Alsace's cycle routes:
crack the code

Eager to pedal through the charming landscapes of Alsace, but don't know which itinerary to choose? We'll explain how to decode the different levels of difficulty and find the route that suits you. Follow the guide.

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Cycle routes?

Alsace's cycle routes are medium-distance cycling itineraries that cross vineyards, canals, or the valleys of the Vosges Mountains. These signposted routes follow various types of cycling lanes such as dedicated paths, bike lanes, or roads with low traffic. The cycle routes use all kinds of secured tracks, including greenways, and meet specific criteria for safety, signposting, and markings.

The cycle routes of Alsace

Loops?

In Alsace, there are three types of loops for exploring all the facets of the region without retracing your tire treads.

Local loops: ranging from 20 to 50 km, these family-friendly or leisurely loops start from EuroVelo routes and take a half or full day to complete.
Regional loops: between 80 and 120 km, these thematic loops take from 2 to 3 days.
Alsace Tours: between 175 and 650 km, these short or long tours require several days to tackle.

Choose a loop

Calculating levels
of difficulty

Defining a skill level for a cycling route is a meticulous process that takes into account both the distance and elevation gain to ensure that each route is perfectly categorised. A colour code makes it easy to identify the different levels of the itineraries, so you can be sure you're choosing the most suitable one: green dot, blue dot, red dot, and black dot. You can find these indications on the web page for each itinerary as well as in the corresponding PDF road book.

The different types of
cycling lanes

There are several types of cycling ways in Alsace, each with its own characteristics. Some are reserved for cyclists, while others are used by multiple modes of transportation.

Here are some explanations to help you choose the right itinerary for your cycling trip in Alsace:

Bike paths: shown in green on the Alsace by Bike maps.
Bike lanes: shown in blue on the Alsace by Bike maps.
Shared lanes: shown in orange on the Alsace by Bike maps.
Itinerary: shown in red on the Alsace by Bike maps.

How to choose an itinerary?

While cycling in Alsace is accessible to everyone, there are nonetheless some nuances to know before venturing onto the paths. Here are some explanations to help you choose the route that suits your level.

Self-awareness: be honest about your cycling abilities. Are you more of a casual explorer or an expert downhill rider? Don't hesitate to start slowly to assess your own skills and gradually increase the difficulty.
Equipment: if you are cycling with friends, choose a route that suits everyone. Make sure you know the skill level of your companions so that everyone can keep up. The experience is better when everyone rides together.
Preparation: for more challenging routes, make sure you have the necessary equipment and skills. No hero sets off unprepared.

Get equipped to explore Alsace by bike

Whether as a family, with friends, or on your own, here's a checklist of gear to bring along for a safe and stress-free cycling adventure in Alsace.

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Cycling in Alsace: an adventure with a thousand benefits

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