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  • BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91
Voyage vélo Cycling holidays in France
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Alsace

Alsace and Burgundy wine roads by bike, passing by the Doubs

Grand cru from Alsace or from Burgundy, you do not know how to choose? Never mind, taste both of them, explore the bucolic landscapes of the Doubs valley and enjoy the authentic culinary specialities of this lively part of France!

Reference AD1401
  • Itinerant trip
  • 14 days
  • Easy
  • from April to November
  • Minimum age 14 years
GPSGPS-app available
From
Prices
1740€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • Here we go! Take part in a multifaceted bike trip through the vineyards of both Alsace and Burgundy regions without forgetting to enjoy the bucolic exploration of the Doubs valley with its rural landscapes and its rich industrial heritage.

    During your bike holidays, you will discover some architectural masterpieces such as the Royal Saltworks, the citadels of Belfort and Besançon or Bartholdi’s famous lion and you will be entertained by the numerous activities of the cities you cross. The museum of Time, the most prestigious collection of cars or Pasteur’s house are definitely worth visiting!

    You ride on small roads through the vineyards and on a cycle path along the Doubs river which is perfectly adapted for cyclists. What better way to put your worries aside and enjoy every moment of your trip through three different regions of France?

    Day 1
     
     

    Arrival in Colmar

    You arrive in your own time and drop-off your luggage at your accommodation. Stroll in the district of "Little Venice" and admire the "house of heads" and the "Pfister house" before tasting one of the many culinary specialities of the region (we advise you the delicious Kougelhopf cake).

    Day 2
     
     

    Loop-tour through the vineyards

    Bike
    48km
    You leave Colmar and cycle through the agricultural plain to Guémar. Once at the foot of the Alsatian vineyards ride up the hill to discover the most beautiful villages of Alsace : Ribeauvillé and its picturesque streets, Riquewihr, the "Pearl of the Alsatian vineyards," and Hunawihr, both classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”.

    Do not miss the detour to Kaysersberg, one of the most charming towns in Alsace with its castle, cobbled streets and beautiful half-timbered houses. Finally, you ride quietly down through the vineyards and apple orchards to reach Colmar.

    Day 3
     
     

    Colmar - Guebwiller

    Bike
    40-50km
    You leave Colmar to cycle the southern part of the Alsace Wine cycle route. We recommend a stop in Gueberschwihr to admire its half-timbered houses and its Romanesque bell tower. Your route continues on the hillside through the Grand Cru Goldert vineyard before reaching Rouffach, recognizable by its beautiful yellow sandstone church. Then, you cycle to Soultzmatt located in the heart of the Vallée Noble, where once stood proudly seven castles that have now disappeared. The village has preserved beautiful vestiges of this prosperous period. Your day’s stopover ends in the Lauch valley, in Guebwiller.

    For those who wish to extend the day, we recommend a 10km detour to the Murbach Abbey, a treasure hidden in the heart of the valley.

    Day 4
     
     

    Guebwiller - Mulhouse

    Bike
    56km
    You take the Alsace Wine cycle route to Cernay, nicknamed the city of storks. You may be lucky enough to come across them freely in the city or in the stork park. Then, you leave the vineyards and the Wine Route to cross the great plain of Alsace on small country roads. In Ungersheim, you can stop at the Alsace Ecomuseum. This open-air museum immerses you in an Alsatian village from the beginning of the 20th century and share with you the popular traditions of Alsace.

    Your path then continues to the flowered town of Ensisheim. Cycle through the plain and follow the cycle path and the meanders of the small rivers. You arrive in Mulhouse, the city of a hundred chemineys.

    Day 5
     
     

    Mulhouse - Belfort

    Bike
    60km
    After a last stroll in the historic town center of Mulhouse or at the National automobile museum for people mad about nice cars, get on your bike along the canal of the Rhone and Rhin rivers and follow peacefully EuroVelo Route 6 (EV6).

    In Montreux, leave the canal to reach a small countryside road where you can admire the foothills of the Vosges. You will enjoy some magnificient views over mountain landscapes before arriving at a large pond. A few pedal pushes later, Belfort welcomes you. Come to visit Bartholdi’s original lion and turn back time at the citadel.

    Day 6
     
     

    Belfort - Montbéliard

    Bike
    31km
    You leave Belfort along the banks of the Savoureuse river. You can choose to continue straight along the canal or cross the forest and follow along the Rhine to the Rhone Canal. Your bike route takes you to Sochaux and the Peugeot Museum. Discover this industrial epic before entering the small Renaissance town Montbéliard.

    Climb to the castle of the Dukes of Württemberg, visit the Saint-Martin temple, the oldest religious building of the Reformation in France and stroll through the medieval streets admiring the houses with their colorful facades. Do not miss in the evening to taste the famous sausage of Montbéliard!

    Day 7
     
     

    Montbéliard - Baume-les-Dames

    Bike
    63km
    Today your bike ride leads you to discover the beautiful loops of the river Doubs. First you have to leave the city and Montbéliard to meander leisurely on bike paths the bucolic edges of this river. From Isle-sur-le-Doubs on the valley becomes majestic and very wild. You wind through the incised valley by steep cliffs, which are the delight of climbers. Very beautiful arrival in the small town Baume-les-Dames, labeled "City of character" at the foot of the rift of Babre.

    Day 8
     
     

    Baume-les-Dames - Besançon

    Bike
    39km
    The Doubs valley is particularly spectacular after leaving Baume-les-Dames. The bike route is very varied: green banks under steep karst cliffs reverberating in the peaceful waters of the Doubs, small villages with bell towers of colored tiles, towpaths lined with plane trees and old brick paper mills tending their chimneys to the sky. At the bend of a loop you arrive without even noticing at the foot of the citadel of Besançon. Big favorite for this student, vibrant and cultural city.

    Day 9
     
     

    Besançon

    Besançon has a very rich historical and cultural heritage. But it does not boil down to its citadel, which includes not only the Vauban fortifications, but also several museums and a zoo. It is also a vibrant city!

    Stroll through the semi-pedestrian shopping streets of the city center to meet the many students, who scour the bars along the Doubs. This beautiful city is also a high place of watchmaking; do not miss the astronomical clock and the superb museum of time. Finally you can follow the footsteps of the very famous French writer and politician Victor Hugo, who was born in Besançon.

    Day 10
     
     

    Besançon - Arc-et-Sénans

    Bike
    54km
    Leave Besançon riding leisurely on a bike path along the Doubs until the breakthrough of Thoraise: an amazing river tunnel under a waterfall. By bike you have to go up to the village to go down again with a beautiful view in the valley. Shortly after you can choose if you wish to continue along the meanders of the Doubs or to make a small detour towards the caves of Osselle.

    Arrive in the small village of Ranchot and leave the banks of the Doubs to cross the forest of Chaux and reach the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Sénans. This 18th century saline is one of the first modern "factories". It was used to turn the brackish water extracted in Salins, 20 km away in salt.

    Day 11
     
     

    Arc-et-Sénans - Dole

    Bike
    39km
    You cross the forest of Chaux to reach the Doubs. Riding on the towpath of the canal, you pass under beautiful limestone cliffs and fortified villages. In Rochefort-sur-Néron you can climb on the cliffs and admire the beautiful view of the valley. The towpath lined with plane trees leads you to the marina of Dole at the foot of the cathedral. We were charmed by this historical city, birthplace of Louis Pasteur. You will admire the cathedral, the halls, but also at every turn of streets here a crest over a portal, there a carved door etc.

    Day 12
     
     

    Dole - Charrey

    Bike
    36km
    At Dole you leave the Doubs river and continue to follow the Rhine- Rhone canal to reach the Saône river just before Saint-Jean-de-Losne. The atmosphere changes as you leave the last foothills of the Jura to arrive in the plains of Burgundy. This change is not only visible in the landscape, but also in the architecture of bell towers or in the cuisine.

    Saint-Jean-de-Losnes is at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhine - Rhone Canal and thus the capital of inland water shipping and especially the largest recreational river port in France. A little further in a dead arm of the Saone hides a small village on barges.

    Day 13
     
     

    Charrey - Dijon

    Bike
    42km
    From Charrey on you cross the Citeaux forest to the abbey of Notre-Dame de Citeaux. A small guided tour is needed to better understand life in this Cisterian monastery. You continue through the plain to reach the wine road at Clos Vougeot, founded by the monks of Citeaux. You will learn about the distinct castle architecture, as well as the rites of the brotherhood of the Chevalier du Tastevin. This organization, sometimes known as the Brotherhood of the Knight’s Tasting Cup is a bacchanalian society committed to enjoying and promoting the wines and food of the Burgundy region of France. A detour via Nuits-Saint-Georges is also possible.

    You continue to Dijon, former capital of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. This gourmet and lively city warmly welcomes you to its remarkably well-preserved pedestrianized city center.

    Day 14
     
     

    Departure from Dijon

    Described as the "city with the hundred bell towers" by François 1er, Dijon was the capital of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. The city has inherited architectural gems such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre Dame church with its famous carved owl or the mansions of the old city center.

    Before leaving, we advise you to taste the numerous culinary specialities of the region: gingerbread, mustard, blackcurrant liquor or nonette (pastry).
  • Accommodation

    • Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep staying in these 3-Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and the friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
    • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:
    • a touring bike adjusted to your size
    • equipped : front rack pack, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.
    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information

    •
    To get to departure point:
    • By plane: flight for Basel or Strasbourg and then shuttle to the city center.
    • By train: Regional train or TGV to Colmar. From Paris: duration 2h20; from Strasbourg: duration 30min. To plan your trip: https://www.thetrainline.com/

    Parking:
    • If you drive to Colmar, you can park your car in a secured car park located close to your hotel. The location and contact details of the car park will be given in your travel documents.

    To reach back the starting point:
    • Regional trains and TGV take you back to your starting point if you wish. The duration of the journey is around 1h45 with a direct train or with one connection. You have to buy your ticket on spot. There are several trains per day.
    .
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    the trip description
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