Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

Land Tour

8 days

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Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 319 per day

Departure: Lyon, France

Connecting the Swiss Alps with the Mediterranean, the Rhone River holds an important place in French history. Serving as an inland trading route where goods were transported as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Rhone connected many of France's most important cities and subsequently many smaller villages were built alongside it. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy of this period can still be found in many places along the river and can be discovered by cycling sections of the Via Rhona Cycle Path. This section of the dedicated cycle route connects the Rhône-Alpes region with Provence. Beginning in the culinary capital of Lyon your journey along the Rhone to Orange will be lined with lush vineyards and fragrant orchards on many of the sections. However it's the cultural remnants that make this stage of the Rhone Cycle Path so special such as the splendid cathedrals and relics from Roman times reminding us of an important era long ago. During the ride you can also marvel at cultural treasures such as the large Roman theatre in Vienne, or the architecturally outstanding museum of the Confluences in Lyon. From pastries at the boulangerie to soft caramel ice cream, there are so many culinary treats to replenish you as you cycle towards Orange.
About
7 breakfasts - continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
7 nights 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
Hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder and repair kit. (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Tourist tax
Emergency hotline
Hightlights
Cycling through the stunning landscapes of the south of France
Exploring historic towns and cities of Lyon, Orange and Vienne
Following the dedicated cycle route connecting the Rhône-Alpes region with Provence.

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Lyon
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.
Day 2 - Cycle to Vienne via the Musée des Confluences (34km/21.5mi)
Today you'll leave behind 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.
Day 3 - Cycle past vineyards to Serrières (34km/21.5mi)
Today's cycling offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre bears witness to the Rhône’s wild side. Then via steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, this stage will particularly delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. Overnight in Serrières.
Day 4 - Ride to the northern gateway to Provence, Valence (60km/37mi)
The itinerary today runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first stage of the Via Rhona Cycle Path 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 colorful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters. Overnight in Valence
Day 5 - Cycle through the orchards of the Rhône-valley to Montélimar (71km/44mi)
As you leave Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière, the route leads you back onto the western, Ardèche bank of the Rhône. Continuing south, you'll cycle on the suspension footbridge at Rochemaure, which is a great experience. Built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont (old bridge), it is an historic bridge over the Rhône. 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.
Day 6 - Cycle via Bourg St Andéol to Pierrelatte (30km/18.75mi)
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 sh. He threw the stone into the middle of a vast plain and 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.
Day 7 - Cycle past sunflower fields to Orange (50km/31mi)
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.
Day 8 - Trip concludes
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.
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