Overview
The Via Rhôna is one of France’s most exciting and varied cycling routes, following the Rhône River from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to France’s Mediterranean coast, for 815km. This 17 day, self-guided cycling holiday covers the complete trail. From Switzerland to the likes of Saint-Romain-en-Gal’s Roman archaeological site, the ancient hilltop town of Montélimar, and the vineyards of the Ardèche. As well as to the lively and artistic city of Lyon.
Orange to Sète is the perfect Provençal part, taking in the handsome historic cities of Orange, Avignon, Arles and Aigues-Mortes, as well as many wine regions, the most famous being Châteauneuf-du-Pape. And finally the Mediterranean. Stay in a mix of small, locally-owned hotels with luggage transfers. Traditional and e-bikes are available.
- Lake Geneva
- Défilé de l’Écluse waterfalls
- La Balme-les-Grottes
- Lyon – the French foodie capital
- L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve
- Théâtre Antique d’Orange
- Aigues-Mortes
- Avignon
- Sète
- Wines of Provence and Côtes du Rhône
- Châteauneuf–du–Pape
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva
Arrival in Geneva and check in to your hotel. Take the time to discover this beautiful Swiss city on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Accommodation: Hôtel Jade or similar in Geneva
Day 2: Geneva – Seyssel (or train option) | 60km
Today’s cycle takes you from Switzerland to France along the Rhône, first stopping at Défilé de l’Écluse Gorge, before journeying past vineyards and foothills of the Alps. This part of the trip is on some busier roads, but the rest of the week will be much quieter. Overnight in the town of Seyssel, on the banks of the river. If you wish to avoid the busy roads of this first section there is an option to take a train to Seyssel.
- Cycling for the day: 60km ↑654m ↓780m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Au Fil de l’eau or similar in Seyssel
- Upgraded accommodation: L’hôtel du Rhône or similar in Seyssel
Day 3: Seyssel – Champagneux | 55km
Start the day with a cycle between ridges and a plateau on the banks of the Rhône. We recommend a break in one of the restaurants in Chanaz along the Savières Canal, before continuing on towards the towns of Culoz and Belley. Today’s cycle ends in the Champagneux region.
- Cycling for the day: 55km ↑280m ↓275m
- Accommodation: Chambre d’hôtes Les Vieilles Portes or similar in Champagneux
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel les Bergeronnettes or similar in Champagneux
Day 4: Champagneux – Villebois | 67km
The route continues through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, a great stop to sample its famous Gâteau de Saint-Genix. Continue on towards the village of Glandieu and to see its waterfall, before heading to Morestel, with its handsome Old Town. The final part of today’s cycle continues on the greenway linking La Vallée Bleue with Villebois for your overnight stay.
- Cycling for the day: 67km ↑385m ↓410m
- Accommodation: A deux pas du Rhéby or similar in Villebois
Day 5: Villebois – Pérouges | 56km
This Via Rhôna stage takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Burgey above the Rhône. Cycle through the villages of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Sault-Brénaz, and La Balme-les-Grottes, famous for the caves after which it is named. The route finally reaches the hilltop village of Pérouges, which has the title of one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Cycling for the day: 56km ↑315m ↓290m
- Accommodation: Hôtel la Bérangère or similar in Pérouges
- Upgraded accommodation: Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges or similar in Pérouges
Day 6: Pérouges – Lyon | 46km
Today’s cycle day links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. The central Lyon cycle route, along the banks of the Rhône, passes the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône. There is a contemporary new quarter here now, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. Take the rest of the day to explore the city and have a meal in a petit bouchon, the name for the city’s traditional restaurants.
- Cycling for the day: 46km ↑240m ↓340m
- Accommodation: Le Simplon or similar in Lyon
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Best Western du Pont Wilson or similar in Lyon
Day 7: Lyon – Vienne (or train option) | 33.4km
After Lyon, the itinerary takes you through the towns of Grigny and Givors, on to St-Romain-en-Gal. Museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times.
If you wish to avoid the busy roads of this section there is the option to take a train to Vienne.
- Cycling for the day: 33.4km ↑330m ↓344m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne Saint Louis or similar in Vienne
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel La Pyramide or similar in Vienne
Day 8: Vienne – Serrières | 33.1km
This cycling day offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve, via steeply-terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, you also cycle past some of the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley.
- Cycling for the day: 33.1km ↑255m ↓270m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Schaeffer or similar in Serrières
Day 9: Serrières – Valence | 61.3km
Heading south from Lyon, the route for today runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards, with the Via Rhôna now taking you into the more rugged Ardèche region on the Rhône’s west flank. Take a break in Tournon-sur-Rhône to enjoy its Gallo-Roman history, before continuing on to Valence for your overnight stay.
- Cycling for the day: 61.3km ↑438m ↓448m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Alpes Cevennes or similar in Guilheran Granges
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel l’Atrium or similar in Valence
Day 10: Valence – Montélimar | 70.9km
Today’s route leads back onto the western, Ardèche bank of the Rhône. The Ardèche is known for its caves, archaeological sites, ancient villages, châteaux and nature reserves. Continue south along the Via Rhôna and cycle on the famous Rochemaure suspension bridge, built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont. You arrive into Montélimar, gateway to Provence and also famous for its nougat.
- Cycling for the day: 70.9km ↑460m ↓503m
- Accommodation: Hôtel le Sphinx or similar in Montélimar
Day 11: Montélimar – Bourg-Saint-Andéol | 28.5km
Leaving Montélimar, cycle through historic towns such as Viviers and Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Today’s short itinerary is packed with heritage treasures including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences.
- Cycling for the day: 8.5km ↑205m ↓236m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Domaine des Oliviers or similar in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Day 12: Bourg-Saint-Andéol – Orange | 50.6km
Continue on through Provence and the charming village of Pont-Saint-Esprit. The city of Orange can be reached by the afternoon. In the city you can see numerous Roman buildings and monuments, for example original sections of the City Wall, the city’s Arc de Triomphe and its UNESCO World Heritage Theatre.
- Cycling for the day: 50.6km ↑304m ↓308m
- Accommodation: Hôtel le Glacier or similar in Orange
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Le Clos d’Orange or similar in Orange
Day 13: Orange – Avignon | 35.7km
Start the day by cycling through the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the village should not be missed. Continue on to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend a stroll through the Old Town and a visit to the Palais des Papes.
- Cycling for the day: 35.7km ↑286m ↓306m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Médiéval or similar in Avignon
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Mercure Pont d’Avignon Centre or similar in Avignon
Day 14: Avignon – Arles | 55.8km
Today’s route heads first to St Rémy. Take a break in a shaded square or wander around the shops and cafes around the old centre. A visit to the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, pause to take in the Roman arch on the way to the Alpilles as well as views of Les Baux-de-Provence, a city built upon a rocky outcrop. Continue on to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire and end the day at the hotel.
- Cycling for the day: 55.8km ↑340m ↓343m
- Accommodation: Hôtel la Muette or similar in Arles
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Le Calendal or similar in Arles
Day 15: Arles – Aigues-Mortes | 52.2km
Cycle from Arles to Aigues-Mortes through small villages, before crossing the Camargue Gardoi. Continue along former towpaths beside the Canal du Rhône, crossing through marshland to reach the river port of Aigues-Mortes. Explore cobblestone streets, visit the towers of Malafère or Constance, and soak in the maritime ambiance of this historic French town.
- Cycling for the day: 52.2km ↑155m ↓170m
- Accommodation: Maison des Croisades or similar in Aigues-Mortes
Day 16: Aigues-Mortes – Sète | 63.3km
As the Via Rhôna route ends, the Mediterranean awaits with many beaches easily accessible by bike. Cycle along the Canal du Rhône and pass Le Grau-du-Roi. Between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète, close to Montpellier, the itinerary passes beaches and saltwater lagoons. Visit the Cathédrale de Maguelone for a glimpse of the Gardiole Massif. End the tour at Port de Sète, on the edge of the Etang de Thau, and treat yourself to a refreshing drink in one of the many waterside restaurants.
- Cycling for the day: 63.3km ↑251m ↓253m
- Accommodation: Grand Hôtel de Sète or similar in Sète
Day 17: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Upgraded accommodation is available at an additional supplement.
Click to view default hotels
- Hôtel Jade (Geneva)
- Hôtel Au Fil de l’Eau (Seyssel)
- Chambre d’hôtes Les Vieilles Portes (Champagneux)
- Cdh A deux pas du Rhéby (Villebois)
- Hôtel la Bérangère (Pérouges)
- Le Simplon (Lyon)
- Hôtel Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne Saint Louis (Vienne)
- Hôtel Schaeffer (Serrière)
- Hôtel Alpes Cevennes (Guilheran Granges)
- Hôtel le Sphinx (Montélimar)
- Hôtel Domaine des Oliviers (Pierrelatte)
- Hôtel le Glacier (Orange)
- Hôtel Médiéval (Avignon)
- Hôtel la Muette (Arles)
- Maison des Croisades (Aigues-Mortes)
- Grand Hôtel de Sète (Sète)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
- L’hôtel du Rhône (Seyssel)
- Hôtel les Bergeronnettes (Champagneux)
- Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges (Pérouges)
- Hôtel Best Western du Pont Wilson (Lyon)
- Hôtel La Pyramide (Vienne)
- Hôtel l’Atrium (Valence)
- Hôtel Le Clos d’Orange (Orange)
- Hôtel Mercure Pont d’Avignon Centre (Avignon)
- Hôtel Le Calendal (Arles)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included throughout the trip. Lunch packs for the next day can be pre-ordered at the accommodation, or purchased along some routes. For dinner, you can visit a local restaurant or dine in your accommodation.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for moderately-experienced cyclists and requires a good level of fitness due to the extended distances and occasional steep climbs (read more about difficulty grades).
Daily distances are 28-70km, varying from flat to hilly terrain along the route. You can also rent an e-bike on this tour. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April until the end of October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any day, with the exception of Fridays during the season.
The best time for cycling is between May and September when the weather is generally good, and the average daily temperatures are 22-24C and up to 27C in July and August.
For more information see our blog on the Best time to go to France.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this tour is Geneva Airport (GVA). The recommended departure airports are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Nîmes Grande Provence Méditerranée Airport (FNI) or Montpellier Airport (MPA)
By train or bus
- This tour is also reachable by train, with train stations in Geneva and Sète. For details of Swiss trains see SBB and for French trains see SNCF Connect or use the Omio planner above.
- From Geneva Airport, there are regular trains to Geneva (7mins). For timetables and tickets visit SBB or use the Omio planner above.
- From Sète there are train services to Marseille (2h 30mins), Montpellier (20mins) and Nimes (1h) . For timetables and tickets visit SNCF Connect or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 16 nights accommodation
- 16 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer on cycling days (one piece per person, max 20kg)
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure.
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. A supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Accommodation upgrades
- Extra nights before the tour, along the way, and at the end of the tour can be booked on request
- Bike rental: hybrid and e-bikes available
- Printed tour information delivered to first hotel
Bike rental
Hybrid bikes and e-bikes are available to rent on this tour. All bikes are equipped with a helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and a bike lock.
Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models might be different depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
