Today was a perfect day for bike touring. The weather forecast looked great, the route interesting, and we were raring to go after an early breakfast.

Leaving our accommodation opposite the airport was a bit hairy, but after 2-3 km it settled down to villages and rural roads.

There were a couple of climbs, with roadworks stopping me a few hundred metres from the top (red light).

We were heading back towards the Moselle valley and the border with Germany.

Ahead of us is a very steep, descent. The greenery is the area around the Moselle, at the bottom of the hill. The other side, Germany.

It is a very steep, controlled descent, riding the brakes hard.

Next thing, the Moselle River.

We rode the German side for the 12 -15 km or so we are about to do on the Luxembourg side.

Looking up at our final few Luxembourg vineyards.

The guy on the left operates a pedal boat fishing. We have seen a few of these on the river.

Some vineyards house fancy buildings. Bernard Massard is Luxembourg’s largest producer of sparkling wine.

Cute statue.

Bye Luxembourg and we’re back in Germany.

Just around the corner, German Police sat in a car. Must get boring.

Longer river view.

At the town on Konz, the river Saar enters. We bid the Moselle farewell, again, and start to follow the Saar, heading upstream.

It’s a super pretty river, much smaller than the Moselle, lots more greenery, quieter, less cycle traffic.

The ruins of the 10th century Saarburg castle. It fell into ruins in the 1800’s but the town has since renovated part. You can walk from town to obtain valley view.

Saarburg is a nice looking town, fairly busy with a few tourist buses in.

A small video Tony took here.

The water is not as green as it looks here, but the vegetation is thick and lush.

Despite being a longer ride day, we have made excellent progress. We decide to pull into the town of Mettlach to see what food we might find.

An impressive little town, with lots of references to Villeroy and Boch.

Turns out this old benadictine monastery has been their centre since the 1800’s. Outlet store and a museum all dedicated to V&B enthusiasts and collectors.

Imposing over the river.

My favourite section of the river ride was from Mettlach. It followed a loop and there were no cars, just a walking and cycle trail, along gravel.

Super peaceful and chillaxing.

The river Saar, so far, rates very highly and is ‘better’ than the Moselle.

We sat here and chilled more.

I ‘think’ this is a carving of someone on a bike.

We’re in Saarlouis now. A former medieval town that appears very modern.

The Yaxley flag is flying on the 3rd floor.

The oldest looking structure we could see in town when we went on our food hunt.

Our route map. Three countries evident.

112 km and just a beaut day.

Tomorrow we follow the river Saar further, and enter France.

Thanks for reading.