Bacchus Tour’s – A Festive Day on Foot or by Bike Around Marlenheim
The Bacchus Tour's is a free event starting in Marlenheim and taking place in the villages north of the Alsace Wine Route. The program includes marked trails for bicycles, mountain bikes, and hiking, as well as plenty of activities along the way. I went to check it out and loved it! Here’s my review and my experience.
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Marlenheim, the northern gateway to the Alsace Wine Route.
- 📅 When: a Sunday in May (check the date on the Tourist Office website).
- 🚴 Recommended duration: one day, at your own pace.
- 👨👩👧 Audience: families, couples, athletes, all skill levels.
- 💶 Cost: Free and no registration required (food and tastings are available for purchase on site).
- 🚲 Routes: 9 routes to choose from, ranging from 8 to 41.5 km.
My Review of Bacchus Tour’s
I liked
- A very flexible concept: you choose your route, your pace, and where to stop…
- A variety of activities
- A Different Way to Explore the Vineyards
- Free event!
I liked less
- It was a bit a victim of its own success—there wasn’t much left to eat when I stopped by (a little late, to be sure).
Trails – Biking, Mountain Biking, and Hiking in Marlenheim
The idea behind the event is to promote sustainable transportation, so participants get around on foot or by bike. There are routes suited to all skill levels and preferences, which you can complete at your own pace. You can choose from:
- 3 bike routes (8, 25, and 32.8 km)
- 2 mountain bike trails (12.3 and 41.5 km)
- 4 hiking trails (ranging from 8 to 13.5 km).
| Circuit | Distance | Duration | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Bike | 8.2 km | 30 min | For all ages |
| C2 Bike | 25 km | 1h30 | Intermediate |
| C3 Bike | 32.8 km | 2h | Experienced/Athletic |
| V1 Mountain Bike | 12.3 km | 1h30 | Intermediate |
| V2 Mountain Bike | 41.5 km | 5h | Experienced/Athletic |
| Hike M1a / M1b | 8.3–8.6 km | 2h30 | For all ages |
| M3 Hike | 12.5 km | 3h30 | Intermediate |
| M2 Hike | 13.5 km | 4h | Intermediate |
The tour starts in Marlenheim, where you’ll pick up a route guide detailing the various suggested routes (which you can also simply download). There are no set start or finish times—everyone does as they please, which also helps spread out the participants along the routes.
I took part in the Bacchus Tou’s on a beautiful, sunny day. There were plenty of people there, but it wasn’t a problem once we were out on the course. We ran into other people, but there were no bottlenecks or any sense of being on a route that was too crowded.
The trails are well marked: just follow the arrows painted on the ground (and make sure you don’t mix up the colors—I took a little detour onto the mountain bike trail by mistake :-P). It’s very well done and easy.
Good news—you can also rent bikes at Alsace Vélo Passion in Marlenheim (03 88 62 89 21).
🍇 Local tip: If you’re planning to ride the long bike route (32.8 km), start early—it can get hot quickly in May on the unshaded stretches between villages.
The Couronne d’Or Vineyard—A Little-Known Terroir
These routes allow you to explore the villages of the Couronne d’Or wine region, located in the northern part of the Alsace Wine Route. The route actually begins in Marlenheim. I chose the long bike route so I could pass through all the villages: Wangen, Westhoffen, Balbronn, Bergbieten, Dangolsheim, Scharrachbergheim, Kirchheim, and Nordheim.
I know this part of Alsace pretty well since I live nearby and it’s my favorite spot for running and biking, but I really enjoyed exploring it this way. In fact, I always wonder why the area isn’t better known—it’s not very touristy, even though it’s truly magnificent: rolling landscapes with villages nestled among the vineyards, beautiful half-timbered houses, flowers… The whole scene is postcard-perfect; it’s a pleasure to explore it, and you’ll find yourself marveling at it time and again!
🍇 Local tip: This part of Alsace is still relatively off the beaten path compared to the southern section of the Wine Route. I go running and biking there regularly, and the Bacchus Tour’s is truly the perfect way to explore it.
Events – Concerts, Culinary Delights, and Social Gatherings
Along the entire route, festive venues in the villages offer a variety of activities: concerts, sports demonstrations, children’s games, tours, and, of course, wine and beer stands, grilled meats, various food trucks, and Alsatian specialties to enjoy. As an added bonus, local artisans and producers also showcase their works and products.
For example, I took the opportunity to try out an agility course (okay, it was for kids, but it was fun for adults, too!), climb the ramparts of Westhoffen, and treat myself to some Alsatian strawberries… Among other things!
There really is a friendly atmosphere. The participants—whether they’re with family or friends—enjoy a day outdoors, combining cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation. It’s the best, isn’t it? As for me, I’ll definitely be back next year!
🍇 Local tip: Don’t hang around too long at the festive squares late in the day—the food runs out fast. I learned that the hard way during my visit!
Key Takeaways About Bacchus Tour’s
- A 100% free event with no registration required—on foot, by bike, or on a mountain bike
- 9 marked trails ranging from 8 to 41.5 km, in the heart of the Couronne d’Or vineyards
- 8 festive and gourmet stopover villages (new for 2026: Bergbieten joins the list)
- An annual event that has become a must-attend, every Sunday in May
Looking for more ideas for bike rides through the Alsatian vineyards? Check out my guide to cycling the Wine Route to plan your next outing.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
When?
A Sunday in May (check the date on the Tourist Office website)
Where?
Starting point: Marlenheim Town Hall Square, 1 Place du Maréchal Leclerc, 67520 Marlenheim
Rate
Free admission; events open to the public (food and drinks available for purchase at the festival grounds)
Access
By bus (Route 230 from Strasbourg, ~25–30 min) or by car. Other routes (233, 234, 235) serve certain villages along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacchus Tours
What is Bacchus Tour’s?
The Bacchus Tour’s is a free day of sports and festivities organized in Marlenheim by the Mossig and Vignoble Tourist Office, featuring marked trails for walking, cycling, and mountain biking through the villages of the Couronne d’Or wine region.
When does the Bacchus Tour take place?
The event takes place on a Sunday in May, usually during the day. The exact date changes every year, so it’s best to check the Tourist Office website.
Is there a charge for the Bacchus Tour’s?
No, the event is completely free and requires no registration. You only have to pay for food and drinks at the festival stalls.
What tours does Bacchus Tour’s offer?
Nine routes to choose from: 3 cycling routes (8 to 32.8 km), 2 mountain biking routes (12.3 and 41.5 km), and 4 hiking trails (8 to 13.5 km), all of which you can enjoy at your own pace.
How do I get to Bacchus Tour’s without a car?
Bus line 230 connects Strasbourg to Marlenheim in about 25–30 minutes. Other lines in the network (233, 234, 235) also serve certain villages along the route.