Easy bike tour around Neuf-Brisach (35km)

My summary

Video summary

A circuit accessible to all

This 35km circuit is really accessible. Firstly, because the distance is reasonable, secondly, because the route is flat and thirdly, because most of it takes place on cycle paths. So you’re safe from cars, which makes it a good route for the whole family, if your child already pedals quite a bit!

On the Alsace à vélo website, the circuit starts at Fessenheim, but I’ve started it at Neuf-Brisach. It’s more convenient, especially if you’re planning to grab a bite to eat afterwards, or simply rent bikes, since the tourist office offers electric-assist bike rentals.

Across the Rhine plain

The first part of the loop takes in the scenery of this corner of the Rhine plain, passing through cornfields and small villages, including Fessenheim. Fessenheim is well known for its now-closed nuclear power plant, but not only that. It is also the town of Victor Schoelcher‘s father, a man who was deeply committed to human rights and whose struggle led to the abolition of slavery. There’s a museum dedicated to him in the center of the village (it’s just a short detour from the loop).

In terms of scenery, you shouldn’t expect anything out of the ordinary, but it’s still pretty and pleasant to pedal, all the more so as traffic remains light at all times, even during the short stretches where you happen to be on the road.

Along the Rhone-Rhine Canal

The second part of the tour is undoubtedly my favorite: you ride along the Rhone-Rhine canal on a lovely, shady dirt track (you’ll appreciate it all the more in summer, if the Alsatian heat descends on the region!), with the old lock-keeper’s houses to be seen along the way. This canal is no longer used by boats, but it’s a pleasure to ride!

Visit Neuf-Brisach

Once you’re back in Neuf-Brisach, I’d recommend adding a bike tour of the Neuf-Brisach fortifications (or a walk if you’re tired of pedaling :-P). The town is famous for its Vauban fortifications: in fact, it’s the only example of Vauban’s third system, his most advanced defense system.

Although the octagonal city is most impressive from the air (and most photogenic, admittedly), I find it interesting to tour the city by bike or on foot: you can ride/walk through the fortifications, which are truly imposing! As an added bonus, the works of art installed are well worth seeing.

Idea for a full day

Taking Neuf-Brisach as a starting point can make for a fun full day out, doing things like this:

• the morning bike circuit,
• lunch in Neuf-Brisach
• a visit to the surprising MAUSA Vauban Museum, a museum entirely dedicated to street art, in the afternoon