Full Via Rhôna Cycling Route: Geneva to Orange

Full Via Rhôna Cycling Route: Geneva to Orange Coast Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive in Geneva, a true global city, known for its progressive humanitarian tradition and often dubbed as the “capital of peace.” Geneva is full of magnetic energy and life and is the perfect place to begin an epic cycling journey. Located on the famous Lake Geneva, the city is not only known for its upstanding character but also its natural beauty!

Settle into your accommodations here head out to experience this remarkable city, making sure to take in the famous Lake Geneva with a stroll along its scenic banks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Geneva
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Geneva to Seyssel (Ride or Train)

Your journey to France can either be completed by bike or train, depending on how you'd like to experience this part of the route. If you plan to cross over from Switzerland to France on bike, you'll trace the Rhône, discovering the "Défilé de l'Écluse" on your way. The route continues through a series of gorgeous vineyards and opens to sensational views of the alp's majestic mountains and valleys.

Once in Seyssel, you'll enjoy the tranquillity of this quiet town and note a swift departure from the bustle of Geneva. Settle into your accommodations here and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rhône.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Seyssel
Distance: 60km, 550m of ascent, 673m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle to Champagneux via Small Villages

Back on bike this morning, you’ll enjoy a pleasant ride, tracing both banks of the Rhône and savouring superb views as you find yourself flanked by ridges and a plateau. Your arrival in Chanaz will likely time well for a stop for lunch! Enjoy some mouthwatering French cuisine at a local restaurant, or perhaps post up near the Savières Canal and enjoy a nice picnic.

Then, your route continues to Culoz and Belley, two beautiful French villages that won’t disappoint. Finally, you’ll ride to Champagneux, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Champagneux
Distance: 58km, 132m of ascent, 178m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle to Villebois

Today’s route will introduce you to some more spectacular small villages on your way to Villebois. Saint-Genix-Sur-Guiers is up first. Known for its famous brioche pralines, a short stop to fill up on local specialties comes highly recommended here! Then, ride to Glandieu and finally press on to Villebois, where you’ll rest your head this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villebois
Distance: 65km, 164m of ascent, 180m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Cycle Through Beautiful Bugey

Today the Via Rhôna will introduce you to the spellbinding countryside of Bugey as your route takes you on a beautiful stretch of the track above the Rhône. Ride through Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Sault-Brénaz, and La Balme-les-Grottes, each with its unique ambience and charm.

Arrive in the medieval town of Pérouges, known as one of France’s most beautiful towns!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pérouges
Distance: 54km, 164m of ascent, 180m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 France’s Gastronomic Capital, Lyon

Pedalling towards Lyon, you’ll enjoy cycling the parks and lakes of greater Lyon as you make your way towards the city center.

Lyon, known as France’s gastronomic capital, is sure to be a highlight of the tour! Enjoy your time here, eating and exploring your way through this most elegant town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lyon
Distance: 46km, 61m of ascent, 116m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Lyon to Vienne (Cycle or Train)

Departing Lyon, you’ll either cycle or train to Vienne. The route on bike takes you first through Grigny and Givors, and then on to St-Romain-en-Gal.

After experiencing the nature of the Rhône over several days, today you’ll be invited to learn more about the famous river’s history, with optional visits to museums in both St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne. They provide an in-depth look at the Rhône, all the way from classical to contemporary times.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vienne
Distance: 34km, 20m of ascent, 40m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve and Côte-Rôtie Wine Region

Today’s route has much in store, especially for lovers of history, nature, and gastronomy! Departing Vienne, you’ll ride towards the L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve, where the Rhône runs wild and free. Steeply terraced vineyards will flank your ride as you make your way into the prestigious Côte-Rôtie Wine area, where one of the world’s most elegant wines is produced. It goes without saying that you may want to hop off your bike for a tasting (or two!) during today’s magical route.

Continue to Serrières, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Serrières
Distance: 34km, 20m of ascent, 40m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Vineyards and Orchards to Valence

Your route today will be flanked by breathtaking scenery as you pedal among steep vineyards and vibrant orchards, entering the wild and rugged Ardèche region. The river's importance in this region is unparalleled as it supports orchards, extensive crops, and top-class vines, all reliant on the river's life-giving flow.

Enjoy the remarkable scenery of this region bursting with life as you pedal to Valence, with an optional stop in Tournon-sur-Rhone, a town with fascinating Gallo-Roman roots.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valence
Distance: 61km, 40m of ascent, 55m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Trace the Western Bank of the Rhône to Montélimar

Hop on your bike this morning for a pleasant ride along the Rhône's western bank, enjoy a brief stop at Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière on your way out of town.

Today you'll explore the historical region of Ardèche, known for its fascinating caves, archeological sites, charming villages, and grand châteaux.

The route will have you pedalling the Himalayan-style footbridge at Rochemaure, taking you over the Rhône where you'll be met by the gates to Provence. Arrive in Montélimar, where humans have roamed for over 50,000 years. Enjoy a pleasant stroll in the old town center this evening and soak up the remarkable charm of this ancient town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montélimar
Distance: 72km, 20m of ascent, 60m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Cycle to Bourg-Saint-Andéol via Viviers

Say farewell to beautiful Montélimar this morning and set out through several small villages before hopping off your bike to explore Viviers and its enchanting medieval spirit.

Back on the bike, you’ll continue to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations. Bourg-Saint-Andéol is known for its extremely rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity, which you’ll discover during your walk around town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Distance: 30km, 20m of ascent, 50m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Final Ride to Orange

A bittersweet day has arrived, as today marks your final day of cycling and also your grand arrival in beautiful Orange!

The final route begins with impressive views of Provence, where you’ll soak in the scenery and aromas of this famous region of France. Make your way through the lovely village of Pont-Saint-Esprit, then continue to your final destination of Orange.

Orange is a town steeped in awe-inspiring history and is home to several Roman buildings and monuments, like the famous City Wall, Arc de Triumph, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Enjoy your final evening of the tour in this charming town and enjoy a mouth-watering farewell dinner to celebrate the passing of this epic cycling journey on the Via Rhôna.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orange
Distance: 51km, 79m of ascent, 98m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Departure

Your cycling tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 51km, 30m of ascent, 60m of descent
Meals: Breakfast