EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea, in Eastern France

The stages in detail
  • 9 stages
    from 22 km to 65 km

  • 390 km
    Road: 27
    Cycle route: 73

  • 66% easy
    6 easy steps
    3 medium stages

From the banks of the Saar in Moselle to the vineyards of Alsace, EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea invites you on an unforgettable cycling tour of the Grand Est. Inspired by the Archbishop of Canterbury's historic journey to Rome, this European route winds its way for almost 400km through a mosaic of soothing landscapes, vibrant towns and charming villages. A cultural and bucolic journey to be enjoyed at your own pace, in the heart of one of France's most beautiful regions.

The route starts in Grosbliederstroff and continues to Sarreguemines, a town of art and earthenware, before plunging into a river atmosphere where the calm of the locks, the tree-lined banks and the houses of the lock-keepers punctuate each stage. Pedalling along the cycle path alongside the Canal de la Sarre, you'll discover a natural curiosity: the canal separates most of the Etang du Stock, the largest navigable lake in Lorraine. Here, everything invites contemplation. Freewheel to Strasbourg, the European capital with a heritage as rich as it is eclectic. With its majestic cathedral, cobbled streets and international institutions, the city offers a lively and vibrant interlude at the heart of the route.

After Strasbourg, the route rises gently through the vineyards and emblematic villages of the Alsace Wine Route. Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Obernai... these pearls of Alsace welcome you to flower-filled lanes, half-timbered houses and cosy cellars. Here, you can savour fine wines while admiring the rolling countryside bathed in light, where the wine-growing hills meet the foothills of the Vosges mountains. Thanks to its safe cycle routes and gentle gradients, EuroVelo 5 is suitable for all types of cycling: whether you're looking for a relaxing break, a family outing or a sporting adventure, it's up to you to choose the route that suits you best.

There are plenty of places to stop and stay along the way. Picnic areas, small marinas, campsites, hotels and welcoming bed and breakfasts line the route, allowing you to put together a tailor-made stay. Whether you opt for a complete itinerary or a day's stopover, you'll always find a setting that's conducive to relaxation, meeting new people and marvelling at your surroundings.

  • Bateau de croisière
    Grosbliederstroff > Gondrexange
    First pedal strokes between earthenware and wild nature
    77,96 km
    |
    ≃5h11
    |
    Diff. Moyenne
  • Gondrexange > Saverne
    In the footsteps of Chagall, between canals and green valleys
    41,84 km
    |
    ≃2h55
    |
    Diff. Easy
  • Saverne > Strasbourg
    A link between tranquil nature and the beating heart of Europe
    47,55 km
    |
    ≃3h09
    |
    Diff. Easy
  • Strasbourg > Soultz-les-Bains
    From the heart of Strasbourg to the shade of the hillsides
    24,33 km
    |
    ≃1h38
    |
    Diff. Easy
  • Soultz-les-Bains > Châtenois
    The Alsace of grands crus and characterful villages
    48,86 km
    |
    ≃3h18
    |
    Diff. Moyenne
  • Châtenois > Turckheim
    Between ancient vineyards and emblematic villages
    27,09 km
    |
    ≃1h56
    |
    Diff. Easy
  • Turckheim > Cernay
    Vineyards, typical villages and relics of the past
    50,93 km
    |
    ≃3h25
    |
    Diff. Moyenne
  • Cernay > Mulhouse
    From the Alsatian countryside to the industrial treasures of Mulhouse
    35,10 km
    |
    ≃2h23
    |
    Diff. Moyenne
  • Mulhouse > Huningue
    From Mulhouse's industrial past to the frontiers of Europe
    37,80 km
    |
    ≃2h50
    |
    Diff. Easy

The stages

Practical info

In the Grand Est region, EuroVelo 5 stretches for around 390 km, including almost 290 km of safe, upgraded cycle routes. The route crosses the Moselle and Alsace regions from north to south, between Grosbliederstroff and Huningue (Passerelle des 3 Pays).

EuroVelo 5 is accessible to everyone. It consists mainly of easy stages, along canals or across the plain. Only a few stages have a slightly more undulating profile, particularly in the Alsace vineyards. Stage 1 is classified as medium difficulty because of its length rather than its profile. All in all, the route is suitable for families, beginners and more experienced cyclists alike.

The route is divided into 9 main stages: 6 easy stages and 3 intermediate stages. It can be done as a complete itinerary or à la carte, depending on your preferences and level.

You'll be cycling mainly on greenways and tarmac cycle paths, with a few stretches of low-traffic shared roads. The route follows the banks of the canals, offering a calm and safe environment.

The route enters France north of Sarreguemines, at Grosbliederstroff (in Moselle), after passing through Germany. It then crosses the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin in Alsace, ending its regional route near Cernay, before continuing on to Switzerland.

Yes, EuroVelo 5 is signposted in both directions, with EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea signs. Signs regularly indicate directions, distances and towns crossed.

You'll pass through a wide variety of landscapes: the Sarre and Marne au Rhin canals, the urban banks of Strasbourg, the hillside vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route, not forgetting flower-filled villages, historic towns like Saverne and Obernai, and panoramic views of the Vosges mountains.

Yes, the route passes through many towns and villages with shops, restaurants, markets and water points. There are also picnic and rest areas all along the route. For more information on the services available along the route, visit the "nearby" section of alsaceavelo.fr.

There are plenty of free water points along the route where you can fill up your water bottle. Don't forget to activate your locator to find the nearest water point to your GPS position.

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, gîtes and accommodation with the "Accueil Vélo" label. You can opt for a classic itinerary with stages, or opt for a starred tour from fixed accommodation.

Yes, most of the route is safe, with no major changes in altitude, making it perfectly suited to families. Remember to plan your stages carefully, depending on the distance you wish to cover each day, and to allow for regular breaks.

Yes, many "Accueil Vélo" establishments offer dedicated services: secure bicycle storage, repair kit, water point, tourist information, etc. You'll also find bike hire and repair shops in the main towns along the route. For more information on the services available along the route, visit the "nearby" section of alsaceavelo.fr.

You can find a list of all the service providers with the Accueil Vélo label (accommodation, places to visit and activities, bike hire and repair firms, tourist offices, restaurants) on your route via the France Vélo Tourisme website.
NB: Some of Explore Grand Est's partner service providers have the Accueil Vélo label. For more information, go to the "labels and certification" section of their offer sheet.

The route is well served by the TER Grand Est network. Stations such as Sarreguemines, Sarrebourg, Saverne, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse provide easy access to the route, with the option of taking your bike on board under certain conditions. Ideal for organising à la carte stages or returning to your starting point.

Yes, there are several bike hire companies along the route, notably in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse. Classic bikes, mountain bikes, VAEs... it's easy to find the right equipment for your needs. For more information on the services available along the route, visit alsaceavelo.fr in the "nearby" section.

From May to October, conditions are ideal. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and colourful landscapes. In summer, the terraces, festivals and wine villages are in full swing. Just make sure you bring sun protection and stay well hydrated.

Absolutely. EuroVelo 5 is particularly well-suited to EVs, with few marked hills. Many accommodation and tourist establishments offer recharging points.