BR81 From the alsatian wine road to the Rhine plain

From Eschau to Rosheim, the route crosses vast stretches of farmland, some of them planted with cabbage, a vegetable intimately linked with Alsatian gastronomy. Sauerkraut country begins in Geispolsheim, on the outskirts of Strasbourg. This is where almost all the cabbage produced in France is harvested. From Rosheim to Barr, the vine accompanies the hiker, a wine-growing region par excellence. Rosheim boasts one of Alsace's most enchanting Romanesque churches, as well as the Maison Romane, built in 1154. Obernai boasts superb architecture, highlighted by the Market Square, which has preserved its Renaissance layout. Between Obernai and Eichhoffen, the route takes in authentic, welcoming wine-producing villages, whose specialties include Rouge d'Ottrott and Klevener de Heiligenstein. The route then leads quietly to Erstein, Alsace's sugar capital, before the final stretch to Eschau along the Rhone-Rhine Canal cycle route. Benfeld and Erstein, typical small towns of the Grand Ried, are well worth a visit. Erstein is also home to the prestigious Musée WURTH, with its exceptional contemporary art collections.