From the valley of Ville to the Rhin

From Saint-Dié onwards, the road plunges into the valley of Urbeis, after going through the pass of the same name. It is one of the eight valleys which make up the Val de Villé, famous for its fruit brandies, notably kirsch, whose production remains a significant activity in the area. From Villé to Marckolsheim, the valley follows the old Salt Road, which went from Lorraine into Germany. The way out of the Val de Villé, coloured by a mosaic of fortified castles, opens onto the vineyards of Alsace. Many pretty wine growing villages are interesting stopping places. The route continues towards Sélestat, the city of the Humanists. The town has some remarkable sites: the Humanist Library, but also the Sainte-Foy church, the Saint- Jean commander's residence, the witches' Tower and the Ebersmunster residence. The trail then goes through the Ried to reach Marckolsheim. Your ride can be prolonged as far as Elzach in Germany. All you have to do is go over the bridge ... unless you prefer cross-country route no. 1 which heads back up to Strasbourg.