The EuroVelo 5 crosses Alsace from north to south. In the Grand Est region, the route covers around 390 kilometres, almost 290 kilometres of which are on developed and protected cycle paths. When planning, it is worth looking at each section: the stages are mostly easy, following canals or crossing the plains; the Alsatian wine-growing region also has some hillier routes.
Cycling between plains and vineyards
The Turckheim–Cernay stage passes through the vineyards on hillsides in southern Alsace. Along the way, orchards, stone walls and open valleys shape the landscape, while views extend towards the Vosges peaks. This stage therefore offers a different landscape from the mostly flat sections along the canal or across the plains. If you are planning a cycling trip, you can take these differences into account when choosing your daily routes, without assuming that the entire route has the same character.
Getting there and travelling by train and bus
Two airports, five TGV stations, regional express trains and public transport networks are among the options for travelling to Alsace. The regional rail network comprises 14 lines and 161 stations served by TER; buses connect towns and villages. As network information and services may change, check current timetables before your trip.
Bicycles can be carried free of charge on Alsatian trains; this does not apply during peak hours between Strasbourg and Basel. Check the applicable conditions before departure. For the Route des CrĂŞtes, the seasonal Navette des CrĂŞtes offers seven bus connections from railway stations in Alsace and the Vosges. It is also open to hikers and cyclists. Check routes and timetables in advance, especially if you are planning to include the connection in a specific outing.
Cultural heritage and local discoveries
Alsace’s cultural offerings range from museums and industrial heritage sites to craft experiences, memorial sites and castle tours. With nearly 80 fortified castles, the region’s castle heritage is also a distinctive feature. Castle visits can be combined with hikes or cycling trips; access conditions vary from one site to another. For your planning, it is therefore useful to check the conditions for the particular destination you intend to visit.
Religious architecture includes churches, temples, mosques and synagogues, reflecting different architectural traditions. If you would like to include several cultural themes in your trip, you can consider this diversity alongside museums and castle visits. On the Strasbourg–Soultz-les-Bains stage, Strasbourg and Soultz-les-Bains have shops, bakeries, grocery stores and other services for food and practical resupply.
Hops and beer are also part of the region’s production profile: Alsace produces 96 percent of France’s hops, and more than half of French beer is brewed there. These production shares may change over time.
Choose accommodation to suit your trip
The varied landscapes along the EuroVelo 5 can shape your daily plans, as can the cultural attractions you would like to visit. If you are using train or bus connections, check the timetables and, where applicable, the bicycle conditions for your specific travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Nord Pas De Calais, Normandy, Poitou Charentes, Picardy, RhĂ´ne-Alpes, Limousin.
For the main travel overview: France.
