Along for The Ride

Take the time to enjoy Alsace’s wine, food and wellness scene on two wheels, as Sophie Gardner-Roberts explores the Route des Vins by e-bike

- Sophie Gardner-Roberts

The oldest Route des Vins in France can be found in Alsace. First created in 1953, this scenic trail focusing on the area’s rich wine heritage covers 170km through the Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin départements.

It is a convenient and picturesque drive connecting different wine-producing villages and offering visitors a snapshot of the pretty vineyard-clad hills. Lately though, tourism in Alsace is shifting to a slower and more authentic way of travelling in the area: by bike.

Cycling in Alsace has boomed in the past few years, particularly with the arrival of electrically assisted bikes which have opened cycling up to all generations and abilities. I spent four days, late last summer exploring the Route des Vins d’Alsace to find out what cyclists can see, do and, of course, taste in this bountiful region. It only confirmed that Alsace has so much more to delight visitors than the traditional, albeit tasty, choucroute garnie.

Chocolate box villages

The region totals a whopping 2,500km of cycling routes, including three long-distance EuroVelo routes and 55 ‘local loops’ for cycling day trips. I was there to discover the Véloroute du Vignoble, which runs parallel to the Route des Vins and is on the same pathway as the EuroVelo 5; it is almost entirely made up of new, safe cycle paths – for bicycles and other slow means of transport.

The cycling trail leads you to some of Alsace’s most picturesque towns; even though they are popular all year with tourists, they never fail to beguile. I began with Colmar, whose stunning centre is nicknamed Petite Venise for its undeniably romantic atmosphere along the little canals and colourful, half-timbered houses. Take the time to wander and get lost in the streets or to enjoy a gentle punt on the water.