Cycling our way to the Grand Est!

Cycling along a river of 3 nationalities: the Meuse à Vélo

A European river that flows through 3 countries, the Meuse offers a 443-kilometre cycle route in France, taking in the roads of the Grand Est region. The cycle route crosses the Haute-Marne, the Ardennes Massif, Lorraine and the Vosges. The backbone of the region, the Meuse will follow you all the way: its strength lies in its ability to impress us at every stage!

A peaceful adventure on the Meuse à Vélo

Leaving Langres, where the Meuse rises, we begin our journey in the Haute-Marne region. We start with a great warm-up, thanks to the changes in altitude along the ramparts of Langres, a striking piece of historical heritage. Continuing along green valleys, we soon reach the western Vosges, where the limestone lawns are dotted with orchids and rare butterflies, which we observe between April and July (leaving them where they are, of course), a particularity of the region! Later, we reach Sedan, an open-air museum and home to Europe's largest fortified castle, one of France's favourite monuments. We continue on to Monthermé in the Ardennes, with its famous viewpoint. We end our adventure in Givet, where we notice a company that has never left us: the Meuse, always there no matter what!

A route for all the family: La Voie Bleue

The Voie Bleue winds its way along France's roads from Apach to Lyon, following the course of the water: you can follow this route in the Grand Est region for 250 km, along the Moselle and the Vosges canal. Why for the whole family? Because this route is relatively easy! It's completely flat, so you don't need to be in great physical condition or be a regular cyclist, just keen to discover Le Grand Est in a different way!

The multi-faceted Voie Bleue

The ideal opportunity to combine a city-trip experience in the must-see towns with the serenity of cycling in unspoilt countryside. Nature: cycle along the Moselle and its bucolic Lorraine landscapes, cycle along the Vosges canal lined with ash trees and, if you take a step to the side, take a break at Bouzey lake for some bird-watching. In terms of culture, you can gaze at Metz cathedral, visit the Musée de l'Image in Epinal, and take a step back in time with the castles and their remains. The accessibility of this mostly cycle route means that the whole family can discover the Grand Est region. And what discoveries! The gustatory nuggets of the Grand Est beckon: quiche lorraine for savoury eaters or Liverdun madeleines for sweet-toothed eaters, the gastronomic delights will appeal to the whole family too.

In the heart of Alsace's vineyards: Eurovélo 5

The European cycle route linking England to Italy passes through the famous vineyards of Alsace: linking London to southern Italy in homage to the famous journey of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Eurovélo 5 is making its way through the Grand Est! Starting in Sarreguemines, the route passes through pastoral landscapes along the canals of the Sarre: like an enchanted landscape, you can let yourself be guided by the beauty of the scenery!

Good reasons to take the Eurovélo 5

As the cradle of biodiversity, you'll pass through pine forests and pause at the foot of an oak tree before reaching Strasbourg, the European capital. We finish our journey by crossing the famous Alsatian vineyards, joining forces with the Véloroute du Vignoble d'Alsace: this route takes us through a truly picture-postcard landscape! We'll take advantage of the opportunity to visit a winegrower for a tasting: a special moment when a passionate winegrower teaches us more about Alsace's AOCs and grape varieties. We get back on our bikes and continue on our way: a break is essential when the low-angled sunlight gently descends on the green vines - photo obligatory! There's no extraneous noise here, our hearing is preserved, but our other senses are heightened tenfold. You open your eyes, feel the air on your face, breathe in unspoilt nature and enjoy the scenery!

An educational route: Eurovélo 6

Eurovélo 6, or the river cycle route, links western France to Romania, and takes a short route through Alsace along the Rhine. From Huningue to Heidwiller, the cycle route is accessible to all the family, as it follows the Rhine on a relatively flat route. As well as being easy, the Eurovélo 6 route is a real introduction to the history of France!

Eurovélo 6, in the footsteps of the Grand Est!

Whether on your own or accompanied by a guide, our adventure begins with a stop in Kembs. This small river town has a marina nestling in a green setting. We continue our epic journey before setting the bike down in Mulhouse for a stroll around the town featuring street art! With paintings, tags, sculptures and installations, this open-air gallery is a feast for the eyes.

Continuing our adventure along Eurovélo 6, we pass through Zillisheim, one of the oldest villages in the Ill valley, before stopping off at Illfurth, an important town during the Middle Ages, which today houses the parish church of Saint-Martin. Its modern architecture was designed by Pierre Genton, an architect from Lyon. A visit to the site reveals a chapel, sacristy and presbytery, as well as a small interior garden. We get on our bikes before making a last stop at the river port of Dannemarie: the banks of the Rhine seem to be the ideal spot to enjoy the gentle pace of life in the Grand Est region.

What if the adventure continued in a different way?

What if you extended the experience? The Grand Est region is full of itineraries that invite you to explore in a different way, at your own pace and according to your own desires. On foot, set off on La Traversée du Massif des Vosges, a spectacular walk through ridges and forests. For a more sporting adventure, head for the Raid Bulles, a gravel route through the vineyards and wide open spaces of the Aube.

Want to keep pedalling? Follow the water on the Véloroute 52, between Nancy and Strasbourg, or let yourself be seduced by the gentleness of the Marne Valley by bike, between wine-growing landscapes and charming villages.

There are so many different routes to choose from, so you can discover the Grand Est from a different angle, always close to its landscapes and treasures.

Explore all the major routes in the Grand Est and find your next adventure