Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon

Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon

Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon

Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels, B&Bs

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Cycle a section of the legendary Via Rhôna on this 6-day self-guided tour

Experience the thrill of the legendary Via Rhôna cycling route as you ride from Seyssel to Lyon.

Revel in the alpine beauty of this majestic route, cruising the Bugey and the Jura Massif.

Pedal your way along the banks of the picturesque Rhône River, surrounded by breathtaking peaks.

Hop off your bike in Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers to taste the famous brioche pralines, savouring every mouthwatering bite.

Embark on a route that’s been travelled for over 2000 years on the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon tour. This spectacular 6-day self-guided cycling tour invites you to cycle a section of the legendary Via Rhôna from Seyssel to Lyon as you explore the Upper Rhône Valley.

The Via Rhôna has been guiding cyclists from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean since 1995. The 815km cycling route is part of the famous EuroVelo route. Beginning your tour in Seyssel, you’ll enjoy scenic routes guiding you along the banks of the Rhône, taking in the alpine beauty that carpets this remarkable landscape. As you pedal to villages and towns like Champagneux, Villebois, and Pérouges, you’ll take in the majestic peaks of the Bugey and the Jura Massif.

Each stop along the route will invite you into a world of regional gastronomic discovery, saving the best for last with Lyon, which is synonymous with good food and wine! Celebrate the passing of an epic cycling route with a heavenly farewell dinner in Lyon. Here you’ll scope out the perfect “petit Bouchon” to try the famous Lyonnaise dish “La quenelle,” paired with a superb glass of wine from nearby Beaujolais.

Strike the perfect balance of activity and indulgence on this cycling tour of the Rhône. Book your spot on this fabulous cycling tour today!

Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Check into your hotel in Seyssel where your cycling adventure on the Via Rhôna will begin. Discover this charming village spliced by the famous Rhône, where all things seem to come in twos! Two city centers (connected by a bridge), two post offices, two churches, two cemeteries…the list goes on! Enjoy this fanciful town in Switzerland, as tomorrow you’re bound for France!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Seyssel
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Chanaz, Culoz, and Belley to Champagneux

This morning following breakfast you’ll set out on a beautiful ride, tracing both banks of the Rhône, your route flanked by ridges and a plateau. You’ll soon arrive in Chanaz, also known as La Petite Venise Savoyarde, where you’ll hop off your bike for a mouthwatering lunch at one of the lovely restaurants on the Savières Canal.

Back on bike, you’ll ride towards the quaint towns of Culoz and Belley, both brimming with charm and heritage. A final ride will then have you cruising into Champagneux, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an evening at your leisure.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Champagneux
Distance
60km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, Glandieu, and Morestel to Villebois

With your sights set on lovely Villebois, you'll ride through several gorgeous villages along the way. First up is Saint-Genix-Sur-Guiers, where it's obligatory to devour one of their famous brioche pralines! Following your sugar fix, you'll continue your ride to Glandieu, where you'll take in a majestic waterfall and find yourself enveloped in a green oasis.

Cross Morestel, pedalling its lovely narrow streets, and then hop on a greenway that links La Vallée Bleue to your home for this evening, charming Villebois.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Villebois
Distance
45km
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Sault-Brénaz, and La Balme-les-Grottes to Pérouges

Today’s ride on the Via Rhôna has you pedalling the pristine countryside of Bugey, situated just above the Rhône. An outstanding lineup of idyllic villages are yours to discover today as you ride through Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, Sault-Brénaz, and La Balme-les-Grottes, known for its cryptic caves and vibrant town center.

Soon on the horizon, you’ll spot the hilltop village of Pérouges. Ride towards the beautiful medieval village, known as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pérouges
Distance
60km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Parks and Lakes of Greater Lyon

Your final day on the bike has plenty in store! Set out for the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, enjoying a mesmerizing ride characterized by sprawling green trees and sparkling waters. Then, bound for central Lyon, you’ll ride along the banks of the Rhône, soon reaching the river’s confluence with the Saône.

Lyon is your oyster today, and you’ll begin your exploration of this magnetic city in the brand-new quarter that boasts striking contemporary architecture and his home to the famous Musée des Confluences.

Reward yourself following several days on bike with a delicious farewell dinner in Lyon this evening. Scope out an officially certified Bouchon (there are 20 in Lyon!) where you’ll find mouthwatering traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Buen Appetit!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Lyon
Distance
50km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Departure

Your cycling tour ends this morning following breakfast. Check out and head to the airport to depart.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon Price and Dates

This self-guided cycling tour of the Via Rhôna is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the time of year in which you choose to travel, the class of accommodation, and the kind of room you prefer.

Prices below are per person.

Standard Accommodation

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,125USD
  • Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $995USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $675USD

Deluxe Accommodation

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,325USD
  • Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,225USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $875USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $825USD
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Accommodation on the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon tour

This tour is available with either standard or deluxe accommodations. Hotels and B&Bs on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences. Hotels and B&Bs on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer modern conveniences.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.

Night 1

Hotel Beau Séjour in Seyssel

Guests will enjoy the lovely terrace and great bar at this simple but charming hotel.

B&B Les Vieilles Portesc in Champagneux

This is a cozy B&B that offers guests a “home away from home” feel, well-located in Champagneux.

Hôtel Domaine des Cèdre in Villebois

This hotel is set in a charming environment that offers guest fun amenities like a bar and lounge and on-site tennis courts.

Hotel la Bérangère in Perouges

A small family-friendly hotel that welcomes guests with open arms and has an outdoor pool and excellent restaurant.

Hotel Ibis Gerland Musée des Confluences in Lyon

Located in the trendy Gerland district, this recently renovated hotel offers guests an array of amenities, with several highlights of Lyon right on the hotel’s doorstep.

Standard Accommodation

L’Hôtel du Rhône in Seyssel

Guests will enjoy their stay at this stylish hotel with plenty to keep them entertained, from a billiards room to karaoke.

Hôtel les Bergeronnettes in Champagneux

Find the perfect mix of value, comfort, and convenience at this lovely hotel that boasts a pool and lounge.

Hôtel Domaine des Cèdre in Villebois

This hotel is set in a charming environment that offers guest fun amenities like a bar and lounge and on-site tennis courts.

Hostellerie de Pérouges in Pérouges

A mix of rustic and medieval styles, this unique stay has guests staying at various houses around the city.

Novotel Gerland Musée des Confluences in Lyon

A modern masterpiece in the heart of Lyon, guests will love their stay at this modern hotel that has a pool, gym, and lovely terrace.

Deluxe Accommodations

What’s Included in the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon Tour?

Meals

5 breakfasts and one dinner are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Seyssel 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 during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.

Also Included

  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Tourist information on all places of interest
  • Tourist city tax
  • 24/7 emergency phone support

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Guide services
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Visas if required

Optional Extras

  • Bike rental:
    • Hybrid bike: $95USD
    • E-bike: $195USD
  • Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Deluxe hotel option
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequenty Asked Questions about Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon

How hard is the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon tour?

We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 60km in a day over terrain that is mostly flat and sometimes gently undulating.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Is this a guided tour?

No. you will be provided with all necessary informaton to complete your self-guided tour.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon tour?

5 breakfasts and one dinner are included.

Can I stay longer in some of the locations?

Yes, you can book additional nights in some or all of the overnight locations mentioned in the tour, however, booking an extra day mid-trip might cause the bike rental price to increase. Please contact us and we will be happy to modify your booking.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Seyssel to start this tour?

Fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) or Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Seyssel is reachable by train from both airports. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Seyssel as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Where does the Rhône River by Bike: Seyssel to Lyon tour end?

The tour ends in Lyon. You can reach your departure airport by train. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Can I rent a bike?

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.

What equipment is included in the bike rental?

The bikes come with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for France?

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.

When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?

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 temperatures are mild.

Reviews

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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels, B&Bs

Start Your Booking

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Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 60km in a day over terrain that is mostly flat and sometimes gently undulating.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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