The Véloroute 52 - Canal de la Marne au Rhin, between Nancy and Strasbourg

The route is around 147 km long, with almost 116 km on cycle lanes and 31 km on shared roads. It links the two major cities of the Grand Est region, following the peaceful course of the Marne-Rhine canal.

The V52 is an easy route , accessible to everyone in the proposed direction. Most of the route runs on flat ground along the canal, making it ideal for exploring the countryside by bike in complete peace and quiet. It's an ideal cycle route for beginners or family outings.

The route is easily divided into 4 main stages, each 30 to 45 km long. It can be done as a continuous itinerary or à la carte, depending on your wishes, availability and physical condition.

The route alternates mainly between smooth asphalt Greenways and roads with little traffic. Around 109 km are smooth, while part of the route is not precisely marked, but is suitable for all types of bike.

The V52 starts in Nancy, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, on the banks of the Marne au Rhin canal, near Place Stanislas. It ends in Strasbourg, at the entrance to the European capital, where several other major cycle routes meet.

Yes, the cycle route is signposted in both directions, with directional signs indicating the towns and villages it passes through. On some sections, it is also signposted as EuroVelo 5, particularly in Alsace where the routes meet.

The route will take you through pastoral and river landscapes, green valleys and authentic villages, as well as a number of cultural highlights: Place Stanislas in Nancy, the Sarrebourg museum and its stained glass by Chagall, the inclined plane in Saint-Louis/Arzviller, the Château des Rohan in Saverne and the bridges and peaceful banks of Strasbourg.

Yes, the route passes through a variety of towns and villages, offering shops, markets, bakeries and watering holes. Rest areas, river stops and picnic tables also dot the route. For more information on the services available on the Alsace section of the route, visit alsaceavelo.fr in the "nearby" section.

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

There's a wide range of accommodation along the route, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and gîtes, many of which have been awarded the Accueil Vélo label. It's possible to plan a linear or star-shaped stay to suit your preferences.

Yes, with its safe Greenways, flat profile and moderate distances between stages, the V52 is perfectly suited to family outings. It is advisable, however, to plan breaks carefully and to keep a watchful eye on the shared-use sections.

Yes, there are many Accueil Vélo services offering secure premises, repair kits, tourist information, water and refreshments. There are also bike hire and repair shops in the main towns along the route. For more information on the services available on the Alsace section of the route, visit alsaceavelo.fr in the "nearby" section.

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, with stations in Nancy, Lunéville, Sarrebourg, Saverne and Strasbourg. Most trains accept bicycles at no extra charge, but it is advisable to check the conditions according to the timetable.

Yes, you'll find bike hire services (classic or VAE) in Nancy, Sarrebourg, Saverne and Strasbourg. Some facilities also offer hire with luggage or bike transfer. For more information on the services available on the Alsace section of the route, visit alsaceavelo.fr in the "nearby" section.

The ideal period is from May to October. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and plenty of light. In summer, the cycle route is very busy and lively, ideal for cyclists in search of a summer atmosphere.

Exactly. The route is flat and technically straightforward, making it particularly comfortable to travel by bike. A number of accommodation sites have suitable recharging points.