The adventure begins in the Strasbourg hinterland, where landscapes of fertile plains and half-timbered villages herald the gentle Alsatian way of life. Geudertheim offers a peaceful introduction, ideal for capturing the authentic atmosphere of the local terroir and the charm of the small rural communes of Basse-Alsace. To discover:

• The Zorn Trail: Follow the banks of this charming river for a bucolic walk or bike ride (allow 1h30 for the stroll). The shaded path is perfect for observing the local wildlife in peace.

• The Archaeological House of Brumath (nearby): Discover the rich Gallo-Roman past of the ancient capital of Alsace through unique collections.

The Tarte Flambée (Flammekueche) : This iconic Alsatian speciality, with its thin crust topped with crème fraîche, onions and lardons, is traditionally shared piping hot at the tables of winstubs.

The circuit rises gently towards the first foothills of the Vosges. Lutzelhouse welcomes you into a setting of dense forests and rocky ridges, where the pure mountain air and the murmur of torrents sweep away the heat of the plains.

To discover:

• The Bruche Valley cycle path: Hop on your bikes on this magnificent, fully tarmacked and secure greenway (allow 2 hours for a leisurely ride). It winds effortlessly along the river, offering a shaded cycling route perfect for admiring the mountain landscapes.

• The Alsace-Moselle Memorial (nearby): Discover this modern and interactive historical site offering a panoramic view over the valley, which details the unique destiny of the region from 1870 to the present day (a 1h30 visit).

The Blueberry Tart (Brimbelles) : This traditional mountain dessert showcases the small wild berries harvested from the Vosges ridges, set on a crispy shortcrust pastry.

The journey heads down towards the Grand Ried, a unique natural area shaped by the historic flooding of the Rhine. In Schoenau, water is king once more amidst alluvial forests, backwaters of the river and wetlands of exceptional Lotharingian richness.

To discover:

• The Rhône-Rhine Canal Cycle Path: Take advantage of the completely flat and well-maintained cycle paths for a bike ride accessible to everyone (allow 1h30 for the ride). The route crosses charming little iron bridges and flower-filled locks.

• The Île de Rhinau Nature Reserve (nearby): Explore this alluvial forest with the air of a Hercynian jungle during a refreshing getaway (a 2-hour walk). The paths let you discover preserved flora and fauna by the water's edge.

Matelote du Ried : This traditional fishermen's dish brings together several pieces of freshwater fish simmered in a creamy Alsace white wine sauce.

Perched on the border of the Bas-Rhin and Vosges departments, Saales is a high-altitude village nestled in the heart of a vast green valley. It is a rural and mountain stopover, shaped by forestry traditions and upland farming. To discover:

• The Sentier des Passeurs (Smugglers' Trail): Follow this historic and memorial path rich in stories, once used to cross the border (a 2-hour walk). The hike offers superb viewpoints over the surrounding valleys.

• The Saales Mountain Market: Stroll among the stalls to discover the expertise of mountain producers, featuring cheeses, fir honey and artisanal charcuterie.

The Fromage de Munster : This characterful PDO washed-rind cheese, produced in the neighbouring Vosges valleys, is traditionally enjoyed sprinkled with a few cumin seeds.

The grand tour enters Lorraine. Around Lunéville and Blainville-sur-l'Eau, the journey blends the architectural grandeur of the "Lorraine Versailles" with the serenity of river landscapes shaped by the Meurthe and the Marne-Rhine Canal.

To discover:

• The Château de Lunéville and its Gardens: Explore the residence of the Dukes of Lorraine and stroll through the magnificent Parc des Bosquets (a 2-hour visit). This 18th-century masterpiece impresses with its majesty.

• The Banks of the Meurthe in Blainville: Enjoy a relaxing walk along the canal or the river (a 1-hour walk) to watch pleasure boats peacefully passing under the tall trees.

The Bergamote de Nancy : This small, golden and translucent sweet, subtly flavoured with bergamot essential oil, is a must-try confectionery of the region.

This grand stopover in the Meuse department plunges you into the heart of lands steeped in history. From the banks of the Meuse in Commercy to the Renaissance upper town of Bar-le-Duc, by way of the tranquil charm of Ligny-en-Barrois, masterpieces of sculpted stone reveal themselves around every corner.

To discover:

• The Renaissance district of Bar-le-Duc: Explore the Ville Haute (Upper Town), one of the most remarkable Renaissance architectural ensembles in France. Its private mansions built from Savonnières stone are incredibly exquisite.

• The Château of Stanislas in Commercy: Admire the facade of this superb summer residence of the last Duke of Lorraine, Stanislas Leszczynski, located right in the heart of the town.

The Authentic Madeleine de Commercy : This traditional, soft little sponge cake in the shape of a scalloped, golden shell was born in the kitchens of the Château de Commercy to delight King Stanislas.

The journey heads down towards Haute-Marne and Aube, along the Marne Canal. Between the monumental viaduct of Chaumont, the industrial past of Froncles or Viéville, and the hillsides of Bar-sur-Aube, this stage opens the gates to southern Champagne.

To discover:

• The Forges Site in Froncles: Walk along the Marne-Saône Canal to discover the history of this former metallurgical town.

• The Viéville Canal Aqueduct: Observe this unusual engineering structure where the canal directly spans the course of the Marne river.

• The Footbridge of the Chaumont Viaduct: Cross the secure first tier of this 19th-century railway monument for a breathtaking panorama over the valley.

• The Medieval Cellars in Bar-sur-Aube: Step inside a cool, historic 12th-century cellar to understand the secrets of Champagne winemaking.

The Fromage de Chaource : This PDO soft cheese with a bloomy rind, originating from the neighbouring Aube region, reveals a creamy heart with gentle aromas of cream and hazelnut.

Welcome to the wild heart of the Parc National de Forêts. Here, Haute-Marne unfolds immense deciduous forests, hidden Cistercian abbeys and the sources of some of France's greatest rivers. Châteauvillain, Auberive and the Val de Meuse offer a total immersion in a mysterious and unspoilt nature. To discover:

• The Cistercian Abbey of Auberive: Explore this magnificent historical monument, which now houses a contemporary art centre (a 1h30 cultural visit). The vaulted rooms and the cloister offer an architectural haven of peace.

• The Auditoire Tower (in Châteauvillain): Discover this local history museum housed in the town's former medieval courthouse (a 1-hour visit). Through models and ancient objects, you will understand the past of this former fortified town.

• Escapades along the Meuse (in Val de Meuse): Discover the rolling landscapes of the Bassigny area where the Meuse river takes its source, perfect for a relaxing stopover in the heart of rural meadows.

The Fromage de Langres : This typical PDO cheese, recognizable by its orange colour and the "basin" hollowed out at its top, has a frank and spicy taste that is the pride of the Haute-Marne plateaus.

The circuit heads back up towards the western Vosges to stop in Girancourt. This is the realm of the Canal des Vosges, a remarkable engineering structure which crosses the drainage divide here between the North Sea and the Mediterranean through an impressive succession of locks.

To discover:

• The Canal des Vosges Green Way by Bike: Follow the canal along a former towpath transformed into a perfectly peaceful cycle path (allow 1h30 of cycling). The tree-lined route is ideal for admiring the ingenious lock flight system.

• The Agricultural Equipment Ecomuseum (nearby): Discover an impressive collection of vintage tractors and tools from the last century, lovingly restored by enthusiasts (a 1h15 visit). A fun immersion into local Lorraine rural heritage.

The Miel de Sapin des Vosges : This PDO fir honey, with its dark colour and greenish tints, unfolds aromas of resin and malt that are unique in the world.

The grand tour returns to Alsace via its most spectacular side: the summits of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park. In Kruth, at the bottom of the high valley, the mountains assert themselves grandiosely, framing a magnificent, deep blue high-altitude lake.

To discover:

• Pedalo or Canoe Ride on the Lake: Step aboard a watercraft to cruise the calm waters of this magnificent mountain lake. It is the best way to admire the steep fir forests without effort.

• The Tree and Adventure Park of the Lake: For thrill-seekers or those looking for relaxation up high, explore the treetop courses or enjoy the shaded terraces by the water's edge.

The Marcaire Meal in a Farm-Inn : Take advantage of the heights to taste the valley pie (Tourte) followed by "roïgabrageldi" (melt-in-the-mouth potatoes slow-cooked for hours in butter and lard), the traditional meal of mountain farmers.

The circuit ends on the banks of the Upper Rhine, on the Franco-German border. In Fessenheim and Vogelgrun (on the Île du Rhin), the journey takes on a European dimension in the heart of major navigation works, monumental locks and cross-border cycle paths.

To discover:

• The Info Space and Viewpoint of the Hydroelectric Power Station: Climb up to the designated viewpoints to observe the operation of the monumental Rhine locks and the impressive ballet of the huge commercial barges.

• The Cross-Border Rhine Cycle Path: Hop on your bikes to cross the river on dedicated footbridges and ride for a while on the German bank or along the major embankment paths (allow 1h30 for the cycle ride).

A Glass of Alsace Riesling : This dry and finely chiselled white wine, with notes of citrus and minerality, perfectly embodies the finesse and freshness of the neighbouring Alsatian wine terroirs.