The best road cycling routes around the Rhone-Rharound thee Canal

There are over 7,700 road cycling routes available around the Rhone-Rhine Canal on komoot, catering to a wide range of preferences and fitness levels.

The Rhone-Rhine Canal region offers a mix of road cycling routes. You'll find many easy, flat sections, particularly along the canal banks and former towpaths. However, there are also more challenging excursions, including routes with significant elevation gain and sustained climbs, especially as you approach the Vosges and Black Forest mountains. Overall, there are over 1,600 easy routes, more than 4,300 moderate routes, and over 1,700 difficult routes.

Yes, the predominantly paved and largely flat paths along the canal banks and flood dykes make many sections of the Rhone-Rhine Canal ideal for family-friendly road cycling. These routes offer a smooth and scenic journey suitable for various fitness levels, including beginners and families.

The canal traverses diverse and picturesque landscapes. You'll cycle through the 'timeless Alsace' region with its characteristic thatched houses and stork nests, alongside meadows, groves, and fields offering beautiful views of the Vosges and Black Forest mountains. The northern branch features centuries-old plane trees providing shade. The canal also frequently runs alongside or merges with the Doubs River, creating dynamic environments with steep, wooded banks, particularly in the Doubs Valley. The Petite Camargue Alsacienne nature reserve offers a lush green corridor.

The region is rich in attractions. You can explore historical towns like Mulhouse and Dole, which boasts Louis Pasteur's birthplace. Besançon features the magnificent Besançon Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architectural marvels include the Saint-Philibert church in Tournus and engineering feats like the ladder of twelve locks of Valdieu-Lutran. Natural wonders like the Enchanted Cave and the Teufelsloch Sinkhole are also nearby.

Yes, the network of paths along the Rhone-Rhine Canal and its surrounding areas allows for many loop routes. While specific loop routes are too numerous to list individually, komoot offers a wide selection of circular tours. For example, you could explore the Hotel Belvédère on the Furka Pass – View of Grimsel Pass loop from Andermatt for a challenging experience, or the Tour of Bommelerwaard for a moderate ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 21,600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, predominantly paved paths, the varied scenery from canal banks to mountain views, and the rich cultural and natural attractions along the way. The accessibility of the EuroVelo 6 route is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Yes, the region offers unique opportunities for international cycling. The Three Countries Bridge, for instance, allows cyclists to cross into Germany and Switzerland, connecting different cultures and landscapes directly from the canal route.

Absolutely. While many canal sections are flat, the proximity to the Vosges and Black Forest mountains, as well as areas like the Doubs Valley with its steep banks, provides excellent opportunities for advanced road cyclists. Routes such as The Starter Triple: Furka – Nufenen – Gotthard or Susten - Grimsel - Furka offer significant elevation gain and sustained climbs, providing a challenging experience.

The region is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The northern branch of the canal, with its centuries-old plane trees, offers welcome shade from the Alsatian sun during warmer months. While specific weather conditions vary, the mild seasons typically provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the diverse landscapes.

Yes, the Rhone-Rhine Canal connects various towns and villages, offering numerous opportunities for refreshments and accommodation. You'll find cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the urban centers like Mulhouse and Dole, as well as smaller establishments in the villages along the canal. The EuroVelo 6 route, which the canal forms a part of, is well-equipped with services for cyclists.

Yes, the Rhone-Rhine Canal forms a significant and integral part of the EuroVelo 6 cycling route, also known as the 'Rivers Route' or 'Atlantic – Black Sea' route. This means cyclists can enjoy a largely flat and accessible path along former towpaths, benefiting from the well-established infrastructure of this major European cycling artery.