In this part of France bordering Germany between the River Rhine and the Vosges mountains, the vineyards are dissected by excellent cycle tracks to the north while in the more southerly area you can meander back and forth across the plain or climb sharply into the hills. Steeped in history and tradition, architecture and the regional cuisine is influenced by neighbouring Germany and Austria. Colourful villages tumble into each other, no more than a few kilometres apart. Hotels are very comfortable, some with Michelin starred chefs and many in pretty villages.

Our holidaymakers tips:

• Visit Selestat's Benedictine priory and 12C Romanesque church
• See a Stork Sanctuary at Hunawihr - storks have nested on steeples for hundreds of years
• Try the local cheese Munster, found on many a menu
• Cycle through Riquewihr, one of the few medieval farming villages that survived two World Wars
• Visit the stunning Ecomusee museum
• View hilltop castles and feudal fortresses spread along the horizon
• Watch birds of prey cruising for a meal each afternoon
• See the bunkers and museum of the Maginot Line, designed to hold back the Germans
• Visit the aquarium of rivers and caves in Ottrott, with 3000 fish and even crocodiles

Checklist: Start 1st May to 25th September; Terrain – Grade 1 easy; Distances – 18-45km; Temps – 17C-27C; Cycle trails, family friendly, baggage transfer option available.