The Route des Crêtes is Alsace's emblematic road. Built during the First World War to link French positions without crossing the plain, it now winds along the watershed line between Alsace and Lorraine. From the Markstein to the Grand Ballon via the Hartmannswillerkopf, every kilometre offers a clear view over the Rhine plain and, on a clear day, the Swiss Alps.
The route alternates between long, wind-swept sweeps and tight hairpins through woodland. It's a road built for motorcycles: well-maintained surface, generous visibility, no heavy traffic. The Grand Ballon (1,424m) is the highest point of the Vosges massif — the view from the summit alone is worth the detour.
This route strings together two major passes in the Vosges massif on an itinerary that rivals Alpine mountain roads. The Col du Bonhomme (949m) marks the border between Alsace and Lorraine, with well-paced corners through dense fir forest. Then the descent towards Munster before climbing back up to the Schlucht offers a sequence of bends that experienced riders will especially appreciate.
Descending the Schlucht on the Alsace side, the road is wide and well-maintained, with views over the Munster valley and its cattle herds — the famous Munster cows behind the cheese of the same name. A road that mixes adrenaline with pastoral scenery.
Less technical than the ridge roads, the Wine Route is nonetheless one of the most intoxicating routes in Alsace — literally and figuratively. It runs through 70 wine-growing villages and towns from Marlenheim to Thann, tracing the foot of the Vosges and crossing Grand Cru-classified vineyards.
The appeal of this route on a motorcycle is its rhythm: alternating between small country roads through the vines, half-timbered village centres (Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim), and small lanes climbing towards ruined medieval castles. A route best done over two days to fully enjoy it, with a stop at a charming hotel.
This is the perfect ride from Mulhouse — under an hour away, the Ballon d'Alsace is reachable in the morning for those who want to ride without travelling far. The climb via Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle on the Lorraine side strings together well-cambered bends on a quality surface, before reaching the summit plateau with its statue of the Virgin Mary and its view of the Alps on a clear day.
The descent towards Masevaux via the Col du Rossberg is a gem: narrow road, dense forest, sequences of hairpins that demand concentration and smoothness. A road that rewards clean riders and punishes the careless. Best ridden climbing from Lorraine and descending into Alsace, to make the most of the afternoon sun.
The Sundgau is Alsace's best-kept secret. This rolling region south of Mulhouse, bordering Switzerland, is crossed by near-empty country roads winding between ponds, orchards and near-untouched half-timbered villages. You won't run into tour buses here — just cyclists and the occasional farmer.
The ideal route starts in Altkirch, crosses Ferrette (the capital of the Sundgau with its perched castle), follows the Swiss border to Lucelle, then climbs back up towards Soppe-le-Haut via small forest roads. The elevation gain is modest but the bends are constant — perfect for riding cleanly, without excessive speed, while soaking up the scenery.
BEFORE YOU GO:
THE ESSENTIALS
Alsace is a generous region, but one that requires a minimum of preparation. Weather conditions can change quickly along the ridges, and some roads are closed part of the year.
WHICH SEASON
TO RIDE?
| Period | Ridge roads | Wine Route | Sundgau | General conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Closed | Quiet | Quiet | Cold, roads sometimes icy |
| Mar – Apr | Reopening | Ideal | Ideal | Few crowds, spring blossoms |
| May – Jun | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal | Best period — mild, stable weather |
| Jul – Aug | Good | Touristy | Ideal | Crowded villages, clearer ridges |
| Sep – Oct | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal | Autumn colours — a magical time |
| Nov – Dec | Risky | Christmas markets | Quiet | First cold snaps, plus Christmas markets |
These five roads represent a few hundred kilometres of pure joy. They're accessible within a single day from Mulhouse, varied in style and scenery, and well-maintained enough to ride with peace of mind.
Whether you're a mountain-pass enthusiast, a heritage lover, or simply chasing fresh air and sensations, Alsace has a road for you. The only mistake would be not making the most of it.