Attractions and places to see around Mertzen are primarily found along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin in Haut-Rhin, France. This region is characterized by its waterways, cycle paths, and locks, offering a blend of natural and man-made points of interest. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly cycling, with routes known for their flat terrain. It serves as a gateway to exploring the broader Sundgau region.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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The French and European National Cycleway is a great cycleway winding along side of the Rhine Rhone Canal with very little climbing, for those who do not like to climb. However those who are climbing shy, must be aware of the wind in this area. A lot of the locks still have the former lock man’s house which adds a bit of charm to every lock. One is never alone on this route as there is a constant passing of bicycles, both leisure and racing bikes.
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This former railway line is now a car-free cycle path that takes you from Dannemarie to Pfetterhouse, past ponds, forests and typical villages of the Sundgau. The route is slightly undulating and well paved. You cycle through one of the most rural parts of Alsace, with plenty of chance to spot herons, dragonflies and carp.
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The Port fluvial de Dannemarie is no ordinary marina – it’s an unexpected oasis along the canal, where boats bob gently and herons keep watch. For cyclists, it feels like a little refuge: a place to take a break from the rhythm of your pedals and take on the rhythm of the water. Here you can refill your water bottle, stretch your legs on a bench in the shade or a little further away at the restaurant, or just watch the sun play on the surface of the canal.
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The Écluse d’Eglingen is a small, active lock on the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, near the village of Eglingen in the Sundgau region. This spot is popular with cyclists due to its quiet location along the 'EuroVelo 6' and regional cycle routes. The lock is surrounded by greenery and offers a bench and shade, but no facilities.
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Really easy ride along the cycle way. Goes downhill from Pfetterhouse to Dannemarie. Enjoyable
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There is a nice restaurant near the harbor.
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The Porte d'Alsace boating lodge is located near Dannemarie, a central town with all the necessary shops. The lodge can accommodate around fifty boats of all sizes on three different pontoons. Drinking water and electricity are available to boaters (according to the terms and conditions defined by the local authority). A laundromat, restrooms equipped with showers, playgrounds, green spaces, and picnic tables are available to boaters and their guests.
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Great impression of these locks with the lock keepers' houses. Gems and places to unwind. Just beautiful
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The primary natural feature is the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, which offers picturesque settings with its towpath winding through meadows, groves, and fields. You can also spot wildlife like herons, dragonflies, and carp, especially along the Largue Valley Cycle Path and near the Port of Dannemarie.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Port of Dannemarie is a peaceful spot to watch boats and wildlife. The Eglingen Lock is also family-friendly, offering a quiet setting along the canal. Additionally, the Largue Valley Cycle Path is a car-free route perfect for family bike rides.
Mertzen is an excellent base for cycling. The Canal du Rhône au Rhin features a flat towpath, ideal for leisurely rides. The Largue Valley Cycle Path, built on a former railway line, offers a well-paved, slightly undulating route through ponds, forests, and villages. For more options, explore various cycling routes in the area, including easy to moderate tours, by visiting the Cycling around Mertzen guide.
The Port of Dannemarie offers a peaceful oasis with shops and a refreshment bar nearby. Further along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, the Montreux-Château river stop provides amenities such as drinking water, electricity, a laundromat, restrooms with showers, playgrounds, green spaces, and picnic tables, along with a floating restaurant.
Yes, the region features several locks that are part of the historic canal system. The Valdieu-Lutran lock scale is notable for its series of 12 locks and well-preserved lock keepers' houses. The Eglingen Lock is another active lock that provides insight into the canal's operation.
You can find a variety of hiking trails around Mertzen, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes often take you through scenic landscapes, including ponds and forests. For detailed information and specific routes, refer to the Hiking around Mertzen guide.
The region is particularly pleasant for outdoor activities during spring, summer, and early autumn. The canal towpaths offer shade from the Alsatian sun, making cycling enjoyable even on warmer days. These seasons provide the best conditions for exploring the cycle paths and hiking trails.
Yes, the area around Mertzen offers several gravel biking routes. These range from moderate to difficult and can take you through diverse landscapes, including the pond country and the Largue valley. You can find more details and specific routes in the Gravel biking around Mertzen guide.
The Port of Dannemarie is a peaceful marina along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin. It's an ideal spot to relax, observe boats gently bobbing on the water, and even spot herons. Cyclists often use it as a refuge to take a break, refill water bottles, or enjoy the scenery.
The Eglingen Lock offers very beautiful views of the Rhine-Rhône canal, surrounded by greenery. The canal towpath itself provides continuous picturesque views of meadows, groves, and fields as you travel along.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunities for outdoor activities, especially cycling along the well-maintained canal paths. The chance to observe boats, spot wildlife like herons, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Alsatian countryside are frequently highlighted.


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