Cycling guides and maps in the Grand-Est
The Grand-Est by bike
The Grand Est region is a land of contrasts and wanderlust, ideal for exploring by bike. Whether you enjoy long stretches along greenways or cultural getaways between two typical villages, this region has everything to delight two-wheeled travelers. Thanks to specialized guides and maps, you can fully enjoy this rich territory, bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland.
Discover the Grand-Est
The Grand Est region is a mosaic of territories: the winding valleys of the Meuse, the vast forests of the Vosges foothills, the undulating vineyards of Champagne and Alsace, the hills of Lorraine, and the banks of the Rhine or Moselle. At every turn, a new atmosphere invites you into your journey.
The cultural heritage is just as rich. You’ll travel through Strasbourg, a European city with romantic canals; discover Colmar, an Alsatian gem with its half-timbered houses; or explore Nancy, Metz, and Verdun, witnesses to French and European history. Cycling through the Grand Est region also offers an immersion in gastronomy: flammekueche, quiche Lorraine, Alsace and Champagne wines, mirabelle plums, and Vosges cheeses.
The major cycling routes of the Grand-Est
The region is crossed by several EuroVelo and major national routes. These well-marked routes are accessible to all, with many local variations.
- EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea Francigena: The EuroVelo 5 Alsace route crosses the Grand Est region from north to south, following the Burgundy and Saar canals to Strasbourg. You’ll pass through Sarreguemines, Nancy, and the spectacular Valley of the Lock Keepers, with its Saint-Louis-Arzviller boat lift.
- EuroVelo 6 – From the Atlantic to the Black Sea: Over 68 km, the EuroVelo 6 follows the Rhône-Rhine Canal. From Huningue to Mulhouse, this route immerses you in an unforgettable Alsatian cycling experience, featuring locks, nature, industrial heritage, and border crossings.
- EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route: The Alsatian Rhine Cycle Route connects Switzerland to the Netherlands via Strasbourg. It offers a cycling experience of the Rhône-Rhine Canal, Neuf-Brisach, and picturesque villages. This Alsace cycle route offers several safe passages to Germany.
- EuroVelo 19 – The Meuse by Bike: From the Langres plateau to Sedan and Charleville-Mézières, this cycle route winds through verdant valleys. It offers a glimpse of Joan of Arc, the Vosges by bike, Verdun, and the poetry of Rimbaud.
- The Blue Route – Moselle-Saône by Bike: From Luxembourg to Lyon, this cycle route crosses Metz, Nancy, Épinal, and the Vosges Canal. The route combines wild nature, architectural heritage, and Lorraine gastronomy.
- Moselle Loop and Tour of Lake Der: These two safe and accessible circuits will delight families. In Nancy, the Moselle Loop crosses Toul and Liverdun. The Tour of Lake Der, with its 36 km in the heart of nature, is perfect for leisure and birdwatching.
The essentials for exploring the Grand-Est by bike
To help you on these routes, here is a selection of essential guides and maps (to be validated with Lucie or Romain for the final version):
- IGN Alsace by Bike Map – TOP 100: perfect for planning your journeys through valleys, canals, and vineyards.
- Alsace Guide – The Marne-Rhine Canal by Bike: describes each stage, points of interest, and accommodations.
- The Meuse by Bike – from Langers to Rotterdam: Over 1,080 km are listed in this first edition in French. Highly detailed mapping at a scale of 1:75,000.
The cycle network in the Grand-Est region is evolving
The Grand Est region is actively developing its cycling network, which already includes several hundred kilometers of greenways and marked routes. The region is focusing on cycling as a sustainable tourism tool, in harmony with its landscapes and rural areas.
The canal routes (Saar Canal, Marne-Rhine Canal, Vosges Canal, Rhone-Rhine Canal) offer flat, often developed routes, perfectly suited to loaded bicycles or electric bicycles.
Many cities, such as Strasbourg, are also investing in soft mobility. The Alsatian capital is one of the most cycle-friendly in France, with over 600 km of paths and a comprehensive urban cycling network.
Current projects, such as the V30, V33 (Seine by bike), V34 (South Ardennes), and V56 (Saint-Jacques by bike), demonstrate that momentum is strong. These routes will strengthen connections between regions and make the Grand Est region a leading cycling destination in Europe.