Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

Make your own way to Lyon and your hotel. Since 1998 Lyon’s beautiful old town has been listed with UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Grand churches, about 30 museums to discover and a superb culinary scene guarantee an interesting and delightful stay. Your bike will be delivered today or by 9am tomorrow morning.

Today you leave the buzz of Lyon and cycle through the towns of Grigny and Givors, and on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than elsewhere along the Rhône, where museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. Overnight in Vienne.

322m/1056ft ascent, 336m/1102ft descent

Today offers a great variety of landscapes and will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. Cycle from Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, which bears witness to the Rhône’s wild side. Ride via steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, Overnight in Serrières.

255m/836ft ascent, 270m/885ft descent

This stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards, and is the first stage of the cycle path south of Lyon that enters the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (French county) on the Rhône’s west flank. The Ardèche is known for its exceptional caves, archaeological sites, characterful villages, châteaux and nature reserves. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving in Tournon-sur-Rhone enjoy a pleasant break and soak in the Gallo-Roman history. In the afternoon, there is much to enchant you, including pretty villages in typical southern style. The town of Valence, the capital of the Drôme département, is a great introduction to the south, with its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters. Overnight in Valence.

438m/1437ft ascent, 448m/1470ft descent

After a short stop at Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière you cycle back to the Ardèche-side bank of the Rhône. Continuing south, you'll cycle on the 'Himalayan-type' footbridge at Rochemaure, which is a great experience. It was rebuilt using the pillars of the Vieux Pont (old bridge). Continue to the town of Montélimar, where a human presence has existed for more than 50,000 years. Renowned for its nougat, Montélimar is a pleasant city to explore. You can take a tour of the oldest nougat factory, or enjoy a stroll in the old city centre. Overnight in Montélimar.

460m/1509 ascent, 503m/1650ft descent

Leaving Montélimar, you'll cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through the historic medieval town of Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, whose treasures include a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity (the 'Gouls du Vallon de Tourne' springs). The short cycle itinerary is packed with heritage and religious treasures including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. Those who love history as well as nature will particularly enjoy the stage. Crossing the bridge over the Rhone, continue along small roads to Pierrelatte which also has an interesting story about its creation. The town's name is derived from Petralatta, or thrown rock, because it was said that the giant Gargantua was tired from his travels and sat down on Mont Ventoux to take a stone out of his shoe. He threw the stone into the middle of a vast plain and the spot where it landed became Pierrelatte. The large rock is a feature of the town and used as a backdrop for open air theatre and concerts. The town itself has a lovely historic heart to explore.

205m/672ft ascent, 236m/774ft descent

Today you'll pedal through impressive natural scenery, delighting in the scents of Provence and passing through the charming village of Pont-Saint-Esprit. In the afternoon you'll reach the beautiful city of Orange. Of the numerous Roman buildings and monuments originally built, you still can see parts of the City Wall, the Arc de Triomphe and the Theatre (UNESCO heritage listed), the stage wall of which the Sun King, Louis XIV, described as the most beautiful wall in his country. Overnight in Orange.

304m/997ft ascent, 308m/1010ft descent

The trip concludes after breakfast in Orange. We can assist with extra nights accommodation if you'd like to further explore Orange, please ask for our rates.