Join our first ever hybrid beer and wine tour through the Alsace, in the northeastern corner of France. Vineyards, hop fields, and adventures await!
Cycle along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, one of most important wine-producing regions of France, located close to the German and Swiss borders. We’ll explore fortified castles, learn about the history of the area, enjoy Alsatian cuisine, and visit several craft breweries and wineries along the way.
- The tour has a difficulty rating of 3/5 difficulty due to the stretches of hills along a scenic route that includes the foothills of the Vosges mountains. While we don’t climb for too long and the climbs are not too steep, there will be some elevation gain each day. Daily mileage will be between 20 and 38 miles.
- This is a rural tour, with many small villages, traditional family-owned wineries, farms, and small B&B’s.
- Beer: We’ll visit one brewery each day, with a private tour at several of them. Beer tastings are included in your trip fees!
- Wine: We’ll have wine stops most days, either full vineyard/winery tours, roadside tastings at small producers, visits to tasting rooms, or a a wine degustation with a regional wine sommelier. Many of the wine tastings will also be included in your tour fees.
- 8-nights hotel, bike / bag rentals, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Vehicle support provided for groups of at least 8. Optional group dinners will be organized most evenings, with everyone paying for their own meals and drinks.
- This tour includes a “half way rest day” in the beautiful town of Ribeauvillé, where we will stay two nights.
- We include the hotel the night before the tour and the night after the tour to allow everyone to arrive early, with enough time to visit Strasbourg, the starting point of the tour, and to discover Colmar at its conclusion.
- For this tour we recommend flying in/out of Paris and taking the high-speed train to Strasbourg (~2.5 hours).
Breweries/Wineries
This tour features the oldest family-owned brewery in the Alsace along with several small, newer craft breweries. We’ll also visit traditional wineries, tasting rooms, and learn about the history of Alsatian wines, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer.
Samples of breweries and wineries we may visit include:
Brasserie Meteor – Founded in 1640, the Metzger-Haag family has been brewing Meteor beer in Hochfelden, north of Strasbourg, for eight generations. In the 1960’s there were 21 independent, family-owned local breweries, but today Meteor is the only one that remains independent. We’ll tour the brewery grounds and museum, before enjoying their wide selection of beers on their hop-covered terrace.
Les Intenables – Started in 2019 by three friends from university, the brewery produces an impressive selection of high quality craft beers, ranging from hazy IPA’s to stouts and foeder-aged sours. The creativity that goes into their beers and artwork can be tasted and seen. Co-founder Alice will show us around the facility.
Brasserie RS – Located in the charming town of Eguisheim, this is the smallest brewery we will visit. Owner Sébastien goes full DIY, reflected in his hands-on approach not only to brewing but also serving his beers personally.
Le Brasseur du Pape – Around the corner from Brasserie RS is a great brewery founded by an American-French couple living in Eguisheim. Brewer Timothy and his wife Hélène eagerly welcome visitors to the brewery located on a historic property—a great place to enjoy the beer.
Bra’V – Great vibes, BBQ, and an amazing beer garden. Home to the best beer in the Alsace, called “Røkt øl”!
Brasserie de Munster / Bieres Taal – A small brewery in the Muster Valley. We’ll swing by the tasting room for some beers and of course Munster cheese!
Bar Saint Ulrich – Not a brewery, but an outstanding Belgian beer café in the village of Ribeauvillé, where we stay two nights. A evening that starts with some of the Belgian “classic beers” always leads to a great night!
+ several other brewery/beer stops TBA!
Domaine Dopff “Au Moulin” – In the heart of the Alsace Grand Cru area this is the largest independent family estate. Since 1574, the same love of wine and the land have inspired the current 13th generation owners. We are privileged to get a private visit plus tasting in their cellars.
Other Wineries – The wineries we will be visiting will be listed here once we fine tune our route. With over 40,000 acres of vineyards in the region and wineries ranging from large-scale commercial operations to small-scale “garage” wines, there are countless options and we are excited to discover many of them with you!
Itinerary / Stats
Locations and distances vary from tour to tour but are generally as follows:
Pre-tour – Your hotel the night before the tour is included in your trip fees. You are welcome to arrive in Strasbourg, a ~2.5 hour train ride from Paris, at your leisure. We’ll provide suggestions about places to visit in Strasbourg this evening.
Day 1 – We’ll meet at 9:30 AM in the lobby of our hotel, get our bicycles set up and then take an out-and-back ride north to Brasserie Meteor. We follow a canal path almost the entire route, traffic-free, and meet many other cyclists along our way. We’ll pass into the hop growing region of France as well. After returning to Strasbourg, we will meet for a group dinner with wine and beer options.
Day 2 – Today we head southwest, along another canal path, quickly entering the quiet countryside and the start of the Alsace wine region. After a stop at a local fruit stand, we’ll visit the craft brewery Les Intenables for a tour and lunch. Afterwards it’s a quick ride to the charming small town of Obernai, home to several wine bars and beer cafes. We’ll organize a group dinner in a traditional “Winstub” (wine bar).
Day 3 – We head south towards the foothills of the Vosges mountains and the start of the official “Alsace Wine Route”. We’ll be surrounded by vineyards (“vignobles”) most of the day, cycling on low-traffic roads and cycle paths.There’ll be a brewery and winery stop before arriving at our home for two nights, the charming town of Ribeauvillé.
Day 4 – Today is a choose your own adventure day: take a bike ride into the mountains or a steep hike up to the castle overlooking town; perhaps a wine tasting at nearby wineries or shopping at some of the many small businesses in town. Or maybe just rest up and enjoy the day as it unfolds. This evening everyone is invited to meet at Brasserie Bra’V, possibly our favorite brewery on this tour. We’ll enjoy beers and BBQ on their terrace (~20 minute bike ride from our hotel, or a quick taxi). For the 2024 tour: This will be on the 4th of July! Perfect day for some BBQ.
Day 5 – Today we venture slightly up into the mountains for a B&B stay with an incredible view of the region. It is well worth the climb! Along the way we’ll stop at Brasserie du Pays Welche and at winery. Group dinner option at the B&B.
Day 6 – It’s cheesy to say, but today we’ll get to eat Munster cheese in the town of Munster. Dreams do come true! We’ll have another wine stop today in addition to trying the wonderful Taal beers, some of the best in this region.
Day 7 – Our last day on the bikes just might be your favorite! We visit Eguisheim, perhaps the most photogenic town of the tour and home to two small but incredible small breweries, Brassiere RS and La Brasseur du Pape. We’ll then cycle to the finish line in Colmar with it’s gorgeous half-timbered buildings, picturesque canals, and impressive churches. For our last night, we’ll enjoy a group meal / wine pairing.
Day 8 – We will say our goodbyes after breakfast in Colmar. The train station is a quick walk from the hotel. The trains will take you to the Paris airport, or wherever your next European destination will be.
Markers show start/end + overnight hotel and B&B locations…
Photos from this tour
Tour FAQ's
What is included in the trip cost?
- 8-nights hotel and B&B accommodation. Typically 3 stars, and when possible near or at the brewery/winery we visit that day. All rooms include a private bathroom.
- Daily breakfast and lunch, and lots of snacks each day.
- All tours are led by either Evan or Henk, Beercycling’s veteran guides. A 2nd guide is available typically only for groups of eight or more.
- Daily route planning, including daily itineraries and suggestions about where to eat / what to do in each town / maps / etc.
- A multi-speed touring-compatible bicycle, helmet, and lock. (More about the bikes in the section below)
- Vehicle support provided for groups of 8 or more. For smaller groups, you will receive two rear panniers to carry your personal belongings.
- Entrance fees to all brewery/winery visits, including lots of free beer tastings!
- A welcome package that includes a T-shirt plus other goodies.
- Email / phone contact with your guides prior to the trip. You get to ask as many questions as you like, talking directly to your tour guides.
What is not included?
- Airfare to and from the trip.
- Transportation to the trip meet-up location. (Although we can assist with an airport pickup service)
- Lodging before and after the trip.
- Gratuities for Beercycling tour guides.
- Personal items purchased during the trip.
- Alcoholic Beverages. (Although lots of beer is included at each brewery and sometimes during lunch)
- Dinner is not included which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own, or with the group as you see fit. There will be options for both. Your guides are happy to give you recommendations.
Let's talk weather
Our #1 question… what is it “typically” like each summer?
Unfortunately, the weather and weather forecasts in Northern France are unpredictable. In the summer it can be pleasant, it can be wet, it can be very hot. In the Spring and Fall it can get very cold. So riders need to plan for any situation. The number one thing that will ensure you have a comfortable tour is a good rain jacket that you have tested is fully waterproof. We will be riding each day rain or shine.
Wind is normal in this region. We can occasionally get a strong headwind which will make the cycling more challenging.
Tell me more about the bikes
On our Belgium and French tours we use lightweight Belgium-made hybrid bikes. They have 21 gears and include a cushioned saddle. The bikes do not have clip-in pedals, nor do they require special footwear. However, you are welcome to bring your own pedals.
What about the bike paths / difficulty of riding?
The landscape in this region of France includes many small rolling hills. The terrain is roughly 50% flat and 50% hills. Most of the roads we will cycle on are paved but dirt paths account for 5%.
The daily riding mileage averages out to be 30 miles (48 km) per day; the longest day is 38 miles. Expect about 4-5 hours a day on the bikes (not including stops). Our cycling pace greatly depends on the condition of the group but in general we will be cycling at a leisurely pace. For tours with two guides we can always split into two groups if necessary during the tour. We will stop for taking photos and/or a break every 45-60 minutes.
I’m not a strong cyclist. What do I need to do to prepare for the ride?
Our longest day on the bikes will be about 38 miles. To properly train for this trip, you should be able to ride your bike at least this distance, although we strongly encourage everyone to train beyond this point. Also, there will be hills during this tour so please include that in your training plan, if possible. It’s also a good idea to practice being on your bicycle multiple days in a row, to build your “saddle strength.” Please keep in mind that we cannot control the elements. A possible windy, wet day will make for much harder riding, so please take that into account with your training plan.
What are the maximum / minimum number of riders on this trip?
In order to keep the trip organized and give every rider individual attention, most trips will be limited to 14-16 people (including guides). The minimum for most tours is 5. We will notify you when the minimum has been met for your tour.
What if we don't have enough people to include vehicle support?
We will email the group once we confirm departure, and then again when we have enough to confirm the support vehicle. If we are not able to provide a support vehicle you will have the option to join us on a self-supported tour, or a full refund. We try to make these decisions at least 2 months prior to the start of a tour.
How do I reserve my spot?
Simply follow the link below to our registration page. You’ll need to fill in all of your information, including your 300 USD deposit per person now. We will send you a link to pay the remaining balance, which we must receive no later than 6 weeks before the start of the tour.
What if I change my mind or change my travel plans. Can I get a refund?
We can issue a partial refund if necessary as follows:
90 days or more before departure date = 100% refund minus bank / credit card feeds.
60 to 89 days before departure date = You will incur a 50 USD cancellation fee plus bank / credit card feeds.
45 to 59 days before departure date = Will will incur a 100 USD cancellation fee minus bank / credit card feeds.
Shorter than 45 days notice = We cannot issue a refund after this time due to lodging, bicycle, and tour reservations already being placed..
If I select a “shared room”, who will I be sharing with?
If you are traveling with another person, we will place you together in a room. (there are 2 people and 2 beds per room). If you are traveling by yourself (or with an odd number of people) then we will do our best to match you up with another rider on our tour of the same gender.
If you are in a room by yourself you will need to pay a single supplement fee.
We cannot currently offer a triple room discount as not all hotels offer triples.
What ages are allowed to attend?
21 and over.
What about drinking and driving? Isn’t it illegal to ride a bicycle intoxicated?
Yes, it is illegal to ride a bike intoxicated. And because Belgian beer can include a lot more alcohol then an average beer, the follow items are put in place for this tour:
When possible, our beer / brewery / biercafe visits will be at the end of the day.
There are several days where the brewery visit is mid-day. Riders will be expected to use moderation when drinking beers during the daily rides. There will be several occasions where we will stop for lunch and have a beer, however, this does not mean we will accept or tolerate over-drinking when additional riding is necessary.
On most occasions our riders tend to share beers with each other. This helps everyone a sample a larger variety of beers, limit their intake, and also save money. We encourage this method when possible.
All riders are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of the tour removing us from liability if over drinking cases any damage of any kind. This is non-negotiable.
Due to each rider’s size / weight / body type, we cannot easily put a hard limit on the amount of drinks one consumes before becoming intoxicated. Since we’re all adults everyone will need to make these decisions on their own. (Although our guides won’t hesitate to let you know if we think you’ve had too much)
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own bike with the following conditions:
In must be in good enough condition to support you and your equipment for the length of the tour.
If the tour is self supported it must have a rear-rack that can hold panniers, which you we can loan you, or you can bring your own.
You also bring your own lock.
You bring your own spare tubes.
We have plenty of extra helmets if you need to borrow one.
Beercycling will not be liable for damages made to your personal bike on the trip, although we will help when possible with mechanical issues or questions.
What languages do they speak in the Alsace?
French is the main language of this region, although German is widely spoken as well (as we are very close to the German border). English is understood in most cases and we will have translators in the group available for moments where they are not..
What are the average prices for beer / food / etc in France?
Bottle of beer = 4 to 5 Euros at a cafe (rare and specialty beers will be more)
Dinner = Expect about 20 to 35 Euros for a good-sized quality meal.
Tipping is not obligatory as this is service is included in VAT (Value Added Tax) at all restaurants. That said, a small tip 5% or leaving behind extra change is appreciated.
What do I need to pack for the tour?
We recommend packing light. (More room to take beer and wine home!) For self supported tours, the bags on the bikes are fairly large and should accommodate all necessary clothing for the entire tour. If you run out of room in your bags we can either help you mount another bag on the top of your rear rack, or place some equipment on one of the guides bikes if available. Please keep in mind that you will have use of a storage facility at the bike shop on Day #1 you can use and reclaim your items once the tour is over. A typical packlist for this trip is as follows:
Lightweight shirts = 3 or 4
Underwear = 3 or 4 pairs
Socks = 3 or 4 pairs
Pants = 1 pair
Shorts = 1 pair (Padded cycling shorts are recommended if you haven’t spent much time on a bike seat)
Waterproof lightweight rain shell
Lightweight jacket
1 pair of shoes for on the bike (cycling shoes or running/gym shoes is fine)
1 pair of shoes for off the bike (hiking sandals or flip flops, or just skip this and use your on-bike shoes)
Sunglasses
Gloves (for cycling, should be lightweight)
Water bottles are included with bicycle rental (or you can bring a camelbak which can double for extra storage)
Camera + batteries + charger
Personal documents (passport, credit cards)
Hygiene products / Sunscreen / Chapstick
A couple zip lock bags (helps on rainy days to extra waterproof your phone or other items)
What kind of ID / documentation / visas / vaccinations will I need?
Depending on the country you are traveling from, please consult your embassy for visa information prior to arrival. In general, one does not need a special visa to enter/exit France. Please remember to bring a passport to show identification when necessary along the trip. Sometimes hotels will ask for copies of your passport when we check in.
No special vaccinations are necessary for travel to this part of Europe.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not required, but it is recommended. This can be used for lost luggage, medical expenses, etc. Each person is on their own for this, we do not offer an insurance policy. Also check with your credit card company, sometimes they offer included travel insurance.
What if Beercycling needs to cancel the trip?
In the very unlikely event that we need to cancel a trip each person will be issued a 100% refund. We cannot, unfortunately, provide a refund for your other expenses like airfare. In all cases Beercycling has backup tour guides waiting should something happen to your primary guide.
Am I required to tip my guides?
Nope. But tipping is very much appreciated and helps ensure the ability of our guides to run more and more tours each year!
Any other questions?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are happy to answer even the silliest of questions!
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