Hotel de l'Europe, Strasbourg
Nestled in the heart of Strasbourg's charming Petite France district, Hôtel de l'Europe combines 15th-century architectural beauty with modern comfort, offering a memorable stay in a historic setting.
Alsace is located in northeastern France, but actually also straddles (geographically and culturally) Germany and Switzerland. Boasting a wealth of extraordinary art and architecture, the region is equally known for its wine and culinary offerings. Riding through medieval villages with half-timbered houses, along quiet waterways and over vineyard covered hills is an idyllic region waiting to be discovered.
Alsace Biking 7 Days
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France
Starting Location
Ottrott
Ottrott, France
Day 2+3
Illhaeusern
Illhaeusern, France
Day 4+5
Colmar
Colmar, France
End Location
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 6 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and one dinner
- Luggage transfers
- GPS routes and maps
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
7 days / 6 nights
Arrive/Depart
Strasbourg / Colmar
Activity Level
Moderate
Terrain
Moderate
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $2,450
Single Supplement: US $650
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,050
Single Supplement: US $775
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-Bikes*: US $480
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Getting to Strasbourg: TGV from Paris Est station takes 2h20.
1
Day 1
Strasbourg
The New York Times describes Strasbourg as follows: “a fetching Franco-Teutonic core of cobbled traffic-free lanes, canals, half-timbered houses and spires where you can fill both your belly (with copious rustic Alsatian dishes) and your brain (with impressive art museums). Toss in the seat of the European Parliament, a lively bar scene and some winningly repurposed historical buildings — now elegant hotels and gastronomic havens — and you have an international city with year-round appeal.” Museum lovers will appreciate the 18th century Palais Rohan and or the Musee d’Art Moderne et Contemporain. After filling yourself with culture, head to Restaurant 1741, with its Michelin star and Baroque boudoir style and enjoy a remarkable meal. On your walk home, consider stopping in at Wawa, one of the hip lounges that has recently opened and popular with locals.
2
Day 2
Strasbourg to Ottrott
Ride south from Strasbourg along dedicated cycle paths along the Bruche canal which was built to bring the red sandstone of the Vosges for the construction of forts in Strasbourg. In Molsheim join up with the Alsace wine route through charming villages including Obernai and Ottrott.
Distance: 48 km; elevation gain: 300 m
3
Day 3
Ottrott
Starting from Ottrot our longer option climbs to Mont St. Odile where the views will reward your effort. Enjoy the descent through Obernai, filled with interesting shops and galleries followed by a flat and moderately rolling afternoon through smaller villages back to your hotel.
Distance: 33 km; elevation gain: 225 m or 50 km; elevation gain: 850 m
4
Day 4
Ottrott to Ribeauvillé (Illhaeusern)
Riding south from Ottrott, the route through vineyards and along the edge of the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park will be a favourite. Have lunch in the village of Kintzheim at the Auberge St. Martin, renowned for its tarte flambée, a regional specialty here composed of bread dough rolled out very thinly in the shape of a rectangle or circle, which is covered with fromage blanc or crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions and lardons. Afterwards, glide into the charming village of Ribeauvillé (the Luxe trip stays in Illhaeusern). For foodies, don’t miss an opportunity to dine in the 3-star Michelin dining room of Auberge de L’Il for dinner (early booking is highly recommended).
Distance: 44 km; elevation gain: 385 m or 60 km; elevation gain: 950 m or 53 km; elevation gain: 380 m or 70 km; elevation gain: 950 m
5
Day 5
Ribeauvillé (Illhaeusern)
When staying in Ribeauvillé ride east to Illhaeusern, a former boatmen’s village situated on the Ill and Fecht rivers. Stop in Elsenheim for a morning coffee and then ride along a peaceful canal through forest. Enjoy lunch in either Wittisheim or Selestat where delicious restaurants await. The route back to Ribeauvillé includes part of the Via Romea Francigena, which trace a historical 10th-century pilgrimage route. The only other decision you have to make today is where to dine from the many excellent choices.
Distance: 60 km; elevation gain: 250 m
6
Day 6
Colmar
From Ribeauvillé ride to Riquewihr – listed as member of the les plus beaux villages en france (the most beautiful villages of France). Along the way you can visit the Bott Frères family winery described by Francine Prose in the NY Times: “The winemaking machinery – vats and bottles, dials and tubes – is not only ingenious but beautiful, even fantastic, like the equipment one might find it a grown-up version of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory.” Haut Koenigsburg is also an option should you wish to climb up – this imposing castle boasts views over the surrounding countryside. Arrive to Colmar, known for its old world charms and recently, a museum renaissance. Unterlinden is leading Colmar’s transformation into France’s latest destination for modern art and architecture, thanks to a three-year, 44 million-euro renovation and expansion by Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. This lead to NY Times rating Colmar as one of the top 52 Places to visit in 2016. We agree!
Distance: 30 km; elevation gain: 285 m or 38 km; elevation gain: 560 m
Add-on: 65 km; elevation gain: 1,075 m
7
Day 7
Depart
Depart from Colmar at your leisure. Trains to Paris (Paris Est station) depart throughout the day and take 2h30.
Classic
L’Ami Fritz, Ottrott
Built entirely in stone, the first building dates from the 18 th century. Once a bourgeois winegrower house, it was converted into a wine store in 1895 to sell wine of the proprerty, and finally into a hotel and restaurant in 1970. This family-owned property offers comfortable guest rooms and excellent restaurant in this charming village.
Hôtel Restaurant du Mouton, Ribeauvillé
This hotel was used from 1392 as an “Auberge” and is now a classified monument of France and is also registered as one of France's oldest “Auberge”. It has an excellent location in the centre of Ribeauvillé and the restaurant is excellent. Alternate: Hotel & Spa L'Hotel.
Hotel Le Colombier, Colmar
The 4-star Hotel Le Colombier is located in the historic centre of Colmar, in the 'Little Venice' district. This takes its name from the orientation of the houses that are located directly on the River "Lauch". The style is contemporary and upscale.
Luxe
Hotel Les Haras, Strasbourg
This 4-star hotel occupies the former National Stud Farm, classified as a historical monument and now a luxurious hotel by designer-architect Jouin-Manku. The guest rooms take their inspiration from the history of the property and there is a superb brasserie/restaurant, managed by Marc Haeberlin.
Hostellerie des Chateaux, Ottrott
In a 17th century chateau with modern wings, this hotel and spa retains original features such as pitched ceilings and exposed beams. There is a spa and indoor pool and an upscale restaurant.
Hotel des Berges, Illhaeusern
This 5-star intimate hotel is situated in the heat of the small village and has just 8 guest rooms and of course, the onsite restaurant, Auberge de L’lll which is one of only 27 3-star Michelin restaurants in France. Having had the good fortune to dine here, we can say it is well worth the splurge!
Le Marechal, Colmar
This 4-star property was built in 1565 and is one of the most iconic buildings in Colmar, with 30 romantic rooms individually decorated. Breakfast is served in the restaurant overlooking the canal. Member, Chateaux & Hotel Collection.
Tour Reviews
“Food and wine out of this world and wonderfully welcoming people. Our best cycling tour in France from all over 6 times.”
“Our trip was excellent – really surpassed our already high expectations. Thanks so much for the excellent itinerary and helpful suggestions throughout.”
“The overall scenery was what we enjoyed the most. Ottrot was beautiful and the hotel couldn’t have been better. Our interactions with both the Area Manager and the Travel Advisor exceeded our expectations.”
“Grape vines are what I enjoyed the most on this trip. Our interactions with the Travel Advisor exceeded our expectations. We chose Randonnee because they are the only ‘self-guided’ company that offers road bikes.”
“Alsace has very good trails and back roads. The region and the actual biking exceeded our expectations. We liked the general lack of need to deal with traffic very much. I like the RideWithGPS app. Our E-bikes were great.”
“The bike route was wonderful. The region exceeded my expectations: beautiful houses and gorge flowers. A great route through the towns and vineyards. I loved the biking loop into Germany and biking up to St Odile. Actually all of the climbs were great.”
“Our Area Manager was excellent. The bicycles were excellent and top quality. Wonderful scenery and bike paths. The villages were charming. Great day-by-day trip advice, distances excellent and difficulty levels were perfect.”
“This was one of the most beautiful bike tours we have taken in Europe. The Alsace region has awe-inspiring landscapes at every turn. Over every hill we spotted another beautiful small village with impressive character. Most of the rides were on an incredible network of bike paths throughout the region. The Ride With GPS app reigned supreme for navigation purposes. Kudos to those who developed the routes – it made the difference.”
Leave a Review