We take the train to Offenburg and continue on to the German-French border—getting abroad as quickly as possible. The unfamiliar beckons to us, giving us the feeling of travelling and vacation.
The train ride is less relaxing than we hoped. The train to Frankfurt is packed to the brim on Wednesday morning. After transferring to the ICE, it is reasonably comfortable. We arrive in Offenburg with the usual delay. As we get off the train, we meet a cyclist from Berlin who has cycled along every German river longer than two hundred kilometers. The Lech, which he has chosen for this trip, is the last one.
The campground in Strasbourg is full. We change our plans and bike to Obernai. France is a camping country and probably has the highest density of campgrounds in Europe. Nearly every town has a campground. So it is no problem to ride to the next town. The season is just beginning, the days are long, and the weather is mild.
We are cycling straight south, along the undulating foothills of the Vosges Mountains on EuroVelo 5. The route runs from London to Rome. To our right lie the Vosges Mountains, with their numerous castles, mountain passes. Snowflakes still clinging to the highest peaks. The landscape is characterized by vineyards and farmland.
We hve been on the road for less than 24 hours, but after meeting four cyclists and passing a construction site together, we have received an invitation to stay the night for free at a winery in the Palatinate. Sounds tempting. Maybe we will take them up on it on the way back.
Cernay, our second night. Storks are nesting, clattering, and flying everywhere, around the clock.
In the morning, we switch to EuroVelo 6, which runs from the Black Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. First along the Rhine-Rhône Canal, then along the Doubs. After 115 kilometers, we arrive in Baume-sur-le-Doubs: the campground is closed!
On the recommendation of a french family of four who were also cycling, we bike four kilometers uphill to
Camping l’Ile. It is a small, flower-filled campground by a little stream. Sonja and Bart, the Dutch couple (who do not speak French!), have taken it over two weeks ago with a lot of passion. They are thrilled to welcome every visitor. Good luck with your beautiful, welcoming campground!
So this year’s start is surprisingly different from what we expected: micro-adventure in France.
TV recommendation for Francophiles or those who want to become one: “Karambolage” is an 11-minute TV show on Arte that presents and explains German and French quirks and curiosities in an artistic, humorous, and experimental way every week. (Available in french and german.)
As always, there is a new story in the RAPL-Kiste.de every Saturday. We would love to see your “like” or read a comment. After all, you are our connection to home.