Want to slow down and let yourself be carried away? Let me take you on a gentle journey through the Grand-Est region. Departing from Strasbourg, the capital of historic Alsace and a reconciled Europe, this Collection takes you along the towpaths of the Marne-Rhine canal. The paths are mostly paved, with occasional gravel stretches, and are traffic free, making them suitable for every bike and rider.

I invite you to follow me on a four-day adventure along the Marne au Rhin canal, between Strasbourg and Vitry-le-François. It's a 338-kilometre (210 mi) ride, with the only difference in altitude being the 150 locks along the way. I've divided the route into fairly long stages, but you won't be climbing, I promise! The highest pass, the Col des Français, rises to an altitude of 277 metres (909 ft). The adventure can also be completed in more days, especially if you want to share the route with children.

The route, which is still relatively unridden, transports you into a parallel universe. You soon lose all sense of time and distance, lulled by the freshness of the tranquil waters. It largely follows the Cycle Route 52, the French part of the Paneuropa Radweg, a major European route still partially under construction, which links Paris to Prague. You cross the Alsace plain, the Vosges and the Lorraine regional nature park and no less than five départements. It's an opportunity to stop off in many typical villages, including Saverne, Alsace's ‘little Versailles’.

The Tour starts at the foot of the Vosges mountains. The hardest part is getting away from the charm of Strasbourg. Take time to stroll through the narrow streets of the Petite France district and admire the imposing cathedral before reaching the banks of the Rhine. From here, you're off on the canals, which you'll almost never leave again. On the way, wave to the many boaters and watch the herons fly over the surprisingly wild landscapes.

You can ride the route in either direction, whatever the season. The more adventurous can choose to travel to Paris via the banks of the Marne. You can reach the start and finish by train, and there are numerous stations along the way, giving you great flexibility. Accommodation and catering options are plentiful at the start and end of the route, as well as in the major towns: Saverne, Nancy, Toul, and Bar-le-Duc. Outside these towns, however, options are still fairly scarce, especially out of season, and I advise you to stock up on snacks accordingly.

In this Collection, I've listed some of the camping spots I particularly enjoyed on my trip. Nevertheless, it's quite easy to camp just about anywhere along the canals, and many areas are well equipped with picnic tables.