France, Sundgau: Road bike tours in southern Alsace - where Germany, Switzerland and France meet
Tour 1: Balloon ride
(100 kilometres, 1,300 metres in altitude, max. 11 % gradient)
Strictly speaking, the Ballon d'Alsace, the "Alsatian Belchen", is not part of Sundgau. But it does offer the best view of the region. An evenly ascending mountain road leads from Giromagny to an altitude of 1,171 metres. The start through the quiet hilly landscape of the Sundgau, which spreads out in front of the imposing Vosges scenery, is perfect for rolling in. The energy-sapping contrast programme follows in the mountains - including a serpentine descent down the eastern slope, past sheer cliffs, to Lac d'Alfeld.
Tour 2: Alsatian Jura
(116 kilometres, 1,400 metres in altitude, max. 13 % gradient)
The constant ups and downs through Sundgau accumulate plenty of metres in altitude. The landscape becomes more mountainous with every kilometre southwards. Deep valleys and winding climbs await where the crests of the Sundgau merge into the rugged mountain ranges of the Alsatian Jura. The route reaches its highest point near the 680-metre-high Nägeliberg - including views of neighbouring Switzerland. The route mostly runs along quiet side roads and cycle paths. Only towards the end, in the Mulhouse catchment area, is there more traffic.
