<p>One of the first companies to offer e-bikes on their regular tours, the luxury bike tour company B&amp;R has several e-biking trips. One of them is&nbsp;Alsace E-Biking,&nbsp;which starts in Strasbourg and goes to Dachstein, follows the famous Route des Vins and goes to Colmar, with a final dinner at Frères Haeberlin, a Michelin-starred restaurant. The level is "Recreational," with 25 to 31 miles of daily riding. The 6-day trip is priced at $6,495 per person.</p>

5 European E-Bike Trips For 2023

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Germany

<h4><strong><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-39613 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mannheim-tower-250px.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="423" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mannheim-tower-250px.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mannheim-tower-250px-177x300.jpg 177w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /></strong></h4>
<h2><strong>World on Wheels: Mannheim, Germany</strong></h2>
<p>Sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar rivers, Mannheim is a city of inventors. This pretty university town is where the local inventor, Karl Drais built the first two-wheeled hobbyhorse in 1817, the precursor to today’s bicycle—where would Butterfield &amp; Robinson be without our favourite way of seeing the world?—and where Karl Benz drove the very first automobile on the streets in 1886. It’s also here where his wife, Bertha Benz, took the world’s first road trip by car in 1888.</p>
<h2><strong>The Birthplace of Protestantism: Speyer, Germany</strong></h2>
<p>One of the oldest cities in Germany, originally founded by the Roman Empire in the year 10 B.C.E., Speyer is known for its influence as a powerful seat of the Holy Roman Empire. It is also here where the infamous ‘Protestation at Speyer’ took place in 1529, where the six princes and representatives of 14 Imperial Free Cities protested the imperial ban against Martin Luther’s reformist principles, giving birth to the movement of Protestantism. Naturally, Speyer is also recognized for its splendid red sandstone cathedral built in 1030, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39616 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/speyer-street-732.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="518" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/speyer-street-732.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/speyer-street-732-424x300.jpg 424w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><strong>Artistic Inspiration for the Ages: The Rhine Gorge, Germany</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-39621 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/German-Corner-Koblenz-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="234" /></strong>The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque 65-kilometre (40 miles) stretch between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany, has inspired countless painters, poets, writers, and composers, especially during the Romantic movement of the 18thC, from the enchanted siren at the Rock of Lorelei (near Sankt Goarshausen) who lured sailors to their demise, and Richard Wagner’s epic opera cycle, the Ring of the Nibelung, which takes place along the Rhine. Another notable spot of German pride is the <em>Deutsches</em> <em>Eck</em>, the &#8216;German corner&#8217; at Koblenz, where the Mosel River joins the Rhine, complete with a statue of William I, the first German Emperor.</p>
<h2><strong>Capital Country: Amsterdam, Netherlands</strong></h2>
<p>It’s almost inevitable to think about iconic tulips and windmills when it comes to the Netherlands, but one surprising fact, uncovered by economic historians, is that the Netherlands has the claim to being the very first capitalist country in the world. Amsterdam was the world’s wealthiest trading city, with the world’s first full-time stock exchange, insurance and retirement funds. (And let’s not forget the world’s first asset-inflation bubble: the tulip-mania years of 1636-1637, when houses were bought and sold for a tulip bulb).</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39614 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Amsterdam-960px.jpg" alt="Amsterdam" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Amsterdam-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Amsterdam-960px-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Amsterdam-960px-768x510.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Amsterdam-960px-903x600.jpg 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p>Feeling inspired to make these experiences your own? <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get in touch</a> with a member of our team to see how we can start planning your perfect trip along the mighty Rhine River.</p>


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France

<h2>Ready to Ride?</h2>
<p>Browse our full portfolio of <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?fr=France&amp;fa=Biking">bike trips in France</a> or feel free to reach out to our <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/private-travel/#5">Bespoke travel team</a> to plan a custom bike trip of your own!</p>


<h2>3. Bordeaux and Dordogne</h2>
<h4>Due East along the Dordogne River</h4>
<p>Prepare yourself for some of France’s best cycling, where the riding is as smooth as a <a href="http://www.chateau-mouton-rothschild.com/vintages/chateau-mouton-rothschild/chateau-mouton-rothschild-2012" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Château Mouton Rothschild</a>. Set out from Saint-Emilion and embark on a day-long traverse to the Bergerac region. Take a quick pit stop in Castillon-la-Bataille, the site of the final Battle of the Hundred Years War ending in the defeat and the final expulsion of the British from Aquitaine. After the short history break, press on and follow the Dordogne River’s meandering banks.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27527" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Bordeaux.jpg" alt="Best Cycling Routes in France Bordeaux " width="752" height="500" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Bordeaux.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Bordeaux-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>In Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a town that straddles the departments of the Dordogne and the Gironde, stop for lunch on one of the town’s many terraces. After lunch, the route follows the Route des Vins into the AOC vineyards of Bergerac and Montbazillac, famous for its dessert wine. End with a final push to the top of a hill, and arrive at the <a href="http://www.abignac.com/en/#/hotel.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chartreuse du Bignac</a>.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.kbO88EMxTPYo" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>73 km<br />
<strong> Recommended Rider Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Recreational</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>June &#8211; September</p>
<hr />
<h2>4. The Loire Valley</h2>
<h4>The Touraine and Vienne River</h4>
<p>The picturesque <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2018/04/06/5-reasons-love-loire-valley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Loire’s</a> castle-lined routes have long been the playground of kings and queens, and the small country roads are perfect for biking.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27528" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Loire.jpg" alt="Best Cycling Routes in France Loire Valley" width="752" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Loire.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Loire-480x255.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>Cross through typical Touraine landscapes and pedal along the Indre River towards the village of Azay-le-Rideau. Park your bikes and tour the many châteaux, taking in the Renaissance architecture. Lunch in front of the castle at Côté Cour restaurant is a must. After lunch, cross the Vienne River and arrive at the imposing gates of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_du_Rivau" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Château du Rivau</a> for an opportunity to wander at your whim or will through the magnificent gardens.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.kG9_7YxME09k" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>55 km<br />
<strong> Recommended Rider Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Recreational</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>June &#8211; September</p>
<hr />
<h2>5. Provence</h2>
<h4>Petit Lubéron</h4>
<p>We’ve been enjoying every well-trod trail and much-visited town on our <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/provence-biking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Provence Biking trip</a> for decades. On this route, however, we stray outside the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2015/01/20/bicycles-burgundy-and-bons-viveurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">region’s</a> hotspots to show you our favourite hidden gems.</p>
<p>Start in the heart of the Petit Lubéron valley. The ride will be like the sea on a strong Mistral day: a flat mirror interrupted by steep (but short) waves. Pass through the spectacular village of Bonnieux before continuing downhill and across a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge (<em>Pont Julien</em>, pictured below).</p>


<p>After this historical crossing, bike up to the spectacular but hidden village of Goult, in which the main square is filled with inviting cafés and shops teeming with wonderful goods. After a quick stop, ride to an exclusive wine domain, owned by none other than the mayor of Ménerbes: the Domaine Ruffinatto. Finish the route with a short trip back to La Bastide de Marie, Ménerbes.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.klY9NtdQujYo" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>54km<br />
<strong> Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Enthusiast</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>May &#8211; September<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<hr />
<h2>6. Southwest France</h2>
<h4><span style="color: #333333;">Conques &amp; The Lot Valley</span></h4>
<p>This region offers incredible diversity and beautiful scenery along quiet roads that cyclists continue to rave about years after their first ride. Starting in Saint Cirq Lapopie, a small but stunning village, embark on a nearly 100-km journey to the village of Conques. This ride, although long, is arguably the most beautiful route heading upstream of the Lot.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27530" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Southwest-France.jpg" alt="Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Southwest-France" width="752" height="480" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Southwest-France.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Southwest-France-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>Expect a few steep climbs as you ride on the right side of the river bank. Taking your time on this century ride is highly recommended, there are plenty of small villages along this route that are perfect for a long lunch. Your final stop will be Conques, which is best-known for the relics of Sainte Foy, whose presence has made it a major stop on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Camino de Santiago</a> from the Middle Ages until today.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.kSW0lQLP2Ycw" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>90km<br />
<strong> Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avid</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>May &#8211; September</p>
<hr />
<h2>7. Atlantic France</h2>
<h4><span style="color: #333333;">Route du Sel on Ile de Ré</span></h4>
<p>Ile de Ré is one of the most famous and fashionable islands along the French Atlantic Coast, nestled secretly between Brittany to the north and the vineyards of Bordeaux to the south. This island route on our <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/atlantic-france-biking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atlantic France Biking trip</a> features wonderfully flat biking along the sea on dedicated bike paths.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27531" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Atlantic-France.jpg" alt="Best Cycling Routes in France " width="752" height="480" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Atlantic-France.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Atlantic-France-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>Riding along the ancient salt road, or Route du Sel, this scenic loop takes you to the top of the island and back. Pedal down virtually untouched villages such as Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Clément des Baleines or La Couarde and continue on to the hidden villages of Loix and Les Portes before looping back to the port city of Saint Martin de Ré.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.kmJsmdfMOYFc" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>82 km<br />
<strong> Recommended Rider Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Occasional</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>June &#8211; September</p>
<hr />
<h2>8. Normandy</h2>
<h4><span style="color: #333333;">Deauville Loop via Honfleur</span></h4>
<p>Though every region of Europe boasts a long history, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2018/06/25/reasons-to-visit-normandy-france/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Normandy</a> has been deeply shaped by two watershed moments that are pillars of European history and culture: the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the Allied landing on June 6, 1944. Discovering this region is like turning the pages of a history book while riding through lush fields and along white-sand beaches.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27532" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Normandy.jpg" alt="Best Cycling Routes in France Normandy " width="752" height="480" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Normandy.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Best-Cycling-Routes-in-France-Normandy-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>Ease into the pace of seaside life on this route. First, ride inland through the famous horse-breeding farms of the area. Deep forests alternate with lush prairie as you descend into Deauville, an elegant resort often called the “Parisian Riviera” for its casino, stately buildings, and annual film festival. There are plenty of options for lunch along the seafront. Continue across the bridge into its sister town Trouville, which preserves the simple fishing village traditions of the coast. Follow the shore back to Honfleur, whose colourful facades inspired the Impressionists.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z5AC45WIZo68.kl58XVx0Ka-w" width="752" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Distance: </strong>39 km<br />
<strong> Recommended Rider Level: </strong><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/about/activity-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Enthusiast</a><br />
<strong> Best time to ride: </strong>July &#8211; August</p>


The 8 Best Cycling <br>Routes in France

Accolades

Food and Travel

Alsace

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<span>In Pictures:</span><br> Alsace & Champagne

History

In Deep

<p>In 1940, the Nazis seized control of the region; overnight the names of towns were changed and schools were prohibited from teaching French. Monuments were torn down, and even the wearing of berets was forbidden.</p>
<p>When Allied forces liberated France in 1945, the French retaliated by outlawing the teaching of the Alsatian language; signs with the slogan &#8220;It is chic to speak French&#8221; were posted everywhere.</p>
<p>Today, Alsace is part of France, but retains a very German flavour. There are many German factories in the region and German tourists flock to Alsace in the summertime. Some Alsatians think of themselves as culturally closer to Germany, while others believe they have more in common with the French.</p>
<p>One thing is for certain: the inhabitants of this beautiful, distinctive region are Alsatian, first and foremost.</p>


<span>In Deep:</span> Alsace

Culture &amp; Lifestyle

Eat &amp; Drink

Vines &amp; Wines

Vines 101

<h3>The Seven Grape Varieties of Alsace Wine</h3>
<figure id="attachment_19576" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19576" style="width: 212px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19576 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alsace_riesling.jpg" alt="Alsace wine " width="212" height="320" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19576" class="wp-caption-text">A bottle of Alsace Riesling</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>Sylvaner:</strong> A quarter of all vines are Sylvaner. The vines are high yield, and therefore more economical to grow. Sylvaner grapes produce a light, fresh, uncomplicated wine that pairs well with seafood and charcuterie. Often blended with other grapes to produce Edelzwicker, popular in Molsheim and Avolsheim.</p>
<p><strong>Muscat:</strong> Produces a dry wine with a fruity nose. Good for an apéritif.</p>
<p><strong>Riesling:</strong> Considered by some to be the king of Alsace wine. Dry and delicately fruity, and the closest you’ll come to a great Burgundian white. Complex, with a full character and buttery finish. Pale gold in colour. The best should be aged at least a few years. Excellent with seafood, choucroute, backeoffe and poultry.</p>
<p><strong>Pinot Gris:</strong> Sometimes referred to simply as Tokay. Produces a full-bodied, golden, smokey wine, with a taste of honey or nuts. Excellent with foie gras.</p>
<p><strong>Gewurztraminer:</strong> A small, reddish grape that produces a sultry dry white with a spicy aroma (Gewurz means spice). A good wine to cellar. Try the Vendange Tardive Gewurz with Munster cheese.</p>
<p><strong>Pinot Blanc:</strong> A close relation to Chardonnay, but lacking its depth and character. A good wine to drink young. Used to make Crémant d’Alsace (sparkling wine).</p>
<p><strong> Pinot Noir:</strong> The only red grape permitted in Alsace. The finest pinots come from Ottrot, particularly the producer Vonville.</p>


<span>Vines 101:</span><br>An Introduction to<br> Alsace Wine

Cuisine 101

<h3>Tarte flambée</h3>
<p>Tarte Flambée is baked on a wafer-thin crust of dough in wood-fired oven, much like pizza. Rather than tomato sauce and cheese, it is topped with shreds of bacon, chopped onion and sour cream. Also known as flammekueche, this tarte is generally served in the evenings.</p>
<h3>Munster</h3>
<p>The most famous of Alsatian cheeses. Munster is a moist, golden cow’s cheese and is made in the mountains. It can be eaten with cumin, and is good with a glass of Gewürztraminer.</p>
<h3>Kougelhopf</h3>
<p>This large, light cake made with raisins and almonds, baked in a mould, is particularly tasty at breakfast with a large café au lait.</p>
<h3>Pretzels</h3>
<p>Pretzels that go perfectly with beer, another Alsatian staple. Examples of good beers brewed in the region: Kronenbourg, Mutzig, Pelforth and Fischer.</p>
<h3>Nouilles Fraiches and Spatzles</h3>
<p>The Alsatians have a surprising fondness for noodles, which come under a variety of names depending on their shape and thickness, much like Italian pasta. They are served with any number of sauces.</p>


<span>Cuisine 101:</span><br>A Brief Primer on<br> Alsatian Cuisine

Best Adventure Travel Destinations 2014

Profiles

<span>Experts + Insiders: </span><br/>Jérôme Boré

Guides

A Season to Celebrate: <br>The 2013 B&R Guide Gathering 

Animals

<h3>Proliferation and Migration</h3>
<figure id="attachment_15714" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15714" style="width: 212px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-15714 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Alsace-Storks-on-roof.jpg" alt="Aslace storks" width="212" height="320" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15714" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Consider yourself lucky should Alsace storks perch upon your roof.</em></figcaption></figure>
<p>When the nest is sufficiently comfortable and secure, the female arrives. Then it&#8217;s time to mate. Throughout the summer, the newly hatched chicks grow. In early fall the youngsters are autonomous enough to leave the nest, and begin their migration. Their parents head south some time later, and by some miraculous power, know where to find their young offspring. Meanwhile, Alsatians are left once again to gaze up at the big empty nests (they weigh up to 500 kilograms!) until spring rolls around again.</p>
<p>Given that this tender yearly ritual takes place right in the middle of towns and villages, it&#8217;s no wonder storks are auspicious symbols of fidelity and fertility. Storks are almost as faithful to their partners as they are to their nests. An Alsatian will tell you that a stork never nests on a house where there has been a divorce.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if a stork should choose your house, local legend says it will bring luck to your family. Today there are over 600 stork couples in Alsace, at least 50 on the rooftops of Strasbourg alone.</p>
<p>So if you were ever wondering why Alsatians seem so friendly, happy and healthy, even after so many centuries of war and conflict, you might want to look up to the storks.</p>


Wine Regions

Beverages

<h5>Pizza</h5>
<p>Same as for pasta, or full-bodied Tavel Rosé</p>
<h5>Salade Niçoise</h5>
<p>White Côtes de Rhône or Côtes du Lubéron</p>
<h5>Smoked Salmon</h5>
<p>Pouilly Fumé or Sancerre</p>
<h5>Snails</h5>
<p>Beaujolais-Villages, Fleurie</p>
<h5>Soups (bouillabaisse, Provençal fish soup)</h5>
<p>Cassis or Bandol rosé or a dry white such as a Muscadet or Entre-Deux-Mers</p>
<h5>French Onion Soup</h5>
<p>Generic Bourgogne Red or Beaujolais</p>


<span>How to Pair French Wines:</span><br>First Course

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Columnist <span>Marya Valli</span>:<br>In Deep and Up Close

alsace

Blog posts for 'alsace'