The ViaRhôna, everything you need to know about this 815 km cycling route

The ViaRhôna is 815 km of cycling itinerary along the Rhône, from the majestic Alps (where marmots greet you as you pass) to the fragrant lavender fields of southern Provence (ah, that bewitching perfume! 🫠).

At each stop, a promise: to discover France's hidden treasures, to explore over 2000 years of history, to feast on gastronomic discoveries and to marvel at unrivalled heritage riches. 😍

Hold on tight, it's going to be hair-raising (you're used to it with headphones 💪)!

Saint-Gingolph, on the French-Swiss border, is the starting point. Right from the start, you're in for a treat: a breathtaking view of the Vaud Riviera, an interactive info terminal for the curious, and even a charging station for your electric bike (we've thought of everything 😉 ).

The first 4 kilometers are a delight for families: a very quiet lane, far from cars. However, once you reach Amphion, the going gets a little tougher. If you're setting off with the little ones, or if you're more of a "quiet bike" type, start your journey in Evian or Thonon instead. 💪🚴‍♂️

After leaving the seaside charm of Thonon-les-Bains, hop on your bike and get ready for a 44.29 km ride (1h52 of fun on two wheels 🚴‍♂️) through the picturesque Bas-Chablais. Along the way, let yourself be tempted by detours to iconic villages like medieval Yvoire or peaceful Nernier. 🏰

Feel that refreshing breeze? The little harbors and beaches of Lake Geneva beckon for a dip (and why not a picnic?). 🏖️ But save a little room, because Geneva isn't far away... and Swiss chocolates are said to be perfect for recharging your batteries 🍫😋

Leaving Geneva is like leaving behind an international jewel of preserved authenticity. And yet, it's only the beginning of a stage full of surprises! At 33.41 km (about 2h05 of pedaling... and a few drops of sweat ), this part of the ViaRhôna proves to be one of the sportiest 😰.

So, yes, you'll be climbing some steep hills in Switzerland, but rest assured, every climb rewards you with stunning views. 😎

Leave Vulbens behind and immerse yourself in a stage where mountains and valleys meet, offering breathtaking views of the river. At 27.28 km (or around 1h48 of pure cycling pleasure 🚴), this section of the ViaRhôna is a feast for the eyes.

En route, the défilé de l'Ecluse is a must-see (a bit like morning coffee, isn't it? ☕), rich in river history dating back to antiquity. The arrival at Seyssel, with its river charm, is a little gem in itself, offering both culture and leisure around the theme of navigation.

⚠️ But beware! For less experienced cyclists, this stage presents a few challenges. Between some gradients, sometimes very busy roads (such as the D908A and D14), imposing crossroads, and sometimes absent signage, stay on your guard.

Clinging faithfully to both banks of the Rhône, this leg of the ViaRhôna is a dance between ridges and plateaus, where every turn of the wheel reveals hidden waterfalls and peaceful lakes. If you're the kind of person who looks for "Instagram spots", this is the route for you! 📸

As you go along, the vineyards (perfect for a little tasting, in moderation! 🍷) and local gastronomy will seduce you. Don't forget to stop off in the region's authentic little towns like Belley, Culoz or Chanaz. They reflect the charm of the Bugey region.

As for the routes, expect a mix of greenways and more traditional roads. A word of advice: keep an eye on your map, because with its 33.40 km and around 2h12 of pedaling, this stage is meant to be sporty and could well play a few tricks on you if you're not careful. But what an adventure! 🚴‍♂️💨

Between Belley and Groslée, the ViaRhôna invites you on a majestic escapade through the Bugey region. The Rhône, proud and imposing (and no doubt a little boastful around the edges 😎), meanders past the Grand Colombier massif. Along the way, discover the Pays de Lhuis and Izieu, where nature offers a palette of luminous landscapes, from vineyards to mountains. 🍇⛰️

Thanks to the new Virignin footbridge, crossing from the Ain to Savoie is now child's play, and above all, completely safe. On this 36.74 km stage (2h39 of dynamic pedaling 🚴), you'll enjoy a pleasant combination of greenways and upgraded roads. And a word of advice to bike touring enthusiasts: keep an eye out for alternative routes, as they sometimes hold some nice surprises! 😉

Let yourself be surprised by this atypical stage of the ViaRhôna, which takes you momentarily away from the course of the Rhône (we all need a little privacy 😜).

You enter the heart of the Balcons du Dauphiné, an area rich in Espaces Naturels Sensibles, where the green of the countryside and the woodiness of the forest dominate the landscape. As you look up, the picturesque cliffs of the Isle Crémieu come into view, offering a picture worthy of a postcard. 🖼️

On this 37.35 km stretch of the ViaRhôna (about 2 hours 24 minutes of pedaling 🚴), peace and quiet reign supreme.

En route, Anthon marks a natural stopover where the Ain mingles with the Rhône, creating an aquatic spectacle not to be missed. Not far away, the Lyon metropolis begins to take shape (stop by and say hello 😜). Before plunging into this effervescence, Jons presents itself as a haven of peace. Here, the Jonage canal winds its way through the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, the region's green lung.

Continue on to the famous Parc de la Tête d'Or, with its zoo, lake and rose gardens (for a romantic break 🌹 ).

As you move on, the city finally reveals itself. You now reach the modern Confluence district, where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet, offering a unique architectural and natural spectacle. 😍

Note that the route on the greenways is not signposted, a little challenge for urban adventurers! 🧭 So, are you ready for a plunge into the heart of the ancient capital of the Gauls, a UNESCO World Heritage site?

After savoring Lyon's gastronomic delights and historical tales, the ViaRhôna itinerary guides you to Givors before taking you to Saint-Romain-en-Gal. This stopover plunges you deep into the heritage of river navigation. Indeed, the Saint-Romain-en-Gal area, with its museums and the nearby town of Vienne, depicts the fascinating history of the Rhône, from antiquity to the present day.

However, a word of warning to cyclists: the current route, although signposted on both banks, has sections on busy roads and a path that is sometimes difficult to navigate. This makes it less suitable for road bikes, tandems, freighters, or bikes equipped with trailers and panniers. If you want to avoid these challenges (and keep your nerves intact 😠 ), taking the train from Lyon to Givors is highly recommended.

Prepare to be dazzled by a diversity of landscapes on this 32.80 km stage of the ViaRhôna (the equivalent of 32,800 meters... or 32.8 million millimeters 🤣), which you'll cover in just over 2 hours (or... no I'm stopping! 😅).

Pedaling through terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the region's finest vintages (but always in moderation! 🍷).

The itinerary, mostly on greenways, guarantees a pleasant and safe ride, with the exception of the arrival at Sablons, which requires a little vigilance. ⚠️

As soon as you leave Sablons, the ViaRhôna takes you on an enchanting dance between terraced vineyards (again! 😋😍), where Saint-Joseph reigns supreme, and sun-drenched orchards.

All along the 36.36 km route, you'll witness a veritable symphony of nature. The disciplined Rhône River generously nourishes these farmlands, perfectly illustrating the marriage of arboriculture, market gardening and viticulture.

This stage, which lasts approximately 2h25 (a rather precise approximation! 😉 ), is a real tribute to the generosity of the Ardèche region. And for intermediate cyclists, it promises to be as rewarding as it is enjoyable.

The 25.33 km-long route takes cyclists to Glun in around 1 hour 39 minutes, flirting with landscapes of undeniable ecological richness. One of the jewels of this stage is undoubtedly the lône that encircles La Roche-de-Glun, a veritable showcase of biodiversity that will amaze even the most discerning. 🌱

Valencia then welcomes you with the warmth of its colorful markets, the soothing atmosphere of its gardens (perfect for a post-bike siesta 🍃), and the vibrant energy that resonates in its lively neighborhoods and welcoming pedestrian streets.

After recharging your batteries at the Port de l'Epervière in Valence, head for the Ardèche on the ViaRhôna. This 32.55 km segment, which you can cover in around 2h12, is a veritable open-air museum (free admission! 🤑).

You'll cross paths with mysterious caves and an archaeological site revealing the region's ancient history. Lovers of architecture will be seduced by a village of character, an imposing castle (king and queen not included 👑), and for those passionate about nature, the Printegarde nature reserve and various sensitive natural areas line the route.

As you ride towards Le Pouzin, a little Drôme escapade awaits you. And if you pay attention, the gentle murmur of the bridge may tell you a story or two on the way! (If so, share it with us - we love gossip! 😉 )

Leaving Le Pouzin, the ViaRhôna becomes a Provençal melody, with 2 hours 41 minutes of itinerary to savor (and with a Southern accent! 🎶 ).

On the way to Cruas, the route offers a breathtaking panorama: on one side, the majestic and emblematic Cruas abbey church, testimony to the region's rich architectural heritage. On the other, the cement works, symbols of the region's industrial heritage, mark out the horizon.

Yet these two very different worlds coexist in perfect harmony, a little like chocolate and cheese in a fondue (what's wrong with that? 🤔 ).

As you leave Viviers, with the gentle murmur of its cathedral still in your ears, the ViaRhôna takes you on a route where nature and history are still intertwined. This stage, covering 32.27 km and lasting around 2h07, takes you on a journey through time.

This heritage-rich section of the ViaRhôna will take you to the chapels, cathedrals and palaces of the ancestral towns along the way.

The ViaRhôna lets you experience the very essence of Provence. The song of the cicadas (they only know one song, but it's a hit! 🎶 ), the delicate scent of lavender, the gentle warmth of the sun, it's all there. This passage through the Vaucluse is a promise of sensory wonder.

On these 28.64 km, almost 2 hours of pedaling (and, no, there's no shortcut! 😅), the road winds through a fertile plain, where agricultural life thrives in the shade of olive trees. The route, mainly on small shared roads, offers quiet moments along the Canal de Donzère. And then, just before reaching Mornas, the voie verte opens up majestically, bordering the Rhône, and offering a peaceful and rejuvenating escape.

Leave the peaceful charm of Caderousse behind and get ready for an epic 29.16 km ride. As the bike path winds along the dike, the flavors of the renowned Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards tempt you with every turn of the wheel (what a marvel for wine lovers this Rhone Valley is! 😍).

Nature reveals its treasures, with multiple river islands gracing the route. The Etang de la Capelle and the Rhone counter-channel gently lead you to majestic views:

• Montfaucon castle,
• the Hers tower
• and, of course, Châteauneuf du Pape.

Following small roads shaded by plane trees, you wind your way through the Ile de l'Oiselay before reaching the Pont des Arméniers. The rest of the route plunges you into the lively heart of Sorgues and Le Pontet, dotted with shopping areas, before taking you back to the serenity of the canals, leading directly to Avignon.

After a last nostalgic look at the city of the Popes, the ViaRhôna proudly ventures into the Gard region. Leaving the Pont du Royaume, follow the carefully laid-out cycle route that elegantly loops under the bridge. This leads you to an unassuming, shady route overlooking the Rhône at its beginning. 🌉

The 39.92 km route (39.91 km of pleasure and 0.01 km of "where's the next coffee break?" 🥤), a ride of around 2h30, winds its way between vineyards and orchards at the gentle pace of Provence and Languedoc. As you approach Beaucaire, a city of art and history, you'll be greeted by the Pont du Gard greenway, offering a gentle transition between the grandiose landscapes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the charms of the south.

After crossing so many territories, landscapes and cultural treasures, the ViaRhôna has one last surprise in store for you: a choice of itinerary for your grand finale! You can head for Sète to feel the warmth of the Mediterranean beaches, or opt for a plunge into the heart of the Camargue, between marshes and equestrian traditions. Whichever you choose, each stage is a compendium of emotions, discoveries and adventures. It's up to you to decide, according to your level and your desires.

🏖️ Beaucaire to Sète: the end of the line on Mediterranean beaches

Hop in the saddle for the first itinerary! From Beaucaire, the ViaRhôna takes you pedaling along the Rhone Canal. On your way, wave to the boats, then take a leap back in time to Saint-Gilles with its medieval streets. Watch out for the right-hand turn into the Camargue Gardoise! Take a selfie with the pink flamingos (if you can get them to pose 😉 ).

Continue your adventure to Aigues-Mortes, where medieval ramparts rub shoulders with salt marshes. And what about La Grande Motte? Its futuristic pyramids will knock your socks off (even under the helmet)! Then, the salty smell of the sea is your guide. In Palavas-les-Flots, why not take a dip to cool off before the final sprint? 🚴

And finally, Sète! The end of this Eurovelo stage, with perhaps a little Muscat de Frontignan to celebrate. You've done it! 🚴‍♂️🌊🥂

🐎 Beaucaire to Port Saint Louis du Rhône: the Camargue in all its splendor

We're off again, this time to the Camargue! Can you feel that ancient breeze? It's Arles calling, with its Roman secrets and arenas that have seen more gladiator fights than you've seen episodes of your favorite TV show (but maybe not as many times as I've said "Force et Honneur" 😜). 🏟️

Along the way, you skirt the Canal d'Arles à Bouc, where the Rhône sings Camargue lullabies. A detour to the Vigueirat marshes? It's like a spa, but for nature lovers! 🦆

And for the finale? Port Saint Louis du Rhône and its Napoleon beach! After so much pedaling, your feet deserve a splash in the Mediterranean! 🌊🚴‍♂️