Leaving Nancy, the route heads east along quiet paths through the Meurthe valley before facing the main challenge: the Vosges Mountains. A steady, demanding climb cuts directly through dense pine forests, topping out near the historic Col du Donon at 744 meters. Crisp mountain air and sweeping views across the ridges reward the physical effort.
A fast, winding descent drops down into the scenic Bruche Valley. Here, the track links up with the historic Canal de la Bruche. This traffic-free greenway provides flat, high-speed rolling straight into Strasbourg. The journey concludes beautifully among the classic timber-framed houses of the Petite France quarter, right beneath the soaring sandstone spire of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.