Strasbourg by bike: the complete guide

Strasbourg is better seen by bike than on foot: the city is flat, compact and covered in cycle tracks. Here are the routes we recommend to our customers every day, the sights you pass on the way, and the practical rules worth knowing before you set off. Everything starts at our shop, 4 Rue du Faubourg-de-Saverne, five minutes' walk from the main station.

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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.

See the detailed itineraries

Sights along the way

What you pass on these rides, and where to leave the bike.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral

    Bike racks on Place du Château; the square itself is pedestrian.

  • Petite France

    Cobbles and canals, 1.5 km from the shop. Ride slowly or walk beside the bike.

  • European Parliament

    3.5 km along the canal, car-free for almost the whole way.

  • Parc de l'Orangerie

    The city's big park, 3.5 km away, on separated cycle track nearly all the way.

  • Jardin des Deux Rives

    5 km east along the Rhine, up to the footbridge across to Kehl.

  • Imperial Neustadt

    The wide avenues between Place de la République and the university: UNESCO-listed, and made for cycling.

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.

Strasbourg's landmarks by bike

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.

Staying safe in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of the easiest cities in France to ride in. These are the things still worth knowing before you set off.

  • Helmet and visibility

    A helmet is only compulsory under 12, but one comes with every rental — wear it. Every bike has front and rear lights; switch them on at dusk, which comes early in winter.

  • Tram rails

    The number one cause of falls in Strasbourg. Cross the rails as square-on as you can, never at a shallow angle, and slow down when the road is wet.

  • Pedestrian zones and the Grande Île

    Several streets in the old centre are pedestrian during the day: get off and push. It is enforced, and it is the main friction point between riders and walkers in high season.

  • Priority and contraflow lanes

    Many one-way streets are open to bikes in both directions — expect a rider coming towards you. At junctions, turning right on a red light is only allowed where the yellow triangular sign says so.

  • Locking up

    Always lock the frame to a fixed stand, not just the wheel, and prefer a busy street. Bike theft exists here as everywhere; the lock we supply is key-operated — keep the key on you.

  • If something goes wrong

    Puncture, flat battery, fall: call us on +33 6 22 81 07 16 or message us on WhatsApp. We come out within Strasbourg and the immediate outskirts 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

Work out your ride

Got a destination in mind? Our planner gives the distance, an estimated riding time by classic bike or e-bike, and the rental rate that fits.

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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.

Take a bike and go

City bikes and e-bikes five minutes from the station. Helmet, lock and map included.

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