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Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotels
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: HSV

Trip highlights


  • Leisurely cycle in an amazing landscape against the backdrop of the Alps
  • Riding past rolling vineyards in France
  • Arriving in Lyon, a centre of gourmet excellence
  • Soaking up the fine hospitality of well located hotels

Connecting the Swiss Alps with the Mediterranean, the Rhone River holds an important place in French history. Serving as an inland trading route where goods were transported as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Rhone connected many of France's most important cities and subsequently many smaller villages were built alongside it. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy of this period can still be found in many places along the river and can be discovered by cycling sections of the Via Rhona Cycle Path. This section of the dedicated cycle route is almost flat and connects Seyssel with Lyon. Beginning in Seyssel avoids a busier section of the route, although there is an option offered to start in Geneva. Over four days of cycling, follow the banks of the Rhone between the Bugey Mountains and the Jura Massif with many highlights along the way. Sample pastries in Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, refresh yourself under a majestic waterfall, discover the caves of la Balme les Grottes and enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant on the canal of Savières. At night stay in handpicked hotels brimming with local character, with an option to upgrade your hotels.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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Make your own way to Seyssel and check in to the first hotel. You are free to spend the afternoon exploring the charming little town of Seyssel, on the banks of the river.

Meals:  Nil

Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. When you arrive in Chanaz, also called "La Petite Venise Savoyarde", you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue towards Culoz and Belley, two peaceful towns with a rich heritage set below the Bugey Range, and on to today's destination, Champagneux. Important note: About 3km of the route today is on a busy road which passes through two tunnels that do not have a shoulder for cyclists. Ascent 132m/433ft, descent 178m/584ft

Meals:  B

Today you'll pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers. We highly recommend stopping here to sample the famous brioche pralines! Continuing on you can take a small detour towards the village of Glandieu where you can refresh yourself in the majestic waterfall, which is a wonder of nature. You then cross through Morestel, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town before a lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, where you stay overnight. Ascent 232m/761ft, descent 212m/696ft

Meals:  B,D

Today the Via Rhone cycle path takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Bugey, situated above the Rhône. You'll pass lovely villages this morning including Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and then the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. Your final destination will soon be in sight as you approach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, listed among 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France'. Overnight in Pérouges. Ascent 164m/538ft, descent 180m/590ft

Meals:  B

This last cycle stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You can enjoy cycling as the route takes you through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a brand-new quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. Your options for the rest of the day are endless but you can also reward your cycling efforts with a delicious meal in a "petit bouchon", a typical restaurant in the city. Overnight in Lyon. Ascent 61m/200ft, descent 116m/380ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon. NOTE: You can continue on our Rhone Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence trip, cycling all the way to Orange.

Meals:  B

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Make your own way to Geneva and check in to the first hotel. Take the time to discover this beautiful city of Switzerland, also known as the "capital of peace" with its humanitarian traditions, it will seduce you with its international charm and its old town offering a wide choice of delicious restaurants. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the lake, visit a watchmaking museum, or the 'Universe of Particles' exhibition at CERN.

Meals:  Nil

Your first bike ride takes you from Switzerland to France along the Rhone, you will discover the "Défilé de l'Écluse" and then the first vineyards between mountains and valleys, while keeping in view the sumptuous mountains of the Alps. This part of the trip will be on some busier roads, but the rest of the week it will be much quieter. You will spend the night in the charming little town of Seyssel, on the banks of the river. Important Note: The first 23km from Geneva to Chancy (train station Pougny) is mostly on cycle path through the city leaving Geneva, but there are some busy and steep sections outside Geneva. It is possible to take the train from Geneva to Pougny train station, with the bikes, to avoid this section (own expense). From Chancy the route is along a busy steep main road to the border (around 4km), and there's another busy steep section from Vulbens for about 15km on the main road. The last section before Seyssel (about 3.5km) is on a main road with a shoulder/cycle lane. Ascent 550m/1804ft, descent 673m/2208ft.

Meals:  B

Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. When you arrive in Chanaz, also called “La Petite Venise Savoyarde”, you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue towards Culoz and Belley, two peaceful towns with a rich heritage set below the Bugey Range, and on to today’s destination, Champagneux. Important note: About 3km of the route today is on a busy road which passes through two tunnels that do not have a shoulder for cyclists. Ascent 132m/433ft, descent 178m/584ft

Meals:  B

Today you’ll pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers. We highly recommend stopping here to sample the famous brioche pralines! Continuing on you can take a small detour towards the village of Glandieu where you can refresh yourself in the majestic waterfall, which is a wonder of nature. You then cross through Morestel, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town before a lovely greenway links “La Vallée Bleue” to Villebois, where you stay overnight. Ascent 232m/761ft, descent 212m/696ft

Meals:  B,D

Today the Via Rhone cycle path takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Bugey, situated above the Rhône. You’ll pass lovely villages this morning including Saint Sorlinen- Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and then the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. Your final destination will soon be in sight as you approach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, listed among ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’. Overnight in Pérouges. Ascent 164m/538ft, descent 180m/590ft

Meals:  B

This last cycle stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You can enjoy cycling as the route takes you through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a brand-new quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. Your options for the rest of the day are endless but you can also reward your cycling efforts with a delicious meal in a “petit bouchon”, a typical restaurant in the city. Overnight in Lyon. Ascent 61m/200ft, descent 116m/380ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon. NOTE: You can continue on our Rhone Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence trip, cycling all the way to Orange.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts - generally continental style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice
  • 1 dinner - on day 3 (4 if starting in Geneva) - note that this is dependent on staying at our usual hotel (standard and upgrade version) in Villebois. If an alternative hotel is booked, dinner will not be included.
  • 5 nights 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to comfort plus hotels available - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Hybrid bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies). SPD pedals can be provided on request.
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline
  • For the 7 day trip starting in Geneva (see itinerary 2 - supplement applies), an extra night's accommodation and breakfast are also included

  • Travel to Seyssel or Geneva and from Lyon
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • E-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

Starting in Seyssel: During the 4 days of cycling the daily routes are between 46 and 65 kilometres/28.5 and 40 miles. Earlier on in the trip there are a couple of longer ascents to be tackled. On all other stages the terrain is nearly flat throughout and easy to cycle on. Except for a few interruptions, the Rhône-cycle path is well constructed and it is a perfect example for signposting and routing. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns). Pre trip you should exercise 3 times per week with some cycling mixed in to your usual exercise regime. Starting in Geneva: 23km of this route is on busy roads with some steep sections particularly before the Swiss French border. It is important that you are comfortable riding on busy roads with traffic to confidently tackle this day. The remainder of the route to Lyon is almost exclusively on the cycleway.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Note:
7 day option starting in Geneva is available - see trip notes for details - operates every Friday, Saturday and Sunday only - supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1290USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike Supplement (6days)USD$110
  • Upgrade to Comfort hotels - 6 daysUSD$120
  • Single Supplement - Standard hotels, 6 daysUSD$220
  • Supplement for 7d starting GenevaUSD$320
  • Single Supplement - Comfort hotels, 6 daysUSD$390
  • Single Supplement - Standard hotels, 7 days ex GenevaUSD$430
  • Supplement for 7d starting Geneva - comfort hotels ppUSD$440
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Standard hotels, 6 daysUSD$470
  • Single Supplement - Comfort hotels, 7 days ex GenevaUSD$600
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Comfort hotels, 6 daysUSD$640
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Standard hotels, 7 days ex GenevaUSD$750
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Comfort hotels, 7 days ex GenevaUSD$920
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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