Take your bike and discover the Via Rhôna! From Lake Geneva in Switzerland to the Mediterranean Sea, follow a route that has been used by successive civilizations for over 2,000 years. Wonderful landscapes, towns, authentic villages, impressive nature, vineyards and delicious gastronomy await you along the way!
These 6 days will give you the opportunity to cycle quietly along the banks of the Rhone, between the Bugey Mountains and the Jura Massif, take a breath of fresh air enjoy the Alpine peaks around.
For this trip we've decided to start from Seyssel, to avoid the first part of the Via Rhôna from Geneve which is on the busier roads. You can easy reach Seyssel by train from Geneva or Lyon. Gastronomes, lovers of good wines, wildlife and history,... this cycle trip between Seyssel and « the capital of the Gauls » will be a good choice for you !
Arrival in Seyssel and installation in your hotel. Discover this charming village separated by the Rhône, its peculiarity is to have two churches, two cemeteries, two Post Offices, ... Only one emblematic bridge separates the two city centers. Located at 250 meters above sea level, Seyssel is also the lowest village of Haute-Savoie.
Leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateau on both banks of the Rhone. Arrival in Chanaz, also called "La Petite Venise Savoyarde", enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue on towards Culoz and Belley, peaceful small towns with a rich heritage that punctuates the Bugey mountain. Continue your journey, in a surprising nature to arrive in the region of Champagneux.
Challenge: 58km, 132m ascent, 178m descent
Today you pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, for the greedy, we advise you to stop there to taste the famous brioche pralines! Further away, 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, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, city of painters, flowered city and city in poetry. A lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, this is where you’ll stay overnight.
Challenge: 65km, 232m ascent, 212m descent
This ViaRhôna stage takes you through unspoilt countryside of Burgey above the Rhône. You pass lovely villages this morning : Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and 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, labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Challenge: 54km, 164m ascent, 180m descent
This last cycle day cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Then enjoy the magnificent cycle route 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 soul of cyclist with a delicious meal in a "petit bouchon", typical restaurant in the city.
Challenge: 46km, 61m ascent, 116m descent
End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Lyon.
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
For this trip you can choose between Comfort and Comfort +. The accommodations for a Comfort+ trip, will be in 3*/4 * hotels wherever possible (supplement applied).
www.accorhotels.com
5 Nights included
2/3 Star Hotels or 3/4 Star Hotels (supplement applied)
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included, Halfboard optional on request
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
HYBRID RENTAL BIKE
GITANE Verso, 21 Speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
ELECTRIC BIKE RENTAL
GITANE Organ E-Bike
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next hotels
Parking informations on request
GPS tracks are available on request
The international Geneva Aéroport is served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines. Also, possibility of arrival in Lyon Airport. From Geneva or Lyon you can take a train to Seyssel, see below.
From Paris to Seyssel (approx. 5h05 - 525 km/326 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.