A region of canals, rivers and a major river, rolling landscapes, forests in the foothills of the Vosges, historic towns, a rich variety of cuisine and some of the most prestigious wines, the Grand Est is the ideal destination for combining cycling with exploration.
From the Langres plateau, where the Meuse valley winds its way to the Ardennes, through the vineyards of Champagne to the Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain via the valleys of Lorraine, four EuroVelo routes and iconic national cycle routes criss-cross these multifaceted regions, which open out towards neighbouring European countries: EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea (Francigena), EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route, EuroVelo 19 – Cycling along the Meuse, and a short section of EuroVelo 6 – River Cycle Route, La Voie Bleue, the V52 from Champagne to Strasbourg via Nancy and the Moselle Loop, the V53 between Champagne and Burgundy, and the Der Loop.
The Rhine Cycle Route – EuroVelo 15
An iconic route linking Switzerland to the Netherlands via Alsace, the Rhine Cycle Route forms a link between Germany and France. It offers a cycle route along the Rhône-Rhine Canal as well as along the river itself, with its many locks. It allows you to explore Strasbourg, Neuf-Brisach and its Vauban citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as typical Alsatian villages with their distinctive churches. Several safe crossings allow you to cross the Rhine to link the French and German sections of EuroVelo 15.
The Via Romea – EuroVelo 5
This European cycle route, stretching nearly 3,200 km, links England to southern Italy via Rome and crosses France through the Grand Est region.
Starting at the German border, a stone’s throw from Sarreguemines, the town famous for its earthenware, EuroVelo 5 runs alongside the Saar Canal, then the Marne-to-Rhine Canal, all the way to Strasbourg. Along the way, you can explore the landscapes of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park and its vast expanses of ponds, as well as the imposing Saint-Louis Arzviller Inclined Plane, a genuine boat lift which single-handedly replaces the 17 locks of the picturesque ‘Valley of the Lockkeepers’.
After Strasbourg and its rich cultural and historical heritage, it’s on to the Alsatian vineyards via the Véloroute du Vignoble. Winding along the hillsides, a journey through Alsace’s most beautiful flower-filled villages awaits you; a unique opportunity to discover the 50 ‘A.O.C. Alsace Grand Cru’ terroirs at first hand, alongside the winegrowers themselves!
The Rivers Cycle Route – EuroVelo 6
EuroVelo 6, also known as the “Rivers Cycle Route”, stretches 4,450 km from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. As you pass through the Grand Est region via Alsace – with its strong sense of identity and its role as a key link between France and Germany – you’ll experience the spirit of the Rhine as you cycle mainly along the Rhône-Rhine Canal for 68 km. In Huningue, you’ll safely cross the Three Countries Footbridge, which connects France, Germany and Switzerland. You’ll also discover an impressive series of twelve locks: the Valdieu-Lutran locks, as well as the city of Mulhouse, with its rich industrial history and several museums to explore. Finally, the port of Dannemarie is a picturesque spot for a well-deserved break before leaving the Grand Est region a few kilometres further on.
Cycling along the Meuse – EuroVelo 19
Taking in shared roads and greenways, from the source of the Meuse near Langres in the Grand Est region to its mouth in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, via Belgium, this 1,050 km EuroVelo route offers an unforgettable experience through valleys, unspoilt wilderness, historic towns and cultural and heritage treasures. A sense of tranquillity accompanies you throughout your adventure. Stop off at each stage to explore the local sights! In the Grand Est region, the cycle route will introduce you to the heritage of the Pays de Langres, the history of Joan of Arc in the Vosges, and world-famous historic sites such as Verdun. The route will take you to Sedan and its imposing fortified castle, then on to Charleville-Mézières, home to the World Puppet Theatre Festival and the birthplace of Arthur Rimbaud. Before leaving France and heading into Belgium, you’ll follow the magnificent Meuse Valley with its many meanders and scenic viewpoints.
La Voie Bleue – Moselle-Saône by Bike
From Luxembourg to Lyon, La Voie Bleue – Moselle-Saône by Bike follows in turn the courses of the Moselle, the Canal des Vosges and the Saône. In the Grand Est region, the route takes in the wine-growing slopes of the Moselle AOC, before linking towns with rich cultural and historical heritage: Metz, a former imperial city, home to the Centre Pompidou-Metz and Saint Etienne Cathedral; Pont-à-Mousson, with the Prémontrés Abbey and Place Duroc; and Nancy, with its architectural ensemble of three squares – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – including the famous Place Stanislas and numerous Art Nouveau buildings. Further south, the Vosges section of the route – the wildest in terms of natural scenery – passes through Épinal and runs alongside the Canal des Vosges, which winds its way through lush greenery.
Cycling along the Marne–Rhine Canal
Heading towards Paris, the cycle route runs through Champagne between Vitry-le-François and Dormans, allowing cyclists to explore Châlons-en-Champagne, with its collegiate church and historic gardens, as well as Épernay, the capital of Champagne and situated on the edge of the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Starting from Nancy, the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine and a city with a rich architectural heritage – including a group of three squares listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the cycle route runs alongside the Marne–Rhine Canal, passing close to the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, then on to Lunéville and its majestic château, known as ‘the little Versailles of Lorraine’. The route continues into the Moselle region, crossing the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, where the diversity of landscapes and wetlands are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. At Gondrexange, near Sarrebourg, the route joins EuroVelo 5 to reach Strasbourg via the magnificent Vallée des Eclusiers, the Saint-Louis Arzviller Inclined Plane and Saverne.
Cycle Route 53 between Champagne and Burgundy in Langres
Also known as the Marne to Saône Cycle Route, the V53 is a cycle route in the Grand Est region, linking Vitry-le-François, south of Langres, and continuing on to Dijon in Burgundy. The cycle route follows the peaceful towpath of the Marne–Saône Canal, passing through picturesque villages, castles, vineyards and rural landscapes. The journey begins in Vitry-le-François, home to its museum of inland waterway transport, its collegiate church and its castle. In Saint-Dizier, famous for its artistic cast ironwork, visit the cathedral, the castle and the immersive ‘Muse’ exhibition space. In Chaumont, explore the railway viaduct, the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist and the historic quarter. Finally, Langres, a fortified town, offers superb panoramic views from its ramparts and is home to rich treasures such as the Maison des Lumières, dedicated to Denis Diderot, and its medieval cathedral.
Two cycle loops for exploring the Grand Est
Near Nancy, a variant of the Voie Bleue route takes you along the Moselle Loop for 85 km. Ideal for families, the route passes through Nancy, Toul – known for its 14th-century Saint-Étienne Cathedral – and Liverdun, a charming medieval town renowned for its delicious madeleines.
Accessible from Vitry-le-François and Saint-Dizier, the tour around Lake Der takes you around one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes. Set amongst oak forests, beaches and spectacular viewpoints, this 36 km route will delight nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Whilst there, make the most of the Der Museum Village and the Chantecoq Bird Observatory.
New routes on the horizon
In the Grand Est region, numerous routes and circuits – such as the Somme to Marne cycle route (V30), the Forêt d’Orient Lakes circuits, the South Ardennes Greenway (V34), the Seine Cycle Route (V33) and the Saint-Jacques Cycle Route (V56), are still under development. Sections are gradually opening, and these new routes will be available soon…
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
EuroVelo 5 - Moselle / Alsace
EuroVelo 15 - The Rhine Cycle Route in Alsace
The Meuse cycle route
La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône valley by bike
Entre Rhin et Loire à vélo / EuroVelo 6
The canal de la Marne au Rhin by bike
Cycle route along the Canal entre Champagne & Bourgogne
La boucle de la Moselle
