The seven days of the cycle tour between Geneva and Lyon all have one thing in common: the Rhône! France’s water-richest river accompanies you every day, and even if when you swap it for sleepy towns and sunflower fields, it will get your attention again in the following stage. First in Switzerland, and then further on in France, you cover 265 kilometres of the Rhône cycle path, which is 880 kilometres long in total. When you arrive in Lyon and the scent of French cuisine fills the streets, you can look back on an eventful cycling holiday.
Between the ‘smallest metropolis in the world’ Geneva and the gourmet capital of Lyon are seven days of cycling and numerous moments of happiness. Everyone finds their own way: some customers appreciate the pretty villages and towns of Campagneux or Meximieux. Others are fascinated by the varied nature, which presents itself at its most beautiful on the Rhône. The steep vineyards are an impressive sight! Check out the Rhône Cycle Path!
Enjoy your stay at the harbour in Geneva with its famous water fontain ‚Jet d’ Eau’ and in the picturesque old part of town of the ‚smallest metropolis in the world’ – with its cosmopolitan flair and brimming with art and vitality.
You leave Geneva and follow the river Rhône through the Défilé de l´Écluse, a narrow river passage through the mountains. Only after just a few kilometres, you cycle along the first vineyards and your gaze fixes on the mountains of the Savoyer Alps and Mont Blanc.
Today’s destination is Seyssel, where two suspension bridges connect the pretty houses and squares on the left and right hand-side of the river Rhône.
On either side of the river Rhône vineyards rise up steeply. You however cycle on flat terrain along the riverbank and enjoy the view. We suggest you have your first break in Chanaz with its charming houses dating back to the 15th and 16th century and its restaurants located directly at the edge of the canal. Afterwards the river Rhône breaks up and you follow the Western branch until Champagneux.
Today you cycle on remote country lanes up to the viewing plateau of Rochefort. Past the Château de Mandrin the route leads you through orchards to marvellous panoramic views. Back at the hotel, you can enjoy the sun terrace, the indoor pool or the renowned restaurant with its French delicacies.
The Rhône cycle path takes you directly along the riverbank through the harmonious border scenery between Ain and Isère. In Perrozan you leave the river and cycle through little hamlets with medieval flair until today’s destination the romantic percehd village of Pérouges. Due to its amazing historic village centre, Pérouges is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
You cycle on remote paths through lush meadows and fields back to the river Rhône. Now you follow the riverbank along the well-constructed cycle path all the way into the centre of Lyon.
Since 1998 the old part of town is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Marvel at the numerous architectural highlights and enjoy your final evening in one of the countless exquisite restaurants.
Furthermore we recommend the connecting tour from Lyon to Orange.
Tour character
On day 1 and day 3 there are a few longer ascents to be tackled. On all other stages the terrain is nearly flat throughout and easy to cycle on. Except for a few interruptions, the Rhône-cycle path is well constructed and it is a perfect example for signposting and routing.
Le parcours proposé est intéressant et exigeant pour un vélo normal. Attention! voir la fiche de départ du tour préalablement. Les hôtels sont de la catégorie standart et supérieur. Bon acceuil et nous avons bien mangé.
RetoZingganswered:
Merci pour votre évaluation positive du voyage. Nous sommes très heureux que vous ayez passé un agréable moment sur la piste cyclable du Rhône. Pouvez-vous nous dire plus précisément ce que vous souhaiteriez améliorer ? Nous en serions très heureux.
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3 stars
Beatrix Rigterink |11.10.2018
schlechte Unterbringung
Der Radweg Via Rhona ist sehr gut ausgebaut und sehr gut ausgeschildert. Aber immer wenn Sie uns von der Via Rhona runter geleitet haben wurde es gefährlich und chaotisch. Die Strecken waren sehr schlecht oder gar nicht ausgeschildert und führten uns über Straßen mit Schwerlastverkehr. Das Hotel La Berangere in Perouges direkt auf der Kreuzung ist eine Zumutung, zumal wir auch direkt in Perouges hätten übernachten können. Das Hotel in Lyon geht gar nicht. Es gibt in unmittelbarer Nähe zu diesem Hotel viele neue Businesshotels in gleicher Preislage. Unser Zimmer war so klein, dass wir mit Aufpreis ein anderes Zimmer genommen haben. Das war aber auch nicht wirklich besser, da die Bäder überall gleich sind. Die Bäder waren wirklich schlecht ausgestattet. In unserem Bad ging die Dusche nicht.
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4 stars
Ladina Christ |18.05.2015
Abwechslungsreiche Velotour im Rhonetal
Der Beschrieb anfangs der Strecke war zu kompliziert, daher könnte man auch schreiben, dass man der Nr. 102 (Schweizer Veloweg) folgen kann.--> im Moment gibt es auch einige Umleitungen in Genf.Generell ist die Tour sehr schön und abwechslungsreich! (teils auch auf Strassen mit mässigem Verkehr)