Where can you go gravelling in Alsace? Head for the Sundgau!

My summary

Video summary

A territory suited to gravel riding

Paths galore and back roads

I’ve already talked to you several times about what to do in the Sundgau, and in particular about mountain biking and cycling. As gravel is a kind of mix between mountain biking and road biking, it’s only logical that the Sundgau is also well suited to it!

The number of paths is impressive, so you can alternate between small roads (traffic is always limited), bike paths, forest trails, white roads or grass paths across fields… A great deal of variety, so that you never get bored for a second. You can also easily adapt your route along the way, as there are always plenty of options.

Undulating… but not too undulating!

What’s more, the Sundgau is hilly, which always makes for a more pleasant and challenging landscape. But we’re not in the mountains either, where the paths are often more technical, as well as being steeper… I found that this struck a good balance between difficulty and beauty, so to speak! It also makes the routes accessible without requiring a high level of sporting ability.

Quiet… but not too quiet!

The Sundgau region of Alsace is not very touristy compared to the famous Alsace Wine Route, for example. A great advantage when you’re gravelling, where you’re generally looking for rather quiet areas, far from the hustle and bustle, to disconnect… But it doesn’t have to be too “empty” either, so that you can easily grab a bite to eat or even a place to stay along the way.

Journeys of varying lengths

Whether you’re in the mood for a half-day tour, a day trip or a multi-day itinerary , the choice is yours. There are numerous routes of varying length and difficulty, and they are updated regularly. To see them, go to the Tourist Office’s well-stocked Komoot page.

Vianney, director of the tourist office, is a keen cyclist and maps out the routes himself, so they’re not just drawn up at random. He always tries to take the “right” route, whether it’s the prettiest one, the one where there’s not (too) much mud, the little single that’s nice but not too technical… You can feel it in the detail of the routes.

I tested the Tour du Sundgau in gravel!

Long or short option

I’m a big fan of touring by bike. So one of the routes that immediately caught my eye was the Tour du Sundgau gravel route. There’s also a road bike and mountain bike version, but the gravel version appealed to me even more. The Tour du Sundgau is available in two options:

• the long option: 185km and 2300m of ascent
• the short option: 140km and 1,600m of ascent

These two itineraries are already mapped out, but if you want to go shorter or longer, it’s actually possible to adapt: contact Vianney at the tourist office, and he’ll be able to help you map out your route according to your level and desires. Yes, tailor-made! 🙂

My opinion of the Tour du Sundgau

I opted for the short 3-day version of the TDS, which made for a route with reasonable distances and gradients per day, but you can of course cut it up differently to suit your mood. I really enjoyed this itinerary.

It’s not too strenuous, although it does have a few nice climbs, is by no means monotonous, and comprises around 50% paths and 50% paved roads/tracks. So you can pedal through the pretty rolling countryside of the Sundgau, with its meadows, fields and forests, but also discover the Alsatian Jura (yes, the Jura massif starts here!).

I also liked the fact that the route takes you through some beautiful villages, such as Ferrette and its castle. In fact, you might be surprised when you discover the villages: they’re often little-known but nonetheless splendid, with beautiful half-timbered houses full of flowers. If you’re in the mood to ride and discover an authentic corner of Alsace, the Sundgau is definitely the place to be…

Last but not least, there are interesting historical and cultural pauses along the way (I discovered the Grand Canon in Zillisheim, for example ), as well as gourmet pauses. I recommend a mini-tour to sample one of the famous tarts at the charming Auberge Saint-Brice, or a stop at Fromagerie Anthony, Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

For food and drink, it depends a little on the day and the way you’ve planned your itinerary, but we regularly pass through villages with bakeries, or even restaurants and grocery stores. Just check the day before where you’ll be stopping to plan ahead and make sure you don’t end up with nothing. When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty to choose from. If you want to bivouac, that’s possible too. Here again, you can contact Vianney to find some nice spots.