The best road cycling routes around Falkweiler

Ammertzwiller – destroyed front village and mine warfare Ammertzwiller was one of the particularly contested locations on the Sundgau front during World War I. From September 1914, the front line ran immediately west of the village. German troops held Ammertzwiller, while French positions were located near Gildwiller-le-Mont, among other places. On January 1, 1915, the entire population was evacuated. Shortly thereafter, the abandoned village itself became a combat zone. The church was destroyed on January 8, 1915. By the end of the war, Ammertzwiller was almost completely devastated. The place became particularly known for mine warfare. From May 1915, French sappers and German pioneers dug tunnels under the enemy positions and detonated them. The underground warfare lasted until early 1916 and left numerous explosion craters. A striking event was the German mine detonation on July 11, 1915. The explosion under the German outpost Sautter created a massive crater. The mine crater, now filled with water, is preserved as the "Entonnoir" and serves as a reminder of this form of warfare. German troops also built an extensive system of bunkers, shelters, and underground facilities. Today, the approximately 10.5 km long "Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller" leads through this former front landscape. Around 15 information boards explain the local history. After the war, the residents returned to a largely destroyed village. Reconstruction left a lasting mark on Ammertzwiller. Today's Saint-Étienne church, with its depictions, preserves the memory of evacuation, war, and return. Particularly worth seeing: the water-filled mine crater and the Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller.

At the start of the long Voie Vert route on the former railway line between Dannemarie and Pfetterhouse, you'll also find the Dannemarie town sign with a small statue. From here, keep left until you reach the actual cycle path.

Every lock along the route provides for an unusual background and a good memory of your bike trip. A lot of these locks have a bridge going over them, take the time to branch off the bridge and discover some of the nice villages along the canal.

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.

The Rhine Rhone Cycleway is part of the National French and European Cycleway. This stretch of the cycleway has excellent smooth asphalted pavement. There are some nice restaurants and cafés along the way which are sometimes hidden but can easily be found on the map.

No idea why I didn't write anything about this...🤔😅

Restaurant in Dannemarie on EV6.

Ammertzwiller is a quiet Alsatian village that is surprisingly convenient for cyclists on the road. There are a few mini markets, restaurants and even a chemist – ideal for stocking up on provisions or taking a break. The village is set in rolling countryside and offers lovely picnic spots overlooking the fields. Information boards in the village tell the story of the local history during the First World War, making this stop not only practical but also meaningful."