The best traffic-free bike rides around Manspach

This large lake is a popular stop along the cycling routes around Belfort, with beautiful views over the water and the surrounding nature.

The Étang du Malsaucy (often also called Lac du Malsaucy) is, with an area of 55 hectares, the largest lake in the French department of Territoire de Belfort. It is nestled in the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges, spread across the municipalities of Évette-Salbert, Lachapelle-sous-Chaux, and Sermamagny. Originally built at the end of the 15th century for fish farming, it is now one of the most important recreational and natural areas in the region.

This old chapel was erected after the French Revolution on the old path to Thann and fell into disrepair over time. In 1932, the community decided to rebuild it. The current small building has a simple nave, an open porch, and a small bell tower with a bell. In front of the chapel stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, which underscores the character of the place as a pilgrimage and devotional site. The chapel is dedicated to the "Mother of God of Perpetual Help" and belongs to the typical small religious monuments of southern Alsace.

Virtually no incline, good asphalt – everything invites you to pedal briskly through beautiful nature.

The former railway line between Dannemarie and Pfetterhouse has been redesigned according to the well-known French principle as a perfect "piste cyclable" or "voie vert." Good asphalt, gentle gradients, and, above all, a lack of motorized traffic entice you to glide along at a brisk pace. Often through beautiful forests or through fields, only occasionally do you have to cross a road where there used to be a tunnel or bridge, which has unfortunately been dismantled.

A long, flat viaduct carries the railway between two hills across the plain. The structure's many small arches create a steady rhythm in this landscape, which is also characterized by a constant mix of plains and low elevations.

A well-maintained fish pond outside Ballersdorf – so well maintained that it stands out from similar ponds in the area. Caution and also worth mentioning: directly in front of it, there's a substantial traffic calming barrier: two concrete elements rise almost waist-high to the left and right. Fortunately, there's space in the middle for bicycles.

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.