EuroVelo 19’s Eco-Tour: Promoting Sustainable Cycling Tourism

The EuroVelo 19 – Meuse Cycle Route follows one of the most important rivers in Europe, from its source to where it joins the Rhine delta in the Netherlands. This route, spanning over 1,000 kilometres gives you the opportunity to discover three countries: France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Although is the shortest route in EuroVelo it offers a varied scenic landscape, beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage.

Pedalling through France’s Meuse

The EuroVelo 19 – Meuse Cycle Route takes cyclists through a protected area in France. As the Meuse is a largely unchannelled river, it benefits from conservation of its meadows. The Meuse valley has an eminent role in the region, as it is a migratory corridor frequented by bird crane in particular. Grasslands provide extensive hunting and feeding grounds for certain birds. In 2014, white storks took up residence in the village of Monthairons.

The Meuse passes through the beautiful region of the Ardennes, renowned for its deep forests and sustainable tourism efforts. The Ardenne Ecotourism network ensures that accommodations and restaurants prioritise responsible practices, both by using geothermal heating and eco-friendly building materials and by offering seasonal, local dishes.

For cyclists looking to stay somewhere cosy and sustainable, Camping Aux Sabots de Vent offers a creative alternative. Some of its small round cottages resemble igloos at first glance, but they are constructed from natural materials such as lime and hemp, combining traditional techniques with low-impact building.

When you are passing through the region, you can also enjoy a taste of the local culture at the “Marchés des producteurs de pays”, a series of farmers’ markets held regularly in nearby towns. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying an Ardennes beer, a regional tradition dating back to the 12th century. Highlights include the beers from Abbaye de Signy, made using monastic recipes, and the distinctive selections from Ardwen. This part of the route also features natural parks such as Monthermé, where dramatic river meanders offer breathtaking viewpoints, and deep forests perfect for hiking and nature discovery.

In Verdun, Jardin du Mess hotel is actively committed to sustainable tourism by implementing concrete actions related to corporate social responsibility (CSR) such as waste sorting, no plastic and eco-friendly garden maintenance to preserve biodiversity and promote a healthy environment.

In the Vosges, the Domremy campsite stands out for its peaceful setting, making it ideal for a nature-filled stopover. Committed to promoting environmentally friendly modes of travel, a 10% discount is offered to guests coming on foot or by bicycle.

Along the Vosges route, two natural gems are well worth an extended stop: the limestone grasslands of Circourt-sur-Mouzon and Maxey-sur-Meuse. True reservoirs of biodiversity, these rare habitats give the western Vosges a Mediterranean feel, where wild orchids, reptiles, crickets, and butterflies abound, offering a spectacle as subtle as it is enchanting.

Exploring Belgium’s sustainable tourism

Crossing into Belgium, the Meuse Cycle Route takes you through both Wallonia and Flanders, each offering its unique sustainable initiatives.

The bucolic landscapes created by this majestic river will lead you to discover Wallonia's magnificent natural and industrial heritage. On this citadel route, you'll also have the opportunity to visit the four strongholds of Wallonia: Dinant, Namur, Liège and Huy. There are many tourist establishments that are part of a sustainable approach and hold labels such as Green Key or Bienvenue vélo, for example, the Hôtel “Château de Namur” and the Pentahotel in Liège. We also recommend to taste regional specialities such as Ardennes blood sausages and white pudding while enjoying stunning views of the Meuse and the surrounding greenway.

Belgian Limburg’s cycling paths run mostly along traffic-free dikes and pass through vibrant meadows. The Riverpark Maasvalley is a highlight, a cross-border nature reserve celebrated for its regenerative landscape restoration. Here, the Maas, the Meuse in Dutch, has been allowed to flow more naturally, creating wetlands and gravel banks that provide refuge to otters, beavers, migratory birds and wild grazers like Konik horses and Galloway cattle. The park’s visitor centre, De Wissen, offers educational exhibits and quiet electric whisperboats for wildlife spotting along the river’s old side arms. When looking for eco-friendly stays, you can choose from floating hotels like Botel Ophoven or farm campsites such as Biej Bokke, combining comfort with nature immersion.

Netherlands: infinite options for green experiences

EuroVelo 19 enters the Netherlands through South Limburg, sharing the RivierPark Maasvallei with the neighbouring country. Local gastronomy shines at spots like Ut Bakkes Maasbendj, where homemade pies and regional honey fuel your rides or at the historic Bisschopsmolen watermill bakery in Maastricht, where visitors can watch traditional bread baking and enjoy fresh meals. The region stands out for its sustainable initiatives, such as artist-designed seating made from recycled materials and a movable viewpoint in RivierPark Maasvallei, ensuring visitors can enjoy the landscape with minimal impact.

The route also passes through North and Central Limburg where cyclists can easily detour to biodiversity hotspots like GrensPark KempenBroek, a UNESCO reserve with rare wildlife, or the terraced forests of National Park De Meinweg. Along the way, you can find regional specialities like Livar Cloister pig and Lindeboom beer. Accommodations such as De Maashoeve and De Sangershoeve provide eco-friendly stays, often with bike facilities and a focus on biodiversity.

In the Land van Cuijk, braided hedges have long been used to mark the edges of pastures. This traditional practice has shaped a unique landscape known as the Maasheggen, the oldest cultural landscape in the Netherlands, now recognised with UNESCO Man and the Biosphere status. Cyclists can find suitable accommodation at Perron22 and Herberg Thijssen, all welcoming to touring cyclists.

When passing through the Biesbosch National Park, Europe’s largest freshwater tidal zone, creeks, and willow forests, do not miss the local initiatives promoting circular farming, biodiversity, and regional products. The “Smakelijke Streek” cycling route and Molentocht offer immersive experiences in local food, making this stretch a unique and responsible travel destination.

Then, getting closer to the end of the route in Rotterdam, there is Voorne-Putten, an island that features a delta landscape with restored creeks, salt marshes, and mudflats. The area supports rich biodiversity in protected zones such as Voornes Duin and Beninger Slikken. Sustainable stops include Restaurant aan Zee, built with natural materials, powered by wind and solar power. In a unique twist, guests can pay with wood instead of money during a special annual event. A perfect example of how culinary experiences and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.

Cycling the Meuse: a journey of nature and sustainability

To ensure that the Meuse Cycle Route remains a clean and inspiring journey for generations to come, we all have a role to play in preserving the landscapes we pass through. Being able to continue enjoying this remarkable environment relies on us leaving it just as we found it, if not better. One powerful way to travel responsibly is by following the Leave No Trace principles. These simple guidelines provide a practical framework for reducing our impact when exploring the outdoors, whether you’re hiking through a forest, picnicking in a nature reserve or cycling along the river Meuse.

The Rivierpark Maasvallei, for example, promotes active caring of the river environment through initiatives like the Maas cleanup kayak, encouraging paddlers to collect litter as they enjoy the river’s peaceful beauty. Alongside choosing eco-friendly lodging and supporting local producers, these habits help protect the fragile ecosystems, cultural sites, and beauty that make EuroVelo 19 – Meuse Cycle Route so special. Clean, healthy, and quiet trails are not just part of the experience; they are the result of responsible travel.

Article by Mariona Garcia-Arbós i Mata

Cover photo: Cycling in the Brabant Maasheggen, in the Netherlands.