ViaRhona: Lyon to the Mediterranean
One of France's most beautiful cycle routes, following the Rhone from Lyon to the Camargue beaches, through vineyards, orchards, and Provencal villages.
Seven days by bike on the ViaRhona, from Lyon to the Mediterranean, following the Rhône. Mostly on greenways, the route links Vienne and its Roman remains, Tournon-sur-Rhône facing Tain-l'Hermitage, Montélimar, capital of nougat, and Orange with its ancient theatre. It's a gentle descent from the Lyon climate to the Provençal garrigue, dotted with Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The trail is flat and accessible, but the mistral can blow hard in the valley: ride north to south to keep it at your back. Spring and autumn are ideal, as summer can be scorching downstream. Reckon on 50 to 70 km a day and book stages the night before.
Practical info
- Stops
- 8
- Duration
- 7 days
- Transport
- 🚲 Bike
- Distance
- ≈ 270 km
- Best time
- Spring and summer
Itinerary
- 1
Lyon
Depart de la capitale des Gaules, entre Presqu'ile et confluent du Rhone et de la Saone.
- 2
Vienne
Cite gallo-romaine avec son theatre antique et ses vignobles de Cote-Rotie.
- 3
Tournon-sur-Rhone
Face a Tain-l'Hermitage, panoramas sur les vignobles en terrasses.
- 4
Montelimar
La capitale du nougat, porte de la Provence et de la lavande.
- 5
Orange
Theatre antique romain classe UNESCO, au coeur des Cotes du Rhone.
- 6
Avignon
Cite des Papes, pont Saint-Benezet et remparts medievaux.
- 7
Arles
Arenes romaines, patrimoine Van Gogh et porte de la Camargue.
- 8
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone
Arrivee face a la Mediterranee, aux portes du delta du Rhone.
