Rhône River by Bike: Geneva to Lyon
Spend 7 days cycling the Via Rhôna from Switzerland to France on this guided tour
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Rhône River by Bike: Geneva to Lyon Overview
Experience the legendary Via Rhôna cycling route on the 7-day self-guided Rhône River by Bike: Geneva to Lyon tour. This mesmerizing cycling holiday, which takes you from the magnetic streets of Geneva to Leon's picturesque lanes, is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Alps and the charm of the French countryside as you explore the upper Rhône Valley. The well-known Via Rhôna cycling route has seen cyclists riding from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean since 1995. The 815 km route comprises a portion of the famous EuroVelo cycling route, and this tour invites you to experience a section of it.
Discover a true "global city" as you begin your tour in Geneva, where you'll enjoy world-class dining and spectacular sightseeing. Then, hop on your bike and take in the beauty of the Alps as you pedal into France. Explore and stay overnight in Seyssel, Champagneux, Villebois, Pérouges, and Lyon, where your tour concludes.
The Via Rhôna will have you cruising through the awe-inspiring mountains and valleys of the upper Rhône, where you'll discover an authentic France. Cycle through medieval villages, explore majestic castles and cruise alongside sprawling vineyards as you make your way towards the elegant city of Lyon. Once in Lyon, savour the experience of visiting a true gastronomic hub of France, where dining is nothing short of a divine experience.
Along the cycling route, enjoy either standard or deluxe accommodations during your overnight stays in the most iconic towns and villages on the Rhône.
Hop on your bike and discover an extraordinary side of France on the Rhône River by Bike: Geneva to Lyon tour.
For more detail on how this section fits into the wider Rhône route, read our ViaRhôna cycle route guide.
Trip highlights
Cruise from the magnetic streets of Geneva to the elegant lanes of Lyon as you tackle the Via Rhôna cycling route.
Traverse remarkable natural landscapes, authentic villages, robust vineyards, and famous cities.
Soak in the alpine scenery of the Savoie and the Bugey, cycling surrounded by peaks, lakes, and plunging gorges.
Delight in the gastronomy of France’s famous food and wine regions, indulging in authentic French cuisine and local wines.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your tour begins in the “capital of peace,” cosmopolitan Geneva, full of vibrant charm and situated on the famous Lake Geneva. Settle into your accommodations here and set out on a stroll along the lake, followed by dinner at one of the city’s many spectacular restaurants.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Geneva
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
With your sights set on France, you'll depart Geneva this morning, tracing the Rhône to discover the "Défilé de l'Écluse" as you pedal a series of vineyards interspersed with spectacular views of the alps mountains and valleys.
Arriving in Seyssel, you'll note a departure from the hustle and bustle of Geneva as you settle into your cozy hotel in the quiet town of Seyssel, perched on the banks of the Rhône.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Seyssel
- Distance:
- 60km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A delightful ride awaits you this morning as you set out, hugging both banks of the Rhône, enjoying your amiable position between lofty ridges and a plateau. Arrive in Chanaz and perhaps stop for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the Savières Canal.
You’ll ride to Culoz and Belley, two quintessential small French villages brimming with warmth and charm. Your last ride will be to tonight’s accommodations in beautiful Champagneux, where you’ll spend an evening savouring local food and wine.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Champagneux
- Distance:
- 58km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Bound for Villebois, you'll cruise through a lovely collection of small villages on your ride this morning. Saint-Genix-Sur-Guiers comes into view first, and you'll want to hop off your bike here to try their famous brioche pralines, perhaps grabbing a doggy bag for the road! Continue to Glandieu, where you'll take in a beautiful waterfall as you cruise through a lovely natural oasis.
Press on to Villebois, where you'll spend another lovely evening.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Villebois
- Distance:
- 65km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
Your experience on the Via Rhôna will introduce you to the serene countryside of Bugey as you pedal a scenic route just above the Rhône. Today you’ll ride through Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Sault-Brénaz, and La Balme-les-Grottes, known for its cryptic caves and vibrant town center.
Following several stops in picturesque villages along the way, you’ll arrive in Pérouges, a medieval town known as one of France’s most beautiful towns. Enjoy!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Pérouges
- Distance:
- 54km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your final day of cycling will first take you through the parks and lakes of greater Lyon and then into the vibrant city center. Cruise the banks of the Rhône, and you’ll soon spot the river’s confluence with the Saône. You’ll enjoy a day exploring Lyon however you please!
Whatever you decide to get up to in this captivating city, be sure to reward yourself with a farewell dinner at one of 20 Bouchons in the city where you’ll enjoy authentic Lyonnaise cuisine and fantastic local wines. Raise a toast to a magical week cycling the Via Rhôna and enjoy your final evening of the tour in Lyon!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lyon
- Distance:
- 46km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your cycling tour comes to an end this morning following breakfast. Check out of your hotel and depart for the airport.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!
Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Geneva and after the tour in Lyon are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the route.
- Transportation for your luggage are included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
- Airport Transfers
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Deluxe hotel option
- Bike rental
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Travellers love 10Adventures
View all
FAQ
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 60 km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is a mix of flat and hilly terrain. You should be an experienced cyclist to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) and take a shuttle bus to the city center where you’ll find your start point hotel. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to your accommodations as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
The tour ends in Lyon. You can fly out of Lyon Airport (LYS) or travel back to Geneva by train. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are SCOTT Sub Cross Men/Lady Alloy Frame 24-speed hybrid bikes or SCOTT E-Sub e-bikes.
The bikes come with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to the Upper Rhône Valley for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September when there are lighter crowds and mild temperatures.
Why book Rhône River by Bike: Geneva to Lyon with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!