The Grand Alsace Beer Route

Arrive in Strasbourg and settle in. The city’s mix of French and German influences makes it a fitting starting point for a cross border journey. There’s no shortage of places to sample local beer, from traditional winstubs to more modern bars.

Leave Strasbourg along the Rhine, following wide, flat cycle paths through the river plain. At Drusenheim, cross the river by ferry into Germany. The change is subtle but noticeable, from language to architecture to beer styles. Continue through quiet landscapes to Rastatt, where baroque buildings and beer gardens set the tone for the evening.

A shorter day that gives time to explore. You might visit Rastatt Palace before riding on towards Karlsruhe. Along the way, small breweries such as the one in Malsch offer a glimpse into local brewing traditions. Karlsruhe itself feels more open and modern, with wide streets and a different rhythm to the older Alsatian towns.

Return to France via the Lauter valley, cycling through woodland, farmland and quiet border landscapes. Wissembourg has a more intimate feel, with narrow streets and a strong sense of history. The abbey and surrounding buildings reflect its importance in the region over centuries.

This is one of the more varied days of the trip. Gentle hills lead through orchards, meadows and small villages. In Hunspach, often listed among France’s most beautiful villages, traditional houses line the streets. The route then continues into the Haguenau forest, a vast and peaceful area that feels far removed from the Rhine plain.

Ride through quieter countryside towards the Vosges foothills. A stop at Uberach offers the chance to visit a working brewery and see production up close. Saverne sits at the edge of the mountains, with its château and canal creating a relaxed end to the day.

Follow the Marne Rhine canal back towards Strasbourg on an easy, flat route. Along the way, stop in Hochfelden to visit Villa Meteor, France’s oldest independent family brewery. It’s a fitting final experience before returning to the city where the journey began.