DAY 17: SAT 8 SEP - MULHOUSE TO COLMAR, FRANCE

Ride: 61km; total: 635km

Fine, sunny, 10-24deg   

Breakfast was taken in the motel with a mob of fairly noisy Chinese (Asian at least) tourists.  Once we cleared the inner city area, it was canal paths for the first 9km then a smooth sealed bike path to Neuf Brisach.  NB is a 16th century fort/walled village with a system of massive multi-staged moats which are still all intact dispute the ravages of several wars, including both World Wars.   No water in the moats anymore though.   The town had also changed countries between Germany and France several times in the last few hundred years.   Had an interesting hour wandering and a cup of coffee.    

The rest of the ride (17km) was on the shoulder of a flat, smooth D415, a minor road.  Booked into the motel by 2pm.   

Colmar is one of the oldest intact towns in the Alcase region of France, a real drawcard for tourism.  It sports whole streets of 13th to 16th century buildings and canals, hence the name of one area, Little Venice.   

Finished the day with a lovely meal in a "chain type" Italian restaurant, A$20 for osso bocco and salad.

Picture perfect Sunderhouse, France

Colmar

Little Venice

Indoor markets

Gardens

Street scene