The Via Fluvia, with its 100km of greenways 💕
The Via Fluvia isn't just a bike path, it's THE bike path to do! The starting point? Lavoûte-sur-Loire. Destination? Annonay. And in between? A festival of sensations, discoveries and... pedal power, of course! 🚴♂️💨
So you start your journey in Lavoûte-sur-Loire, a place where even the birds sing louder to encourage you (or maybe it's just your imagination? 🐦🎶). Then the path takes you through landscapes that, let's be honest, look like those postcards we get that make us want to drop everything and go on an adventure.
Climbs that will make you feel like the king or queen of the mountain, descents where you'll feel freer than ever, and panoramic views that will remind you why you chose cycling as your means of transport.
When you arrive in Annonay, you may be a little tired, but above all, you'll be filled with indescribable pride. You'll have cycled along one of France's most beautiful cycle routes, and that's not for everyone!
🗺️ The flagship route between the Loire and Rhône rivers
So, are you ready for the big ride? Hang on, we're taking you on the star route of the Via Fluvia. 🥳
Via Fluvia: The greenway from Lavoûte-sur-Loire to Yssingeaux 🌄
First stage, and not the least: from Lavoûte-sur-Loire to Yssingeaux. 22.6 km of pure pleasure (or aches and pains, depending 😜) to explore the wild beauty of the Loire. The route is a real warm-up, introducing you to the Emblavez plain, one of the few flat landscapes in the Velay. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the Velay hills. The stage is set: this is the Ardèche and Haute-Loire in all their splendor. 🤩
A little advice for the road: if you've got a road bike, rollerblades or scooter, beware of the gravel and irregularities between Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Saint-Julien-du-Pinet, it can be a bit rock'n'roll 🎸. And for those who like a little break, we recommend a stop at Lavoûte-Polignac to admire the château, or a little detour to the Corboeuf ravines. You won't be disappointed 😉
If you're feeling peckish, why not stop off in Yssingeaux? The town, perched at an altitude of 835 meters, offers beautiful views and plenty to tantalize your taste buds. And for those of you who are more connected, don't hesitate to share your experience on Tripadvisor, to inspire other travelers to take the plunge! 🚴♂️
Via Fluvia : Yssingeaux - Raucoules 🌿
Onwards and upwards! After regaining our strength in Yssingeaux, we're off to Raucoules. 🚴♂️ This stage is 20.5 km of escapism amid magnificent scenery. Can you feel that 277-meter positive gradient? Well, your calves will feel it too! 😜 But I promise, it's worth it.
A few must-sees in our opinion? The Yssingel market, for early risers on Thursday mornings. The Prieuré Clunisien de Grazac, a place steeped in history. The Himalayan footbridge of the Gorges du Lignon in Grazac (for the thrill 😱), and the church of Lapte, the famous "Balcon du Velay". From there, the panorama is just... phew! 😍
Via Fluvia : Raucoules - Riotord 🍃
Tchou tchou! 🚂 Ready to embark on a journey back in time? This 19 km stage plunges you into the heart of the region's railway history. You'll ride in the footsteps of the famous steam train, between mountains and valleys, while enjoying a positive difference in altitude of 304 meters (yes, your calves are still in demand, to avoid cramps, it's this way! 💪).
The route starts in Raucoules, where a convenient parking lot awaits you. On the way, don't forget to watch out for the rails as you cross the railroad at Gare Oumey, and stay alert around the little factory. ⚠️
For sightseeing, the Velay Express and Velorail du Velay are not to be missed. For art lovers, the Flemish paintings are a feast for the eyes, and for those looking to reconnect with nature, the barefoot trail is a unique experience. 👣
Via Fluvia : Riotord - Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue 🌳
This 6.9 km stage is an invitation to escape to the heights, with a positive vertical drop of 181 meters that's sure to test your cycling skills. 🏔️
The stretch from Maisonneuve to Saint-Meyras is pretty rocky, so take care of your bikes, especially if you're on an electric model. Once you've reached the Col du Tracol, the crossing that marks the border between the Haute-Loire and the Loire (no, there are no customs officers to check your passports 😉 ), the rest of the route is smooth sailing along the D503 to Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue.
⚠️ VIGILANCE: This stage requires a certain amount of expertise. Families, pedestrians and those not used to sharing the road with other vehicles should avoid this section.
Via Fluvia : Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue - Bourg-Argental 🏰
This 12.2-km stage, with its valleys and climbs, is the kind of experience cyclists recount over a hot drink after a long day (or a cold one, if you prefer! 🍻). With a positive difference in altitude of 261 metres, your calves will be singing again, but this time in harmony with the birds!
Starting out from Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue, you're plunged straight into the green heart of the Parc naturel régional du Pilat. The asphalt surface makes for a pleasant walk, and the 4 km of greenway offer peaceful moments.
If you're the kind of person who enjoys a little detour, a visit to Julien's candy factory in Bourg-Argental is a must (because after so much pedaling, we deserve a sweet or two, don't we? 🍬).
Speaking of Bourg-Argental, if you want to get there from the Bénévis parking lot, it's possible. But bear in mind that this road, although short (1.7 km), is quite busy and not part of the Via Fluvia development. So be careful! 🚴♂️
Via Fluvia : Bourg-Argental - Annonay 🏞️
The section from Bourg-Argental to Annonay is a 14.5 km journey through history and nature. On the way, panoramas follow one another, from green forests to the rich history of Annonay (not to mention the gossip of the village next door 😉 ).
⚠️ Attention cyclists! After just a few kilometers, you'll come to the Homme tunnel bypass. With a gradient of between 15 and 18%, it's a real test of your determination. But fear not, if you want to avoid this challenge, there's an alternative route.
Via Fluvia : Annonay - Lac de Vert 🚴
From the urban bustle of Annonay to the calm of Lac de Vert, this 5.7 km stage offers the perfect transition between city and countryside. What better way to discover the region's hidden charms than by bike? (And burn off a few calories from yesterday morning's croissants! 🥐)
The start is in the Vissenty district, precisely rue Pierre de Coubertin, very close to the Annonay sports complex. Perhaps a sign that you're on the right track to becoming an athlete! 😉 The start of your journey takes in a shared véloroute for a few hundred meters before guiding you onto a lane that takes you directly to Lac de Vert. An idyllic setting for a picnic break or simply to admire the scenery.
⚠️ VIGILANCE: Although the idea of a "green" getaway is appealing, it should be noted that this itinerary is not entirely safe. Pending a definitive route, it passes through busy, urban areas. It is therefore recommended only for seasoned cyclists (and superheroes, of course! 💪🚴♂️).
Via Fluvia : Annonay - Via Rhôna (coming soon to Ardèche Grand Air and Porte de DrômArdèche) 🛤️
Get ready to close your cycling adventure in style with this final stage 🎉 The promise? A fusion between Ardèche Grand Air and Porte de DrômArdèche to offer you an unrivalled panoramic experience. Although the final route is still under consideration, the plan is to join the famous Via Rhôna at Serrières. Can't wait? So are we! 🚴♀️🚴
Until this ambitious Eurovéloroute is finalized, there's no need to put down your bike! We suggest a fascinating route through the Cance valley. For the technophiles among you (and even for the others), the GPX route is available for download here. Simply consult the practical information on the right of your screen (or ask a computer-savvy friend 😉 ).
