Biker-Friendly Places to Stay in Vosges & Alsace

The Vosges mountains and the Alsace wine route are among Europe's most underrated motorcycle touring combinations. The Route des Crêtes — 70 kilometres of ridge road running north–south along the top of the Vosges — delivers panoramic views across to the Black Forest to the east and into the Alsace plain below. The descent into the wine villages on the eastern slopes — Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg — provides a completely different character of riding, and the food and wine in this corner of France are exceptional.

Key Roads

The Route des Crêtes (D429 and continuations) is the centrepiece. Built during the First World War to keep troop movements away from German observation, the ridge road today provides sustained sweeping riding with views on both sides. The surface is good throughout and the traffic is lighter than the Black Forest to the east.

The passes crossing the Vosges east–west — the Col de la Schlucht (1,139m), the Col du Bonhomme, the Col de Saales — provide the connective tissue between the ridge road and the valley towns. The D417 through the Munster valley to the Schlucht is one of the most enjoyable approach roads in the region.

The Alsace Wine Route (D1bis through the villages) is not fast or technical riding but provides a compelling mid-afternoon itinerary. The road winds between half-timbered villages, vineyards, and small castles at a pace that encourages stopping. Colmar is the natural lunch stop for a Vosges day — compact, beautiful, and with excellent food and wine at every price point.

What to Expect

The Vosges are lower and gentler than the Alps but can be cold and wet on the ridge. The eastern Alsace slopes are typically warmer and drier. The wine route villages attract significant tourist traffic in summer — budget extra time for Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, where the streets can become congested. The ridge road sees moderate motorcycle traffic in summer but rarely becomes saturated.

When to Go

May through October. The wine harvest in September–October gives the Alsace villages their best atmosphere and lightest touring crowds. The Vosges ridge is passable year-round in mild winters but the Col de la Schlucht can be icy in cold snaps. June is excellent. July and August are busy in the wine villages but the ridge road remains clear.

Biker Facilities

Munster, Colmar, and the wine village towns all have good accommodation. Munster in the valley below the Schlucht is a practical base for multiple ridge and pass routes. Colmar offers the most variety and the best restaurant quality at all price points. The Alsace hospitality tradition — warm, attentive, excellent food — makes the region consistently enjoyable for touring.