Make your own way to Geneva and check in to the first hotel. Take time to discover this beautiful Swiss city, 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. Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the lake shore, 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'll spend tonight 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. 677m/2221ft ascent, 804m/2638ft descent

Meals:  B

Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. 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 to Culoz and Belley, 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. 528m/1732ft ascent, 539m/1768ft descent

Meals:  B

Today you pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers where we recommend stopping to taste the famous brioche pralines! Further along, a little detour towards the village of Glandieu will allow you to refresh yourself with its majestic waterfall, a wonder of nature. Then you cross Morestel, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, city of painters, flowers and poetry. A lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, where you’ll stay overnight. 628m/2060ft ascent, 635m/2083ft descent

Meals:  B,D

Today's stage 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 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. 444m/1457ft ascent, 418m/1371ft descent

Meals:  B

This stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Relax and enjoy the cycling to central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a 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. 266m/873ft ascent, 368m/1207ft descent

Meals:  B

Today you leave the buzz of Lyon and cycle through the towns of Grigny and Givors, and on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than elsewhere along the Rhône, where museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. Overnight in Vienne. 322m/1056ft ascent, 336m/1102ft descent

Meals:  B

Today offers a great variety of landscapes and will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. Cycle from Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, which bears witness to the Rhône’s wild side. Ride via steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, Overnight in Serrières. 255m/836ft ascent, 270m/885ft descent

Meals:  B

This stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards, and is the first stage of the cycle path south of Lyon that enters the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (French county) on the Rhône’s west 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 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. The town of Valence, the capital of the Drôme département, is a great introduction to the south, with its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters. Overnight in Valence. 438m/1437ft ascent, 448m/1470ft descent

Meals:  B

After a short stop at Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière you cycle back to the Ardèche-side bank 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. 460m/1509 ascent, 503m/1650ft descent

Meals:  B

Leaving Montélimar, you'll cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through the historic medieval town of Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, whose treasures include a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity (the 'Gouls du Vallon de Tourne' springs). The short cycle itinerary is packed with heritage and religious treasures including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. Those who love history as well as nature will particularly enjoy the stage. 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 open air theatre and concerts. The town itself has a lovely historic heart to explore. 205m/672ft ascent, 236m/774ft descent

Meals:  B

Today 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 heritage listed), the stage wall of which the Sun King, Louis XIV, described as the most beautiful wall in his country. Overnight in Orange. 304m/997ft ascent, 308m/1010ft descent

Meals:  B

Continue cycling into the world-famous wine town Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the town should not be missed. Continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend visiting the old town including the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace). +286m/944ft ascent, -306m/1010ft descent

Meals:  B

Our recommended route today takes you off the Rhone Cycle Way to experience some of the delightful towns of Provence. Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and the most typical town in Provence. Take a break in the shaded square or wander the old centre with its shops and cafes. A visit to the monastery Saint Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, you can admire the Roman Arch as you head to the Alpilles. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the hilltop “city in rock” with its harmonic location and fortress ruins. Continue to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterize the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel. +340m/1122ft ascent, -343m/1132ft descent An alternative route is available on your app today, following the Rhone Cycle way. This route takes you via Beaucaire on the right bank of the river. 58.4km/36.5mi - this route is relatively flat, +59m/195ft ascent, -74m/244ft descent

Meals:  B

The cycle route today travels from Arles to Aigues-Mortes. Through picturesque villages there is ample opportunity to explore the Mediterranean charm of the landscape. This stage crosses the Camargue Gardoise (the western, Languedoc side of the Camargue) and you will discover the unique flora and fauna of this nature reserve. You cycle along the former towpaths beside the Canal du Rhône à Sète, crossing through typical marshland to reach the walled port of Aigues-Mortes. Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Aigues-Mortes captivates with its medieval allure and well-preserved city walls. Explore the charming cobblestone streets, visit the impressive Constance Tower and soak in the maritime ambiance of this historic French town. Aigues-Mortes blends history, architecture and coastal beauty. +155m/511ft ascent, -170m/561ft descent

Meals:  B

As the Via Rhôna route ends, the Mediterranean awaits, with its beaches easily accessible by bike. Cycle along the Canal du Rhône and past Le Grau-du-Roi. Your ride continues along the Mediterranean and its beaches, with lively resorts and activities all around. You will be surrounded by the sea and salt lagoons behind the shore. Between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète, close to Montpellier, the itinerary follows beaches and saltwater lagoons. Visit the Maguelone Cathedrale for a glimpse of the massif of Gardioles covered with scrubland. Sète Harbour on the edge of the Etang de Thau, marks the conclusion of this epic cycle. +251m/828ft ascent, -253m/835ft descent

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Sète. We can assist with extra nights accommodation if you'd like to further explore Sète, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B