Alsace Getting there & around

Getting there & around

Alsace is almost in central Europe. Situated 456km east of Paris, it’s midway between Calais and Prague (about 630km from each) and is slightly closer to Berlin (801km) than to Marseille (814km).

From Strasbourg, the A4 heads northwest towards Metz and Paris, while from Mulhouse the A36 goes southwest towards the Jura and Dijon. Heading due west from the Colmar area involves crossing the Massif des Vosges, which can be snowy in winter (winter tyres and/or chains may be required, eg to cross Col de la Schlucht).

When the long-awaited TGV Est Euro­péen begins running in June 2007, travel time from Paris to Strasbourg will be cut almost in half, to 2¼ hours.

Special discount rail fares are available for travel within Alsace. The Pass Evasion, available on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, costs €8.10 for unlimited all-day travel within either the Bas-Rhin or Haut-Rhin départements, or €13 for travel anywhere in Alsace. A version valid for two or five people travelling together costs €16.20 and €26, respectively – perfect for day trips to the wine towns! You can get 25% off on all regional rail travel if you’re aged 12 to 25, over 60 or travelling in a group of two to nine people.

Alsace has lots of bike trails. Bicycles can be brought along on almost all trains and autorails (but not SNCF buses).