Cycling on quiet and peaceful paths along the banks of the Rhone River
Beautiful landscapes, with shimmering lakes and fields of wildflowers
Explore the two vibrant cultural cities of Geneva and Lyon
Stay in the picture-perfect villages of Pérouges and Seyssel
Discover charming villages and gastronomic surprises along the way, creating your own daily itinerary
Self-guided cycling holiday along the banks of the Rhone
Cycle from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon. You will follow the well-marked Via Rhôna cycle path as it meanders through the mountains and valleys of the Upper Rhône. Bike through the breathtaking landscapes of the Savoie and the Bugey region; through narrow gorges, vineyards and along tranquil lake shores. You will discover numerous medieval villages along the ancient river, before finally arriving in the elegant historic city of Lyon.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | €899 per person sharing*
*Discounts available for groups of 3 in a triple room. Please enquire for prices. |
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BIKE RENTAL | If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a bicycle from us. Our touring bikes are have a minimum of 21-speed gears. It is also possible to rent an electric bike.
You will receive your rental bike at the start of your holiday and return it before you go home. We deliver the bicycle at your first accommodation (evening of day 1 or morning of day 2) and pick it up from your last accommodation after your last cycling day. You just need to give us your body length, so that you receive the correct bike size, and we take care of everything else. PRICES:
Bicycles are equipped as follows: • Helmet (on request) |
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ACCOMMODATION | All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included. The standard hotels of this trip are listed below. In case any hotels are unavailable, we will book one of a similar standard and inform you of the change. You can also book additional nights at any of the hotels along the way.
For more comfort, we can upgrade the hotels to 3/4 * category on request (supplement applies, please enquire for details and prices). |
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AVAILABILITY | You can begin this tour on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday from April 1st to October 31st | ||||||||||||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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Day 1: Arrival in Geneva
Arrive in the stylish and cosmopolitan city of Geneva and get settled into your hotel. Take a pleasant stroll along Lake Geneva – Europe’s largest alpine lake – before enjoying a pre-dinner drink in one of the many lively bars dotted along the banks of the Rhône.
Overnight: Geneva
Day 2: Geneva - Seyssel
Distance: 60 km
This is the toughest day of cycling on the route, as there are lots of ups and downs among the mountains and valleys on your way from Switzerland into France. The stunning views of the Alps make the effort worthwhile though! You will cycle through the spectacular Défilé de l’Écluse passageway, before entering the beautiful wine region of the Rhône-Alpes. Finally, you will arrive at your destination for the night; the charming little town of Seyssel, right on the banks of the Rhône.
This part of the trip will be on some busier roads, but the rest of the week you will cycle on much quieter paths. It is also possible to take the train from Geneva to Seyssel and begin your cycle tomorrow.
Overnight: Seyssel
Day 3: Cycle from Seyssel to Champagneux
Distance: 60 km
Leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. After about 20 km you arrive in Chanaz, known as the “little Venice of Savoie”. Here you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the Savières canal.
Getting back on your bike, you continue towards Culoz and Belley – peaceful villages with a rich heritage – before finally reaching your accommodation in Champagneux.
Overnight: Champagneux.
Day 4: Cycle from Champagneux to Villebois
Distance: 45 km
Today you will pass through the town of Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, which is famous for its brioche with crushed pink pralines – delicious energy food for the cycle ahead!
Further on, it is well worth taking a short detour towards the village of Glandieu to see its stunning waterfall. You continue to Morestel, known as the “city of painters” and dominated by a tall medieval tower. There are magnificent views over the surrounding countryside form here. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, before finally cycling along a lovely greenway, which links “La Vallée Bleue” to Villebois, where you’ll stay overnight.
Overnight: Villebois
Day 5: Cycle from Villebois to Pérouges
Distance: 60 km
This ViaRhôna stage takes you through the unspoilt countryside of the Bugey region, high above the Rhône. You will pass some really lovely villages this morning: Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, as well as the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre.
Finally, your destination comes into view as you approach the medieval hilltop village of Pérouges, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Overnight: Pérouges
Day 6: Cycle from Pérouges to Lyon
Distance: 50 km
Your final cycling day along the Rhone follows a cleverly designed route that links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You then enter the beautiful and cultural city itself, still cycling along the Rhône’s banks as you pass through central Lyon. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a new and exciting city quarter marked by contemporary architecture; the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences.
You have many options for the rest of the day. As well as boasting a wealth of museums and a vibrant cultural scene, Lyon is also renowned as the gastronomic capital of France. Why not reward yourself for completing your cycle with a delicious meal in a petit bouchon; a typical Lyonnais restaurant.
Overnight: Lyon
Day 7: Departure from Lyon
Your Via Rhona cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We recommend taking an extra day or two to enjoy a city break in the beautiful city of Lyon.
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