ViaRhôna – ride from the Alps to the Mediterranean

The first day takes you in several sections from the basin of Lake Geneva up to the foot of the "Montagne de Vuache". It's always a bit uphill, followed by a short ride back down into the valley. That would be pretty grueling in the long run, but luckily it's done after three climbs.



The Geneva city traffic… read more

Today's route takes you along one of the most spectacular landscapes of the ViaRhôna: On the northern flank of the “Montagne de Vuache” you pass the “Le Défilé de l'Ecluse” needle eye and, together with the Rhône, break through the first and highest mountain range in France Jura along their way.



It is… read more

From Seyssel, you first walk comfortably along the Rhone until a short but crisp ascent over a main road awaits you at the mouth of the "Fier". There is a hard shoulder marked for cyclists, but it is not even a meter wide and actually only deserves the name cycle path thanks to the signs on the roadside… read more

After a leisurely start to the day, about seven kilometers behind Belley, you turn for a brief moment into the valley of the "vieux Rhône", which breaks through the Jura again here. As scenic as this section is, you should be careful here and concentrate well on the road despite the overwhelming view… read more

Today is all about caves and underground passages. So if it is one of those typically hot summer days in France, you will find enough opportunities on this stage to cool off a bit underground.



From Groslée, the cycle path surprisingly makes a sweeping arc, away from the Rhône, down to the north of the… read more

The land is now becoming increasingly flatter and the mountains are also saying goodbye to the horizon. Meanwhile, the Rhone is finally finding its way into the vastness of the valley to which the Upper Rhine Graben also belongs geologically. From now on, it will follow this plain as far as the Mediterranean… read more

The seventh stage takes you on the outskirts of the suburbs of Lyon after only a few kilometers into the forest and lake landscape of the “Miribel-Jonage” park. Since today's total route is quite short at just over 30 kilometers, you have enough time to explore this green oasis at the gates of Lyon.



Once… read more

The second part of your journey from Geneva to the Mediterranean begins in Lyon. If you have already covered the section from Geneva to Lyon on previous holidays or if you start the route here, Lyon is quickly accessible from Paris or Basel for example. If you're doing the whole trip in one go, it's… read more

In this stage, you will continue through pretty orchards to Condrieu. If you have time, a stroll through the vineyards or a visit to a winemaker is a must. Before leaving, treat yourself to a warm pain au chocolat at the Au Plaisir Des Saveurs bakery. There are several nice spots to land on the banks… read more

At the start of this stage, you continue your route towards the south, still following the shore. Apart from the bridge crossings, the relief is absent from this day of cycling. You cycle on a greenway between Sablons, Saint-Vallier, Sarras to Saint-Jean de Muzols. There is only a short 2.5 kilometer… read more

In this stage, you leave Tournon-sur-Rhône to reach Valence, the capital of the Drôme department. Head south and start pedaling on the right bank of the Rhône.



Starting from the Pays du Tournonais from the southern dyke of Tournon-sur-Rhône, the ViaRhôna route takes you to Glun. Prepare to be amazed by… read more

Before leaving Valence, you have one last chance to stroll along the canals and through the verdant gardens.



You leave the city by a greenway in the Jouvet park, following the banks of the Rhône which meanders majestically. The landscape is slowly changing, leading you to the port of Épervière. After… read more

Departing from Pouzin, you cross the Ouvèze. At the exit of the village, head south. A small footbridge takes you to the other bank of the Payre. The more adventurous can cross the ford depending on the level of the river. ViaRhôna leads to the village of Baix which is stuck to the Old Rhône.



In the direction… read more

Leaving Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, you begin this stage by greeting the protagonist of this adventure: the Rhône. The Viviers bridge takes you to the eponymous town.



Former residence of bishops since the 5th century, the medieval heritage is impressive. A small detour will allow you to discover the historic… read more

Let's go to Provence, with a first stop in Vaucluse! You have definitely entered the warm South that we imagine when we think of this region. Do you already smell lavender? You are on the good road.



After Pont-Saint-Esprit, the ViaRhôna signage is less precise than during the previous stages, it is therefore… read more

During this stage, you reach Avignon, a city with international influence that no longer needs to be presented.



Once the village of Caderousse behind you, you follow the dyke by the cycle path. You pass by the Revestidou, a meander of the Rhône with swirling waters.



Then, you cycle between the Rhône and… read more

This stage is special because you reach Beaucaire, a town where ViaRhôna divides into two distinct routes. In addition, today you cycle in the Gard, continuing your Provençal exploration.



Before leaving, take the time to take a morning walk in Avignon and observe the animation that gradually takes over… read more

Departing from the river port of Beaucaire, you have one last opportunity to contemplate the medieval fortress and its magnificent historic center.



After about 20 kilometers of cycling, you will arrive in Arles, a city with a rich cultural heritage.



Between the two cities, you cycle on shared secondary… read more

Departing from Arles, you cross the gates of the Camargue. Immediately, you follow the canal to Bouc via the cycle path which leads to the Van Gogh bridge. As the name suggests, this structure is the reconstruction of the bridge painted by the famous artist in a series of paintings. Like most canal bridges… read more

Before leaving Beaucaire, a walk is essential if it is not already done. This stage is short and easy, so feel free to pedal at a slower pace to prolong the pleasure of the ride.



Starting from the marina of Beaucaire, the route perfectly follows the towpath of the Canal du Rhône à Sète. It is a pleasant… read more