France & Germany Family Biking
From Wine-Rich Alsace to the Black Forest
First contested by the Romans and Celts, and later by the Germans and the French, tiny Alsace showcases a compelling blend of cultures that's certain to delight your family. Here, in the far eastern reaches of France, you'll discover medieval towns whose feudal ruins tell of battles won and lost. You'll marvel at glacier-scoured valleys and ancient volcanoes. And pedal on the famed Route des Vins as it hugs the misty foothills of the Vosges Mountains and links a string of idyllic wine villages. Adults taste world-class rieslings and gewürztraminers while the kids tour a chocolate museum. Then venture across the Rhine River and into Germany's Black Forest, a mythical area synonymous with spas, Spätburgunder and primeval pine woodlands. As for the local kid-approved highlights? Chocolate cake and cuckoo clocks, of course!
- Explore nooks and crannies of storybook villages
- A fun-filled canoe excursion
- Sweet treats at the Musée du Chocolat
- Bike across the Rhine from France into Germany
- The spa town of Badenweiler, originally a Roman settlement dating to 75 A.D.
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Obernai
Meet in Strasbourg 
Bike through the Vosges Mountain foothills to Obernai, which seems right out of a storybook with its cobblestone streets and remnants of medieval fortifications.
Days 2-3 Rouffach
Pedal past vineyards and quaint villages brimming with half-timbered houses and cheery geranium gardens Visit a marquetry workshop for a demonstration of the centuries-old craft Ride La Route des Vins, perhaps stopping for wine tastings en route to Riquewihr, a town that has miraculously - and beautifully - survived five centuries of warfare Strong riders up for a challenge can conquer the Vosges vaulting peaks or tackle steep hills to Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé for a sample of delicious white wines In lively Colmar, browse the abundant shops for that perfect souvenir Kids experience the region's sweeter side during a fun (and tasty!) visit to Le Musée du Chocolat.
Days 4-6 Badenweiler
Cross the Rhine River and enter Germany's Kaiserstuhl at the edge of the Black Forest This stunning volcanic landscape is home to some of the country's finest wines, including reds from the Spätburgunder grape The youngsters make a splash while canoeing near the Rhine Savor a slice of the region's famed Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - chocolate cake with cherry schnapps Go totally cuckoo for the locally made clocks Ascend steeply into the heart of the forest, marveling at miles of unparalleled vistas, or relax at the hotel's spa Enjoy a final glimpse of village life as you pedal past small Black Forest hamlets.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Brittany & Normandy Biking Dordogne & Bordeaux Biking Loire Valley BikingOther France Trips
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France & Germany Family Biking
RHINE RIVER ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
A la Cour d'Alsace
Obernai, France (1 night) From former baron's manor house to luxury hotel, this stunning property offers every modern amenity in the heart of medieval Obernai.
Château d'Isenbourg
Rouffach, France (2 nights) This elegant Small Hotels of the World manor is perched above the Alsace vineyards.
Hotel Romerbad
Badenweiler, Germany (2 nights) At this stately "cultural residence," you'll find spacious guest rooms with sleek modern décor, a sauna, spa and thermal swimming pool.
France & Germany Family Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 42, 48 miles
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 36, 54 miles
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 45, 58 miles
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 18, 36 miles
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles