From the Rhône to the Rhine by Bike: A Leisurely Loop Between Neuf-Brisach and Artzenheim (30 km)
Are you looking for an easy bike ride with no hills, mostly in the shade, and no traffic? The “From the Rhône to the Rhine—Northern Section” loop, which connects Neuf-Brisach to Artzenheim along the canal, checks all those boxes. I tried it out on a scorching hot day, and that’s exactly why I wanted to recommend it to you!
Video overview
My summary
I liked
- The shade along the canal, which is very welcome in the summer
- The alternation between highly controlled passages and wilder sections
- There are many picnic tables along the way
- The loop is flat from start to finish: no difficulty at all
I liked less
- The stretch between Artzenheim and Kunheim is a little less pleasant in the heat
The Course in Detail
The route is the “From the Rhône to the Rhine—Northern Section” loop. Find all the Tourist Office’s cycling routes here. The route starts at Place d’Armes in Neuf-Brisach. Broadly speaking, the loop is divided into three distinct sections.
1. Neuf-Brisach → Artzenheim, straight ahead along the canal
We quickly leave Neuf-Brisach behind, and here we are on the bike path running alongside the Rhône-Rhine Canal, starting out along one of its unspoiled branches. I really like this kind of atmosphere, where nature is reclaiming its space: trees providing welcome shade, tall grass along the path, and tree trunks in the water.
Once past Kunheim, you’ll find a straight, geometric canal with well-defined banks. It’s still very pretty, and in some sections you can often spot birds like swans.
Just a heads-up: we’ll be passing by the Kunheim boat stop, but it might be a little too early to stop there… The good news is that we’ll be passing through Kunheim again on our way back down to Neuf-Brisach, so we’ll have two chances to stop there!
2. Artzenheim → Kunheim, through villages and cornfields.
In Artzenheim, the route leaves the canal bank to pass through the villages ( Baltzenheim, then Kunheim—this time actually entering the village itself) along bike paths that wind through the cornfields. This is the least shaded part of the loop, and also the section with the few stretches on small roads. The day I rode through there, that’s where the heat really set in: the sun was beating down, the air was still between the rows of corn, and I couldn’t wait to get back into the shade of the canal.
It was on my way back through Kunheim that I stopped for a picnic. I had reserved a picnic basket from Vinum Divinum ( Weinmanufaktur Wissmann-Jessel), a winery based in Obersaasheim that grows grapes on the German side of the border but makes its wine right here in Alsace. The basket is (very) generous: pasta salad, cold cuts and cheese, bread, fruit, dessert, and of course a bottle of wine. Plates and cutlery are provided. We settle down at a table in the shade, lay everything out, and honestly, it’s the kind of moment that turns a bike ride into a real break from the routine: we take our time, savor the moment… and set off again with our bellies a little too full!
There’s just one drawback when it comes to practicality: the basket comes in a cute insulated backpack , but it’s not very practical to carry while riding a bike. If you choose this option, you’ll want to use a bike bag to transfer the contents instead—it’ll be more comfortable on the road.
3. Kunheim → Biesheim, then Neuf-Brisach.
We then head back to the waterfront to make our way to Biesheim along the Neuf-Brisach Canal, and this return to the shade is a welcome relief. In Biesheim, during the season, you can take a 45-minute guided tour on a flat-bottomed boat along the Giessen. Unfortunately, it was closed when I was there, but I’ve heard great things about it! You can find all the information here.
Once you leave the canal, the final stretch to Neuf-Brisach is a quick one.
What kind of bike should I use for this loop, and where can I rent one?
The route alternates between paved sections and sections of fine gravel along the canal. A hybrid bike or gravel bike is the most comfortable choice. A road bike would probably work, but this isn’t the most suitable terrain.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent an electric bike (e-bike) in Neuf-Brisach at Velo Connect. Since the loop is flat, electric assistance isn’t essential, but it can make the ride more enjoyable if you’re not used to cycling at all.
Where can I take a break along the way?
One of the highlights of this loop is the number of places to stop along the canal:
- The Kunheim boat rest stop: You’ll find it along the canal, and you can stop there on both the outbound and return trips (you’ll need to briefly leave the route to reach it). It has picnic tables, a water fountain, and restrooms.
- There are many other picnic tables dotted along the canal, some of which are in the shade—a real bonus on hot days.
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FAQ
How long does it take to complete the northern section of the Rhône-to-Rhine loop?
The loop is 31 km long and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete according to the official map, not including breaks. If you plan to stop for a picnic and take a few photos, you should allow for half a day.
Is the loop suitable for children?
Yes: The route is flat and runs almost entirely on a bike path separated from the road. Only the section between Artzenheim and Kunheim includes short stretches through villages on the road. To avoid these sections entirely, you can take a round trip between Neuf-Brisach and Artzenheim by following only the canal.
This article was written as part of a paid collaboration with the Alsace Rhin Brisach Tourist Office. I have retained complete editorial independence.