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Cycling in the Grand Est: cycle routes in Alsace, Lorraine and the Ardennes

The Grand Est is crossed by several major European and national cycle routes. In Alsace, EuroVelo 15 follows the Rhine for almost 180 km between Huningue and Lauterbourg, while EuroVelo 5 arrives from Sarreguemines along the Sarre and Marne–Rhine canals before taking the Véloroute du Vignoble (Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route) to Basel. In Lorraine, La Voie Bleue follows the Moselle and then the Vosges Canal towards the Saône; in the Ardennes, the Trans-Ardennes Greenway hugs the meanders of the Meuse as far as Givet.

Most of these routes run along towpaths or disused railway lines: gradients are gentle and they suit families and novice cyclists alike, with the exception of the slightly hilly Véloroute du Vignoble. The most pleasant season runs from April to October; in winter, cold and ice make some sections slippery. Stations are plentiful along the valleys, so it is easy to combine train and bike – just plan ahead for bike spaces on TER regional trains at peak times.

What to do this month?

Pick a month: our seasonal ideas and a tip to make the most of it.

October: Autumn colours on the vines and the Meuse forests: lovely day rides. Most seasonal sights close at the end of October.

Cycling the Alsace Wine Route📍 Colmar Cycling the Meuse – Trans-Ardennes Greenway📍 Charleville-Mézières Cycling the Marne–Rhine Canal📍 Arzviller

Map: Cycling & touring in the Grand Est

Our tips

  • Look up Accueil Vélo-accredited accommodation, bike hire and repair shops on France Vélo Tourisme: they are used to luggage and loaded bikes.
  • Download the GPX track of the official route before you set off: signposting is good on the main routes, but a map is still useful at junctions between cycle routes.
  • Bike spaces on TER trains are limited: avoid peak hours and check whether you need to book before planning a return by train.
  • On the Véloroute du Vignoble, expect a few climbs between villages and share the road with vineyard machinery during the grape harvest.
  • On towpaths, slow down near locks and anglers, and carry water: places to refuel can be few and far between from one village to the next.
  • Outside the main season, check the opening times of sights along the way (such as the Saint-Louis-Arzviller boat lift, open from April to the end of October in 2026) on their official website.

All places and activities: Cycling & touring (10)

🏆Cycling the Alsace Wine Route📍 Colmar · Activity131.5 km of cycle route through the vineyards, from Marlenheim to Thann, via Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Eguisheim. 🏆Cycling the Rhine (EuroVelo 15)📍 Strasbourg · ActivityAlmost 180 km along the Rhine, from Huningue to Lauterbourg, around three quarters of it on cycle paths. Cycling the Canal des Vosges📍 Épinal · ActivityA bucolic route along the canal from Épinal towards the Saône, past locks, forests and lakes. Cycling the Marne–Rhine Canal📍 Arzviller · ActivityA peaceful cycle route along the canal, passing the spectacular Arzviller boat lift (inclined plane). Cycling the Meuse – Trans-Ardennes Greenway📍 Charleville-Mézières · Activity~85 km of greenway along the meanders of the Meuse, between wooded cliffs and Ardennes villages. Cycling the Rhône–Rhine Canal📍 Mulhouse · ActivityA flat, green route along the canal from Strasbourg to Mulhouse, ideal for families, from lock to lock. EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea in Lorraine📍 Sarrebourg · ActivityA major European cycle route linking Lorraine and Alsace, from Sarreguemines to Strasbourg via Sarrebourg and Saverne. La Boucle de la Moselle (Moselle Loop)📍 Nancy · ActivityA ~90 km loop around Nancy, along the Moselle and its canals, suitable for the whole family. La Voie Bleue – Moselle-Saône by Bike📍 Metz · ActivityAlong the Moselle, from Épinal to Metz and the Luxembourg border, on shady towpaths. Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges (High Vosges Greenway)📍 Bruyères · ActivityAlong a former railway line, a greenway of about 54 km from Remiremont towards Bussang and Cornimont.

Frequently asked questions

Which cycle route is best for a first cycling holiday in the Grand Est?

EuroVelo 15 along the Rhine and La Voie Bleue are flat and mostly on dedicated paths, so they suit beginners. France Vélo Tourisme also rates EuroVelo 5 in Alsace and Moselle as “Je débute” (beginner) level, with a slightly hilly stretch through the vineyards.

How long is EuroVelo 15 in Alsace?

About 180 km, from Huningue (near Basel) to Lauterbourg, on the German border. France Vélo Tourisme splits it into four stages and suggests a weekend of two to three days. Between Strasbourg and Lauterbourg, part of the route uses minor roads shared with traffic.

Does EuroVelo 5 go through Metz?

No: in the Grand Est, EuroVelo 5 enters France at Sarreguemines, follows the Sarre and Marne–Rhine canals via Sarrebourg and Saverne to Strasbourg, then the Véloroute du Vignoble to Basel (about 390 km). Metz, on the other hand, lies on La Voie Bleue, along the Moselle.

Can you cycle in the Ardennes without hills?

Yes, the Trans-Ardennes Greenway follows the Meuse towpath for 83 km between Charleville-Mézières and Givet, on the Belgian border. The route stays on the valley floor, between wooded slopes and villages such as Monthermé, Revin and Fumay.

Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official websites before you travel.

Sources consulted (11)

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