ViaRhôna - Geneva to the Mediterranean

You will be collected from Geneva airport or main train station. We typically go for a late afternoon quick ride to check the bikes before settling into your rooms and having a welcome dinner and briefing for the week ahead. 

Distance: 79km

Elevation: 645m D+

We leave Geneva and head out towards the French border at Chancy. There’s a short climb up to the French village of Valleiry from where we head around the Vuache Massif with views of the Rhône river below. The longest climb of the entire route awaits (3km at 4%) before we head across country and drop down to meet the river. From here there’s only 25km to ride before arriving at our hotel right next to the river in Chanaz. There’s then time to explore the lovely village, get a massage and rest the legs before dinner. 

Distance: 84km

Elevation: 328m D+

After breakfast we get on the bikes for our second day of riding. We start underneath the Grand Colombier mountain, before heading south on car free bike paths. We turn to the west, still riding alongside the river surrounded by imposing hills and mountains. We leave the river at Port de Groslée and head across country before turning north and rejoining the riverside just before our hotel in Porcieu-Amblagnieu. 

Distance: 73km

Elevation: 292m D+

Today we head to one of France’s largest cities, Lyon. The route takes us westwards to head up to the balconies above the Rhône, boasting traditional villages, castles and vineyards. At Anthon, the Ain River joins the Rhône, creating a remarkable natural site in contrast to Lyon’s nearby metropolis. The rest of the day links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Then enjoy the magnificent cycle route through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. We arrive at our hotel around 1500, giving us plenty of time to explore this wonderful city. 

Distance: 104km

Elevation: 260m D+

This morning we head out of Lyon through the suburbs and probably the busiest roads of the entire trip before getting back onto quiet greenways at Vienne, the ancient capital of Gaul. We’re now into the Rhône’s wild side, passing through nature reserves, Côte-du-Rhône vineyards and orchards. After lunch we enter the Ardèche and continue passing through world famous vineyards. Arriving in Tournon-sur-Rhône after a long day we’ll have a massage and enjoy a lovely glass of wine with dinner. 

Distance: 97km

Elevation: 230m D+

Our first goal for today is the southern French town of Valence, the gateway to Provence. We cross the Rhône multiple times, passing through countless pretty southern villages all the while riding alongside the ever wider river. We alternate between greenways and shared roads along the western banks of the river. We then cross to the eastern shore at la Voulte-sur-Rhône. The highlight of the final part of the day is the new Himalayan-style footbridge at Rochemaure, built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont, an historic bridge over the Rhône. 

Distance: 83km

Elevation: 130m D+

Today takes us to the wonderful city of Avignon. Rolling on super quiet paths and shared roads we’re now deep into Provence and we get glimpses of the striking Mont Ventoux to the east. Lots of the route is now on dykes right alongside the Rhône, where we can enjoy the persistent tailwind gently blowing us past the famous wine village of Chateauneuf-de-Pape and onwards to Avignon, the city of Popes. 

Distance: 105km

Elevation: 110m D+

Today we reach your final destination, the Mediterranean. Leaving Avignon we head for Beaucaire, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its rich historical legacy, and a point where the regions of Languedoc and Provence meet. From here the route leads to Arles, past historic Mas (the regional name for farmhouses) to the gateway to the Camargue. The final part of the day take us into the Rhône delta finishing up at Plage de Napoleon where we jump into the sea and celebrate your incredible achievement of riding from the lake to the sea.

This morning we will transfer to Marseille train station or Airport depending on your preferred way of getting home.