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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 connects the Rhône-Alpes region with Provence. Beginning in the culinary capital of Lyon your journey along the Rhone to Orange will be lined with lush vineyards and fragrant orchards on many of the sections. However it's the cultural remnants that make this stage of the Rhone Cycle Path so special such as the splendid cathedrals and relics from Roman times reminding us of an important era long ago. During the ride you can also marvel at cultural treasures such as the large Roman theatre in Vienne, or the architecturally outstanding museum of the Confluences in Lyon. From pastries at the boulangerie to soft caramel ice cream, there are so many culinary treats to replenish you as you cycle towards Orange.
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14kg of CO2-e PP per day
(95kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Lyon
Make your own way to Lyon and your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed since 1998, there is much to see. You can walk to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a great view, shop, visit a museum, or see the typical Halles de Lyon Market. Why not also reward your soul with a delicious meal in a "petit bouchon" in the "French capital of gastronomy". Your bike will be delivered today or by 9.30am tomorrow.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Vienne via the Musée des Confluences (36km/22.5mi)
Today you leave the buzz of Lyon and cycle through the towns of Grigny and Givors and on to Saint-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than elsewhere along the Rhône, where museums at Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from ancient to contemporary times. Overnight in Vienne. It's possible to take the train (with your bike) from Lyon to Givors to avoid some city traffic. 142m/465ft ascent, 158m/518ft descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle past vineyards to Serrières (34km/21.5mi)
Today offers a variety of landscapes and will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, you ride to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, which bears witness to the Rhône’s wild side. Its observation centre offers a chance to discover the wildlife and flora of the river. Continue past the steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley to Serrières. 81m/266ft ascent, 96m/315ft descent
Day 4
Ride to Valence, gateway to the south of France (60km/37mi)
This stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards, and is the first Via Rhôna stage south of Lyon in the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (French county) on the Rhône’s western flank. The Ardèche is known for its exceptional caves, archaeological sites, characterful villages, châteaux and nature reserves. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving in Tournon-sur-Rhone you can enjoy a pleasant break and soak in the Gallo-Roman history. In the afternoon, there is much to enchant you, including pretty villages in typical southern style. Valence is the capital of the Drôme département and is often referred to as "the door to the South of France". Enjoy its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters. Overnight in Valence. 142m/465ft ascent, 152m/499ft descent
Day 5
Cycle through orchards to Montélimar (71km/44mi)
After a short stop at Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière you cycle back to the Ardèche-side of the Rhône. Continuing south, you'll cycle on the 'Himalayan-type' footbridge at Rochemaure, which is a great experience. It was rebuilt using the pillars of the Vieux Pont (old bridge). Continue to the town of Montélimar, where a human presence has existed for more than 50,000 years. Renowned for its nougat, Montélimar is a pleasant city to explore. You can take a tour of the oldest nougat factory, or enjoy a stroll in the old city centre. Overnight in Montélimar. 157m/515ft ascent, 199m/653ft descent
Day 6
Cycle via Bourg Saint Andéol to Pierrelatte (33km/20.6mi)
Leaving Montélimar, you'll cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through the historic medieval towns - Viviers with its medieval spirit and Bourg-Saint-Andéol, whose treasures include a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity (the 'Gouls du Vallon de Tourne' springs). This short cycle stage is packed with heritage and religious treasures including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. History and nature lovers will particularly enjoy the day. Crossing the bridge over the Rhone, continue along small roads to Pierrelatte which also has an interesting story about its creation. The town's name is derived from Petralatta, or thrown rock, because it was said that the giant Gargantua was tired from his travels and sat down on Mont Ventoux to take a stone out of his shoe. He threw the stone into the middle of a vast plain and the spot where it landed became Pierrelatte. The large rock is a feature of the town and used as a backdrop for theatre and concerts. The town itself has a lovely historic heart to explore. 64m/210ft ascent, 98m/322ft descent
Day 7
Cycle past sunflower fields to Orange (50km/31mi)
On your last cycle day you'll pedal through impressive natural scenery, delighting in the scents of Provence and passing through the charming village of Pont-Saint-Esprit. In the afternoon you'll reach the beautiful city of Orange. Of the numerous Roman buildings and monuments originally built, you still can see parts of the City Wall, the Arc de Triomphe and the Theatre (UNESCO listed), the stage wall of which the Sun King, Louis XIV, described as the most beautiful wall in his country. Overnight in Orange. 74m/243ft ascent, 71m/233ft descent
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast in Orange. We can assist with extra nights accommodation if you'd like to further explore Orange, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, lock and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies. E-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and you should be a confident cyclist. Minimum age for e-bikes is 12 years and minimum height is 150cm.
GRADE 3 - with daily cycling distances from 33 to 71km/20.6 to 37mi over relatively flat to lightly undulating terrain. The Rhone cycle path is overall well-constructed and signposted making it easy to follow. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. Electric bikes are available on request (supplement applies).
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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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