Thu 26 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2574km
As our cycle tour approaches its end we are all determined to make the most of the last few days in France. On yet another clear sunny day we cycled roughly WSW from Strasbourg to join the famous Alsace 'Route du Vin' that winds its way southward along the vineyard-covered slopes of the Rhine Valley, passing through one picturesque old village after another.
There were a few sharp climbs but it was well worth the effort as the scenery was (again) superb. We stopped to wander a little in some of the villages and were always impressed with their well maintained appearance. Obviously tourism is an important component of their income but there was also an obvious pride in their home and gardens - flowers were everywhere.
Around 1600 we stopped in Scherwiller with the intention of finding a small hotel for a couple of nights as tomorrow we plan to ride (unloaded) up to the castle 'Haut-Koenigsbourg'. In the Tourist Office we were informed that, due to a conference in a neighbouring town over the coming weekend, virtually all accommodation was booked out. The young woman at the office worked tirelessly, making numerous phone calls to check options before finally finding a small B&B in a village (Orschwiller) about 10km further south. We thanked her fulsomely for her assistance, all at no cost, and then set off again in the afternoon warmth to find our abode.
The B&B sits virtually below 'Haut-Koenigsbourg' that dominates the landscape and should be ideal for our expedition tomorrow.
For dinner we went into the village and found a lovely little hotel-restaurant. As usual we decided to try the local wine and noted that, on the wine list, virtually all of the around 30 wines were from the Orschwiller region, with only few from the neigbouring village. After asking our preferences, our host selected a 2012 'Pinot Blanc' for us and advised that it had been grown less than a kilometre from the restaurant - it doesn't come more local than that!! The food and the wine were excellent.
Strasbourg to Orschwiller
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Strasbourg
Wed 25 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2506km (no change)
A day to explore the city with its many interesting streets, squares, buildings, museums and exhibitions and to 'get the feel' of the place. Lots of the locals rely on their bikes to get around and there are many cycle paths around and across the city. They zip along at a good pace, weaving through the pedestrians and, like Amsterdam, you soon learn to look before stepping out onto a bike path as you are more likely to be hit by a bike than a car or tram as you wander about!
More Strasbourg
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Strasbourg
Tue 24 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2506km
A delightful day, initially rolling down from the heights into the Rhine valley, on one of the descents reaching speeds of more than 60kph. What a buzz! The small villages along the way were very picturesque with old wood-framed buildings, beautifully restored and the surrounding countryside was superb. In the warm, sunny conditions, with a light cooling breeze, the conditions were absolutely ideal for cycling and it was a joy to be on the road.
After a picnic lunch under a shady tree we continued on and found our way without difficulty into the centre of Strasbourg. Our first impressions of this famous town were very positive and they only got better. Every corner revealed a new delight - rushing rivers, magnificent old buildings, imposing fortifications.
Strasbourg is a popular tourist destination (for good reason) and the centre was awash with people. We cycled (carefully) through the crowds to the Tourist Office and got information on hotels that could accommodate cyclists (specifically securely store bikes) and still had rooms available - not a very large selection as it turned out. So, after a stop for a well earned ice-cream, we started our search, ultimately finding a place to stay a little outside the centre but still within easy walking distance of the old town.
We've decided to spend another day in Strasbourg to get to know it better and visit some of its main attractions.
Obersteigen to Strasbourg
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Strasbourg
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Obersteigen
Mon 23 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2459km
A short day, distance-wise, but we knew we would be crossing the mountain range that separates Alsace from the rest of France and were unsure as to how difficult this may prove to be. After purchasing the makings of our planned picnic lunch - fresh bread, cheese, tomatoes, capsicum and, of course, bananas - we departed Sarrebourg around 0930.
Our route took us along the D45 which climbed steadily after Schaeferhof to Dabo. Marianne especially was happy to be back in the mountains again - her favourite place - and we could all feel the differences - fresher air, clear water in the many streams and the smell of the pine forests. We had hoped to stop earlier for coffee but, being Monday morning, most cafes and restaurants were closed and so we were forced to wait till reaching Dabo before taking a longer break.
The remaining climb to the pass (Col de Valsberg) was less arduous than we had expected and we were pleased to reach the top shortly after midday. Surprisingly the sign marking the Col was located a little below the highest point of the crossing and we surmised that this was because there was a military installation at the crest and the authorities preferred that this should not form the backdrop to the innumerable photos taken at the pass sign to record the achievement of walkers and cyclists.
After adding our own record photo to that list we rolled down until we found a pleasant spot for our picnic lunch, under some shady trees, with broken views onto the valley below. After a relaxing hour or so we continued our descent and stopped in Obersteigen and booked into the small hotel there to enjoy the mountain ambience. We will continue on to Strasbourg tomorrow.
Sarrebourg to Obersteigen
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