How time flies. Exactly two years ago I was cycling across Europe, 2600km via three countries. (Read about the journey here). And now, around the same time, I am back on the Eurovelo routes in France, cycling the Alsace a Velo region.
After exploring many cycling paths near me, I decided to explore the french area a little bit more. All I had to do was ride into Strasbourg (13km), catch a SNFC train in any direction I want (amazingly only 5 Euro) and then cycle back home. So, where can I go?
First, I went on the Eurovelo 5 (the Velo route du Canal de la Marne, EV5) from Saverne to Strasbourg (and across to Germany, back home) and then the Eurovelo 6 (the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, EV6), from Selestat to Strasbourg (also I didn’t go all the way to Strasbourg). Both very different but similar routes, and both very enjoyable.
Cycling the Alsace a Velo region
I have already explored some of the pretty little villages of Alsace (read my blog post on Colmar and Strasbourg here), drove along the wine route and hiked some of the castles (read here). So now it was time for some cycling the Alsace a Velo region. With a wide variety of routes (click here for more), from the wineries, to the hilly Vosges mountains or along the Rhine River, there is something for everybody. As for me, I chose to follow the canals. Nice and simple, but still very picturesque.
So, let’s catch the train…
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Saverne to Strasbourg, EV5
The town Saverne sits North/West and 45km from Strasbourg, at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. I have never been to Saverne before this trip, but, sitting on the Canal de la Marne, it was the perfect starting point for my cycling adventure. So, I caught my train and 40min later I was in Saverne.
What a pretty small town Saverne is. Called the city of Roses (apparently there are approx. 1500 variety of roses blooming in summer), the inner city has that idyllic historical town feel. There is plenty to see in Saverne (e.g. the Castle and Archeological Museum), however, I was on a cycling mission. So, I will leave the tourist attractions for next time.
Finding the canal was easy. It was hard to miss. So, after changing into my cycling gear, I followed the Canal de la Marne 45km to Strasbourg. And further of course, back home. It was a great ride. The paths was very well maintained, the countryside was very picturesque and the wind was partly with me. Following the Eurovelo 5 (EV5) was pretty easy. I will certainly do that one again!
Who wants to come cycling the Alsace a Velo region with me?
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Selestat to Strasbourg, EV6
I had to wait a little bit longer for the wind to be perfect to cycle the Canal du Rhone au Rhin from Selestat to Strasbourg (EV6). When the day came however, and another 5 Euro train ticket (Strasbourg – Selestat), I was ready for the 63km ride. Unfortunately it wasn’t a sunny day, but it didn’t rain. Not to mention that the wind was pushing me along nicely. Perfect!
Starting in Selestat (after some lunch) I followed the road through some cute, but deserted, little villages, before I hit the Canal. Exactly the same one that I followed 2 years ago. Just the other direction (read about this adventure here). On this trip, however, I didn’t go all the way to Strasbourg. Sometimes cycling through bigger towns is annoying with all the traffic around.
So, I left the Canal just before the city and took the turn towards Offenburg, over the bridge to Germany. From then I followed the Rhine River path and my well known route back home.
All in all it was a great ride. Shame it wasn’t sunny though. That said, I loved the mix of the canal and forest and big tree alleys. Some of them had the touch of autumn already as well, which made it even more picturesque.
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So, after two great trips, I think cycling the Alsace a Velo region is done for this summer season. But, there is always next year! And many more routes to explore. Furthermore, I like the idea of catching a train one way and cycling back. So much more cycling to be done! Which one is your favourite?
Read about all my cycling trips in the past few years here.
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