MTB Destination: Gebwiller and Grand Ballon Massif.

The Vosges Mountains on two slopes (Vosges and Alsace) are ideal for mountain biking: super dense network of paths and trails, elevation differences not too low and not too high, extremely varied landscapes, usually mild weather conditions (especially on the Alsatian side ... ). And in order not to spoil anything, there are many farm inns in this region where you can take a gastronomic break (while remaining sensible ... even going downhill, mountain biking after you "tried" a highlighter meal seems pretty daring!) ...

The Gebwiller region on the Alsatian side of the massif, equidistant from Colmar and Mulhouse, is an excellent base for exploring the region by mountain bike. Jérôme Clements, the first winner of the 2013 World Enduro Series, or Pauline Diffenthaler, multiple mega-valance winner, would say otherwise! The two champions live and train in this region, which they have long represented in many competitions around the world and to which they are very attached.

Mountain biking, gastronomy, exploring the vineyards of Alsace and the rich heritage of the region - admit it's tempting!

MTB routes not to be missed

We offer you a selection of trails that should convince you to discover the Gebwiller region by mountain bike!

Mountain biking area - Guebwiller FFC - Murbach trail - 25 km

At 25 km and less than 800 m of cumulative positive altitude, this route mainly runs along relatively wide and not very technical routes. This allows you to discover some of the region's high cultural heritage: the Abbey of Murbach, the ruins of the Hugstein castle ... and traverse some of the most beautiful corners of this part of the foothills and, in particular, the heather glade in the heights. by Guebwiller. The excursion does not present any special technical difficulties. For those who want to "liven up" the route a little, at the heights of Murbach, you can choose a more "hardy" option. From Fausse aux Loups (Wolfsgrube), start a short but steep and technical climb to the ruins of Hochrupf (red circular markings). Once at the top, where the remains of the old castle that defended the Abbey of Murbach are, return to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Lorette (Murbach) along a narrow path (yellow triangle, then blue triangle). accented by many especially technical icons. Upon arrival at the Abbey of Murbach, one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments in the entire Rhine Valley, continue on the official route.

Circuit "Jérôme Clements", winner of the World Enduro Series 2013 - 17 km.

In the same valley as the trail above, this trail of approximately 17 km follows wide paths for a beautiful climb that offers multiple vantage points of the village and Murbach Abbey. The highest point, located at 973 m in the Judenhut glade, will allow you to rest before the start of an unforgettable descent marked by Jerome Clementz, winner of the 2013 World Enduro Series. For about 6 kilometers, you will traverse a wide variety of landscapes. and you will be faced with extremely changing conditions, soft footpaths shaded by pine trees, alpine pastures, rocks, roots, large outbuildings or tech pins, this is a real summary of the conditions that can be found on "singles" from the area.

Mountain biking area - FFC Guebwiller - Trail no. 10 - Trail Stroberg - 45 km

We usually know the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains, reaching its highest point at 1424 meters, but its "younger brother" Petit Ballon (1272 meters) is also worth a detour. This peak is distinguished by wilder landscapes and very beautiful views of the Münster valleys to the north, with landscapes more reminiscent of the Alps and Gebwiller Valley to the south, in the heart of hilly landscapes. This long and challenging 8 (45 km and 1460 m cumulative positive altitude) will allow you to climb several passes, walk just below the summit of Petit Ballon and raid towards Valle Noble north of Gebwiller. region. On the way, you will pass the Strohberg farmhouse, which gives the name to the track, and twice past the Boenlesgrab Hotel.

Mountain bike area - Guebwiller FFC - Route 15 - Route du Diefenbach - 21 km

This 21 km trail with a vertical drop of 560 meters allows you to discover the Rimbach Valley and traverse a variety of landscapes, from vineyards in the heights of Jungholz and Terenbach to alpine pastures, past Notre Dame Basilica in Tyrenbach and Israel's Jungholz Cemetery. Throughout the course, you will pass through various passes at relatively low altitudes. Most of them are equipped with tables and benches, allowing you to relax a bit and enjoy the scenery. When you return from your walk, you can, if you like, visit the Winegrowers Museum, located in the old Armand cellar, which is the starting point of the walk.

Mountain bike area - Guebwiller FFC - Route 19 - Route du Val du Patre - 24 km

This track is not very difficult and that's good! Thus, most mountain bikers can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the forest and vineyard. The diagram is a summary of the conditions found in the foothills of the Upper Rhine, with particularly beautiful areas in the chestnut forests that overlook the Gebwiller vineyard. There are many attractions to discover along the way. The most striking is undoubtedly the Cross of Mission. From this promontory, which overlooks the famous Gebwiller vineyard, the only one in Alsace with 4 terroirs classified as Grand Cruz, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Alsatian Plain and Black Forest in the east, as well as the Florival Valley in the west. Among other places worth visiting along the route, we can mention: the Val du Patre chapel, the Bollenberg chapel that hangs over the villages of Orshvir and Bergholz-Zell, the Gauchmatt Romanian military cemetery, Langenstein's menhir ...

Bike park du Markstein

The Markstein Bicycle Park is the newest of the 3 existing parks in the Vosges mountains. Plus, he's the only one using the lift system (mountain biking is just as easy as skiing!). It is more focused on enduro practice and offers a range of difficulties and conditions on 7 tracks that will allow all riders, regardless of their level and expectations, to have fun and progress through the routes, with a focus on natural trails. obstacles. The Markstein Bikepark is open two to three weekends a month in the summer (usually from April or May to October or November). It also hosts competitions and courses. The Alsace Freeride Academy, which operates the bike park, offers bike and equipment rentals on site.

To see or do absolutely in the area

A few must-see places if you have time.

Big balloon

The highest point of the Vosges (1 m), the Grand Ballon or Guebwiller, offers a magnificent panorama of the southern Vosges, the Black Forest and, weather permitting, the Jura and the Alps.

Colmar

The medium-sized city has many monuments and its typical districts (Little Venice) are especially beautiful and well lit by very photogenic canals.

Mulhouse

The main attraction of Mulhouse is the automobile and railway museums, reflecting the industrial history of the city.

Try

You are in Alsace, regional specialties cannot be missed, note:

• Baked coffee
• The Flammekueche
• Sauerkraut
• Pretzel
• Les Spaetzles
• The Munster
• Kugelhopf
• Gingerbread

And to hydrate yourself, be sure to try local craft beers (like organic beer from the S'Humpaloch brewery in Schweighouse) and don't leave without wetting your lips with a good local wine (Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir).

For the more daring, Alsace is also known for its fruit brandies. Health !

Accomodation