From Strasbourg to Mulhouse — the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route

The Alsace Wine Route is a historic itinerary, and the oldest wine route in France. Running parallel, the Véloroute (cycle route) winds its way through vineyards and hillsides over almost 200 kilometres (124 mi), skirting the Vosges mountainside. With its string of nearly 70 wine-producing villages, postcard landscapes flash before your eyes, complete with castle ruins, Romanesque abbeys and half-timbered houses.

The route takes in old railway lines, parts of the old Roman Road, and numerous paths between the vineyards. In September, the grape harvest and its ballet of tractors transporting the crops are a highlight for the whole region. Along the way, take the time to meet the winemakers, sample their produce and stroll through the streets of these medieval towns.

The official course of the Véloroute starts in Molsheim, northwest of Strasbourg, and ends in Thann, west of Mulhouse. I propose a slightly different route which allows you to link these two towns directly, and thus to reach Strasbourg by train at the end of your four days of cycling.

I’ve divided this route into four stages of about 50 kilometres (31 mi) each, which should leave you time to explore the towns and villages you pass through. You’ll need this time as, aside from cycling through the vineyards, there’s a lot to see and do along this beautiful Véloroute. Rosheim and its Romanesque church; Obernai and its Belfry Square; Barr and its Renaissance Town Hall; Dambach-la-Ville and its fortified enclosure; and Turckheim, which invites you to follow its night watchman every summer evening. Let’s not forget Colmar, Capital of Alsace wines, and Eguisheim, favourite village of the French!

You’ll have no trouble finding accommodation and supplies along the way. In the summer season, it’s best to book though as it can get busy.

You can ride this route all year round, but I advise you to go between April and October to take advantage of the best weather conditions. Note that during the harvest period, which usually takes place around mid-September, the region is crowded with seasonal workers and tourists.