May to October
Journey:
Strasbourg is easy to reach by train via Kehl and Wissembourg via Karlsruhe. There is a regional train service between Strasbourg and Wissembourg, which also takes bicycles free of charge. http://www.bahn.de/Fahrrad (Radfahrer-Hotline 01805/996633).
Bike service:
Addresses for bike hire and repair facilities at http://www.tourisme67.com
Cycling hotels:
e.g. Hostellerie du Rosenmeer in Rosheim, http://www.le-rosenmeer.com
Hotel Le Parc in Obernai, http://www.hotel-duparc.com
Hotel L'Ours de Mutzig, http://www.loursdemutzig.com
Organiser:
Cycling holiday offers e.g. from Baetica, France Bike, Eurobike, Pedalo, Radissimo and Rückenwind.
Maps/literature:
Bikeline "Radatlas Elsass" cycle tour book with maps 1:75,000, 180 pages, 13.90 euros. Information brochure on cycling in Lower Alsace for download at http://www.tourismus-elsass.com
Information (general):
Agence de développement touristique du Bas-Rhin, 4 rue Bartisch, F-67100 Strasbourg-Meinau, tel. 0033 (0)3 88 15 45 88.
Atout France - French National Tourist Board, Zeppelinallee 37, 60325 Frankfurt/Main, Tel. 069/97580132, http://www.tourismus-elsass.com
