A cycling and spa day in the Bruche Valley

Watch out, good plan! The Bruche Valley Tourist Office offers a number of different themed day trips. I tried out the Vell’Ness day, which combines cycling and wellness. A pretty ideal program, don’t you think? The Vel’Ness day is available at several of the valley’s spas: Chez Julien, La Cheneaudière and the Velleda wellness center. I went to Chez Julien with my friend Marion and I can tell you it’s a great idea for a day out with friends!

Morning bike ride

An electrically-assisted bicycle (VAE) is available from 9am at the Chez Julien reception desk, with suggested itineraries to suit all tastes. Then off we go!

I did the C05 circuit suggested on the Rando Bruche website: an 18km itinerary with 450 meters of ascent starting from Chez Julien, leading from Fouday to the Col de la Perheux before descending via Wildersbach, Neuviller-la-Roche and Rothau. I’m a regular hiker in the Bruche Valley, but this was the first time I’d cycled there. I fell in love with it, and it’s (also!) a great way to get around the area.

The itinerary suggested to me was a real pleasure to follow: little-travelled roads and paths winding through the countryside. Vosges forestvery beautiful panoramas on the surrounding peaks and villages, and finally a magnificent bicycle path on the banks of the Bruche between Rothau and Fouday. Nature is superb!

The bikes we provide are VTCs, so they’re well-suited to the trails… And given the difference in altitude, the electric assistance is admittedly pleasant, even for me, who’s used to pedaling! I had a lot of fun on the trails with this bike, I must say!

Lunch and afternoon at the spa

After the ride, simply return the bikes and head to the Spa by Julien. The Vel’Ness package includes lunch at Chez Julien’s Day Spa. A truly delicious three-course meal. There’s a choice of two starters and two main courses, as well as a wide range of desserts (the house makes excellent tarts in particular!). Everything is of the highest quality, and served in generous portions, so you’ll feel refreshed after your bike ride… And make you want to spend the whole afternoon relaxing! Just as well, that’s the plan 😉 Meals are served indoors or on the huge terrace, which is particularly pleasant on a sunny day.

If you like spas in Alsace, you’re bound to know Spa by Julien: it’s one of the most beautiful spas in the region! I haven’t been there in a while, and the wellness area has been enlarged yet again – it’s superb. The atmosphere is reminiscent of spa hotels in the Black Forest, with a traditional feel but modern facilities. On the program: indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzis, spa area with sauna, sanarium, Turkish bath, experience showers, salt grotto, relaxation rooms… It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon relaxing and unwinding, while taking in the spa’s surroundings: Chez Julien is set in lush greenery on the banks of the Bruche river, an ideal setting for forgetting the stresses of everyday life.

A great way to get away from it all for a day!

We came away from the day feeling very relaxed, and realized that we’d been away for much longer than just a day: the bike and spa program is a great way to unwind , combining physical activity and relaxation, and it feels really good! I can’t recommend this day out enough, whether as a couple or with friends, especially as the value for money is excellent: €75 for the day, including bike rental, 3-course lunch and an afternoon at the spa, is a really good deal!

Other day trips in the Bruche Valley

Here are the other escapades proposed by the Bruche Valley Tourist Office. Be sure to check the dates, as not all of them take place all year round. To book, contact the tourist office directly.

• Bulle de Nature: hike, then lunch and spa afternoon
• Bulle de Neige: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or hiking, followed by lunch and an afternoon spa.
• Croq Terroir: VAE and picnics
• Roulez Goûtez: VAE and snacks
• Experiences in the bush: a half-day or full-day meeting with Bruche Valley residents who share their know-how.

My photos from Vel’Ness Day at the Spa by Julien