Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

Name: Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon
Brand: UTracks
SKU: HSV
Rating: 4.50 (6 reviews)

Pretty scenery along the Rhone River cycleway in the Savoy region

Stopping at the village of Perouges on the Rhone Cycle Path

Spring blooming on the Rhone Cycle way in France

Cyclists on the Rhone Cycle Way in Seyssel

The pretty town of Chanaz, also known as 'La Petite Venise Savoyarde' or the little Venice of the Savoy region

The Rhone River and Lyon old centre | Kate Baker

Glandieu waterfall, worth the detour from the Rhone Cycle Path

Cycling beneath one of the many bridges spanning the Rhone River in Lyon

Pretty scenery along the Rhone River cycleway in the Savoy region

Stopping at the village of Perouges on the Rhone Cycle Path

Spring blooming on the Rhone Cycle way in France

Cyclists on the Rhone Cycle Way in Seyssel

The pretty town of Chanaz, also known as 'La Petite Venise Savoyarde' or the little Venice of the Savoy region

The Rhone River and Lyon old centre | Kate Baker

Glandieu waterfall, worth the detour from the Rhone Cycle Path

Cycling beneath one of the many bridges spanning the Rhone River in Lyon

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Duration

6 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

5 nights hotels

Meals

1 Dinner
5 Breakfasts

Price

$1460USD

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

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Day 1
Arrive Seyssel

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

Day 2
Follow riverbank to Champagneux (54km/33.8mi)

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

Day 3
Discover the old town of Morestel en route to Villebois (65km/40mi)

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

Day 4
Cycle to the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges (54km/33.5mi)

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

Day 5
Cycle to Lyon (46km/28.5mi)

This last 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

Day 6
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon. We an assist with booking extra nights on request. If you'd like to continue cycling, we offer the next stage of the Via Rhona from Lyon to Provence, cycling to Orange, and also the full route in France to the Mediterranean at Sete.

Meals: B

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Day 1
Arrive Geneva

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

Day 2
Cross into France, cycle to Seyssel (60km/38mi)

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

Day 3
Follow riverbank to Champagneux (54km/33.8mi)

Meals: B

Day 4
Discover the old town of Morestel en route to Villebois (65km/40mi)

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Cycle to the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges (54km/33.5mi)

Meals: B

Day 6
Cycle to Lyon (46km/28.5mi)

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

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

What's included

5 breakfasts (6 if starting from Geneva) - 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), or 6 nights if starting from Geneva
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

What's not 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

Hybrid Bike

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.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or 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 for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

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 except Saturday from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Note:

7 day option starting in Geneva is available - see trip notes for details, supplement applies. Not available to start on Fridays

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

$1460USD

Options & Supplements*

Upgrade to Comfort hotels (6 days ex Seyssel)USD$50
Electric Bike Supplement (6days ex Seyssel)USD$120
Electric Bike Supplement (7days ex Geneva)USD$130
Supplement for 7day itinerary from Geneva - standard hotelsUSD$190
Single Supplement - Standard hotels (6 days ex Seyssel)USD$270
Single Supplement - Comfort hotels (6 days ex Seyssel)USD$420
Supplement for 7day itinerary from Geneva- comfort hotels ppUSD$430
Single Supplement - Standard hotels (7 days ex Geneva)USD$470
Solo Traveller Supplement - Standard hotels (6 days ex Seyssel)USD$540
Single Supplement - Comfort hotels (7 days ex Geneva)USD$640
Solo Traveller Supplement - Comfort hotels (6 days ex Seyssel)USD$690
Solo Traveller Supplement - Standard hotels (7 days ex Geneva)USD$800
Solo Traveller Supplement - Comfort hotels (7 days ex Geneva)USD$980

*Prices listed are per person

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