Cycling Collection by Totosupertramp (Thomas Boury)
The Drôme to the Ardèche – explore the borders of the Rhône
3 days
2-4 h/day
154km
2,280m
2,520m
Just 45 minutes from Lyon by train, this gravel riding itinerary takes you to discover the Drôme hills and the Ardèche Mountains. This three-day micro-adventure is ideal for a long weekend. From the orchards of the Drôme to the banks of the River Rhône, the high plateau of the Vivarais to Mastrou and its old steam locomotive – this is a rich and varied adventure.
The first part of this route takes you through the yellow and green fields of the Drôme hills, where cultural and natural heritage await. Along the way, you'll come across one of the most beautiful sights in France: the Palais Idéal – a palace built by Facteur Cheval.
After spending a day in the Drôme countryside, you return to the Rhône Valley and its vineyards. Tournon-sur-Rhône's bars and restaurants are the perfect place to stop and sample the wines for which the region is famous; Saint-Joseph, Croze-Hermitage, Cornas. With its night market and numerous open-air concerts, this is a lively town in summer.
The rest of this Collection takes you back in time, tracing Le Mastrou, an old steam locomotive that winds its way along the gentle river. As you head up the gorges, you'll smell coal and hear the steam engine’s whistle as you ascend to Lamastre, a village at the heights of the Ardèche.
You'll discover the Haut-Vivarais, a long, undulating plateau at an altitude of over 1,000 metres (3,000 ft). The farmland and forests contrast with the hustle and bustle of the valley. The Haut-Vivarais is harsh in winter and bursts with beauty in spring, summer, and autumn.
The route is 150 kilometres (93 mi) spread over three days. The length of the stages means you can make plenty of stops to make the most of the places you pass through. You ride along gravel and small rural roads, mostly avoiding main roads.
Your adventure starts at Saint-Rambert-d'Albon station and finishes at Saint-Vallier station. Ideally located on the Rhone Valley route, these stations are less than an hour from Lyon. It’s essential to check the timetables and book your Ardèche train tickets before undertaking this Collection. I also recommend that you check the weather forecast, especially on the Monts d'Ardèche plateau, where the conditions can change rapidly.
Enjoy the journey!
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Activities
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
32.1km
02:41
970m
290m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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56.8km
04:35
630m
1,540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
3
Distance
154 km
Duration
11:01 h
Elevation
2,280 m
2,520 m
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