Strasbourg by bike: the complete guide

The best routes

Five rides, from a one-hour lap of the old town to a full day on the wine route. Distances are measured from the shop.

1. Grande Île loop

   Distance 6 km

   A lap of the historic centre along the quays: Petite France, the covered bridges, the Barrage Vauban, then the cathedral through the cycle streets. About 6 km, an hour at a strolling pace. Walk the bike in the pedestrian zones, which are busy in the afternoon.

2. Canals and the European quarter

   Distance 7 km

   From the shop, the canal towpath runs to the European Parliament (3.5 km) and on to the Parc de l'Orangerie. Almost no traffic lights after the first kilometre — the smoothest ride in the city.

3. Strasbourg – Kehl return

   Distance 13 km

   6.5 km through the Jardin des Deux Rives and over the footbridge into Germany, no border formalities. Around thirty minutes each way on a classic bike, twenty on an e-bike.

4. Robertsau forest

   Distance 11 km

   5.5 km north, a riverside forest crossed by gravel paths. Fine on a city bike, slower than tarmac; lovely late in the day in summer.

5. Wine route to Obernai

   Distance 33 km

   33 km through the vineyard villages, with gentle rises as you reach the vines. Come back by regional train with the bike, in the dedicated space and subject to room on board. A full day once you count the stops.

Distances are our own measurements from the shop along the cycle network, rounded. They are not GPS tracks.

Bike routes to the Strasbourg landmarks

One detailed route per landmark: distance from the shop, riding time by classic bike or e-bike, and where to lock up when you arrive.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral

  1.5 km

  1.5 km from the shop — 7 minutes on a classic bike, 5 on an e-bike.

• Petite France

  1.5 km

  1.5 km from the shop — 7 minutes, along the quays.

• European Parliament

  3.5 km

  3.5 km from the shop — 15 minutes on a classic bike, 11 on an e-bike.

• Parc de l'Orangerie

  3.5 km

  3.5 km from the shop — 15 minutes, nearly all on separated cycle track.

• Jardin des Deux Rives

  5 km

  5 km from the shop — 21 minutes on a classic bike, 16 on an e-bike.

• Imperial Neustadt

  2 km

  2 km from the shop — 9 minutes, on wide avenues.

Practical tips

Where to ride, where to walk

Strasbourg has over 600 km of cycling infrastructure, with separated tracks on the main axes. Several streets on the Grande Île are pedestrian-only: get off and walk, the municipal police do check.

Parking

Free bike racks throughout the centre, notably Place du Château, Place Kléber and around the station. Always lock the frame and a wheel to a fixed point — a lock comes with every rental.

Bikes on trains

Non-folding bikes travel free on TER Grand Est regional trains in the dedicated space, subject to room on board and usually without a reservation. That is what makes a one-way ride to Obernai or Sélestat work.

Weather and season

April to October is the sweet spot. In winter the tracks stay rideable; bring gloves and a light, the days are short. The Christmas market is easy by bike if you skirt the Grande Île.

What our rentals include

An approved helmet, a secure lock and a route map with every bike. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. No fixed pickup time: come by whenever suits you during opening hours.

Cycling in Strasbourg through the year

What the riding is like season by season, what to wear, and which route suits the time of year.

1. March – May

   Spring

   The best season along with autumn: mild temperatures, empty cycle paths, few crowds before May. Showers happen, so pack a light jacket. The storks are back at the Parc de l'Orangerie.

   Best for: canals and the European quarter

2. June – August

   Summer

   Long evenings until 9.30 pm and occasional real heat. Ride early or late afternoon, carry water and stay in the shade of the quays. High season: book the bike ahead, especially at weekends.

   Best for: Robertsau forest, Kehl and the lakes

3. September – November

   Autumn

   Harvest time, low light on the vines and quiet roads again. Days shorten fast in November: check your lights before leaving and bring gloves.

   Best for: the wine route to Obernai

4. December – February

   Winter

   Cycle paths stay usable and cleared in town. Gloves, a hat under the helmet and lights are essential; watch for ice on the bridges and wet rails. In December the Christmas markets work beautifully by bike if you ride around the Grande Île.

   Best for: the Christmas market loop and half-day rides

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see Strasbourg by bike?

Half a day covers the historic centre and the European quarter. Two days let you add the Robertsau forest and Kehl; three days allow a run out onto the wine route.

Is Strasbourg safe for cycling?

It is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France, with a network largely separated from traffic. The main thing to watch is sharing space with pedestrians in the very centre.

Do I need an electric bike?

Not for the city — Strasbourg is flat. An e-bike makes the difference on longer rides, on the wine route, or when a group rides at different paces.

Can I rent a bike for several days?

Yes: half day, 24 hours, 2, 3 and 7 days. Beyond one day a €99 deposit per bike is held on the card and released on return.