Cycling EuroVelo 5 & 6: Peaceful Paths, Canalside Views, and a Whole Lot of Quiet

Flo MBT
Jul 29
2 min read

If you're looking for a peaceful, car-free cycling adventure in France, EuroVelo 5 and EuroVelo 6 are an absolute dream. We recently pedaled from Strasbourg to Mulhouse on EV5, then joined EuroVelo 6 from Mulhouse to Saint-Vit, and it was one of the most relaxing and scenic rides we've done so far.

Table of contents

EuroVelo 5: Strasbourg to Mulhouse
EuroVelo 6: Mulhouse to Saint-Vit
What We Loved
What We Didn’t Expect

EuroVelo 5: Strasbourg to Mulhouse

Along the Alsace Canals Starting in Strasbourg, a bike-friendly city with charming half-timbered houses and lively squares, we set off along the EuroVelo 5, which follows the Rhine–Rhône Canal for much of the way. The route is mostly flat, well-marked, and wonderfully free of cars — just you, the path, and the occasional barge gently cruising by. The ride to Mulhouse took us through rural Alsace, past lock houses, sleepy villages, and long stretches of peaceful greenery. It’s the kind of route where you can really switch off and just enjoy the rhythm of pedaling.

EuroVelo 6: Mulhouse to Saint-Vit

Into the Heart of the Doubs From Mulhouse, we switched over to EuroVelo 6, which continues the canal-side charm — this time following the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and later the Doubs River. Again, we were impressed by how well-signposted the route is. It’s almost impossible to get lost, and it feels incredibly safe with hardly any interaction with traffic. As you move deeper into Franche-Comté, the scenery shifts to gentle hills, dense forests, and riverside villages. The stretch between Montbéliard and Saint-Vit was especially beautiful — tranquil, green, and perfect for slow travel.

What We Loved

Zero stress navigation: Both EuroVelo 5 and 6 were super easy to follow. The signage is consistent, and the paths are in great condition.
No cars: We barely encountered any traffic on the route. Most of the way is dedicated bike path or quiet towpaths.
Canalside cycling: There’s something really peaceful about riding alongside the water — watching reflections, waving at boats, and enjoying flat terrain!

What We Didn’t Expect

While the roads were great, we were surprised by how few cafes, restaurants, or campgrounds we found right along the trail. You often need to detour into nearby towns for food or a place to stay, so planning ahead is a must — especially if you're camping or looking for coffee breaks during the ride. We packed snacks and stayed flexible, but next time, we’d definitely bookmark a few detour spots in advance.

Cycling EuroVelo 5 and 6 from Strasbourg to Saint-Vit was the perfect mix of easy riding, beautiful nature, and low-key adventure. It’s not a route full of hustle or tourist stops — and that’s exactly what we loved about it. Just make sure you stock up on supplies, keep an eye on your maps for the nearest towns, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of the canals. If you’re into slow travel, this one’s for you.

Discover our 5 days ride on Social Media: Click here > Instagram