World-famous Geneva is the starting point for your tour. The fountain in Lake Geneva salutes you and bids farewell as you leave Switzerland and embark on a cycling tour which could not be more varied. Constantly accompanied by the river Rhône, you either cycle directly along the riverbank or sometimes the route takes you away for a while and leads you through charming villages, sunflower fields and vineyards. Once the mighty Mont Blanc disappears into the horizon, you dive deeper into the French ambience and you will be drawn into their ‚savoir-vivre’. A glass of wine, freshly baked baguette and time to enjoy it all – this is the genuine ‚French way of living’ ..
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. One overnight in Geneva.
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. One overnight in 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. Further night in Champagneux.
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 perched village of Pérouges, located below. Due to its amazing historic village centre, Pérouges is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. One overnight in Pérouges or Meximieux.
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. One overnight in Lyon.
After the breakfast individual departure or extension of the trip. 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.
Reservation fee of CHF 15 per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Optional:
Return transfer by minibus to Geneva every Saturday, costs CHF 109.- per person incl. your bike, to be paid for at the time, reservation is necessary
Not included (payable on site)
Arrival and departure, costs for parking, city tax, transfers, optional sightseeings, city maps, Travel Insurance and costs of individual private requirements.
Information
Arrival/Departure:
Geneva train station
Geneva airport
Good train connection to Geneva. Chargeable parking outside the centre, approx. CHF 111.- for 6 days, hotel garage approx. CHF 15.- per day, payable on site, no reservation possible. Return transfer by minibus to Geneva every Saturday, cost per person CHF 119.-, for the return transport of your own bike we charge CHF 25.- extra. Limited space available. Reservation required, payable on site. Good train connection from Lyon to Geneva.
Other important information:
The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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)