Where can you go gravel biking in Alsace? Head to the Sundgau!

My summary

Video summary

A territory suited to gravel riding

Paths galore and back roads

I’ve already told you several times about things to do in the Sundgau, especially mountain biking and road biking. Since gravel biking is a sort of mix between mountain biking and road biking, it stands to reason that the Sundgau is also well-suited for it!

The number of routes is impressive, so you can alternate between small roads (traffic is always light), bike paths, forest trails, dirt roads, or grassy paths through fields… It’s a wonderful variety that ensures you won’t get bored for a second. Depending on your preferences, you can also easily adjust your route along the way, since there are always plenty of options.

Undulating… but not too undulating!

Plus, the Sundgau is hilly, which always makes the scenery more enjoyable and adds a bit of a challenge. But we’re not in the mountains either, where the trails are often more technical—not to mention obviously steeper… I found that this strikes a good balance between difficulty and beauty, in a way! It also makes the trails accessible without requiring a high level of fitness.

Quiet… but not too quiet!

The Sundgau is a part of Alsace that isn’t very touristy compared to, say, the famous Alsace Wine Route. This is a real advantage when you’re out on a gravel ride, since you’re generally looking for quiet areas away from the hustle and bustle so you can unwind… But it shouldn’t be too “deserted” either, so you can easily find places to eat or even stay overnight along the way.

Journeys of varying lengths

Whether you’re in the mood for a half-day or full-day ride, or want to set out on a multi-day tour , you’ll have plenty of options. There are many routes available, varying in length and difficulty, and they’re updated regularly. To check them out, visit the Tourist Office’s Komoot page, which is particularly well-stocked.

The director of the tourist office, Vianney, is a cycling enthusiast and maps out the routes himself—so needless to say, they aren’t chosen at random. He always tries to take the “right” path—whether it’s the prettiest one, the one without (too much) mud, or a nice little single track that isn’t too technical… You can tell; the routes are meticulously planned.

I tested the Tour du Sundgau in gravel!

Long or short option

I really enjoy bike touring. So one of the routes that immediately caught my eye was the Tour du Sundgau on a gravel bike. 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 routes have already been mapped out, but keep in mind that if you want to make the hike shorter or longer, it’s actually possible to adjust them: contact Vianney at the tourist office; he can help you plan your route based on your skill level and preferences. Yes, it’s completely customized! 🙂

My opinion of the Tour du Sundgau

I chose the short, 3-day version of the TDS, which meant a route with reasonable distances and elevation gains each day, but you can, of course, break it up differently depending on your preferences. I really loved this route.

It’s not too difficult, though it does include a few nice climbs; it’s definitely not monotonous, and about 50% of the route consists of trails and 50% of paved roads or paths. This lets you cycle through the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Sundgau, with its meadows, fields, and forests, and also explore the Alsatian Jura (yes, the Jura Mountains start right here!).

Another aspect I really liked was that the route takes you through beautiful villages, such as Ferrette and its castle. You might be surprised by these villages: they’re often overlooked but truly splendid, with beautiful half-timbered houses adorned with flowers. If you’re looking to go for a ride while exploring an authentic corner of Alsace, the Sundgau is definitely a great place to visit…

Finally, along the way, you can take some interesting historical and cultural breaks ( for example, I discovered the Grand Canyon of Zillisheim) as well as some culinary stops. I recommend taking a short detour to sample one of the famous tarts at the charming Auberge Saint-Brice or stopping by Fromagerie Anthony, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

As for food, it depends a bit on the day and how you’ve planned your route, but you’ll definitely pass through villages regularly that have bakeries, and sometimes even restaurants and grocery stores. Just check the day before to see where you can stop so you can plan ahead and avoid ending up with nothing to eat. As for lodging, there are plenty of options. If you want to camp, that’s possible too. Again, you can contact Vianney and he’ll recommend some great spots.