You leave the old city of Strasbourg via Vauban’s 17th-century covered bridge and follow the towpath along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, shaded by majestic plane trees. From Erstein, the route continues along the river Ill, passing the castle village of Osthouse, the charming market town of Benfeld, and the richly baroque abbey church of Ebermünster. Through the river meadows, you reach Sélestat, known for its beautiful Renaissance houses and the churches of Sainte-Foy and Saint-Georges, masterpieces of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.