Rhone Cycle Path: Geneva to Lyon
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’.
Follow the lifeline of the Rhône-Alpes region until Provence. Be accompanied by lush vineyards and fragrant orchards. This is an area, both rich in nature and culture. Splendid cathedrals and relicts from Roman times are testimony to an abundant era long gone. During your tour marvel at cultural treasures such as the large Roman theatre in Vienne, or the architecturally outstanding museum of the Confluences in Lyon. Just as contrasting can also be the culinary treasures. Frog legs or soft caramel ice cream? You can already see there will be something for everyone’s taste.
Itinerary
Once you have arrived in Geneva and settled into your hotel, make the most of your free time to explore your surroundings at your own pace. Geneva prouds itself on being one of the most beautiful and cultured cities that combines the splendours of nature with a rich palette of historic and architectural. Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan city, especially the picturesque old part of town which is the smallest metropolis in the world. Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the Lake Geneva.
Your first bike ride takes you along the river Rhône from Switzerland to France. You cycle through the Défilé de l´Écluse, a narrow river passage through the Savoy Alps and the Mont Blanc and discover the first vineyards between mountains and valleys on your way out of Geneva which will enchant you again and again. Today’s destination is Seyssel, characterised by two suspension bridges, which connect the pretty houses and squares on the left and right hand-side of the river Rhône. You will spend the night there.
Today, you leave Seyssel and cycle through the Savoy Alps where you travel on either side of the river Rhône vineyards which rise steeply. The terrain along the riverbank is flat and you will be able to enjoy the view during this stage of the tour. We suggest that 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. Continue on towards Culoz and Belley where the river Rhône breaks up and you follow the Western branch until you reach today’s destination, Champagneux, where you will spend the night.
On day four, you cycle on remote country lanes up to the viewing plateau of Rochefort. The route goes past the Château de Mandrin and leads you through orchards to marvellous panoramic views. Once you reach today’s destination and are back at the hotel, you can round off your day relaxing on the hotel sun terrace, the indoor pool or the renowned restaurant with its French delicacies.
Today’s ride is relaxed. The Rhône cycle path takes you directly along the riverbank through the pleasant and harmonious border scenery between Ain and Isère. You leave the river behind you in Perrozan and cycle through little hamlets until today’s destination, the romantic perched medieval village of Pérouges, that’s labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France.
On day six, the circular tour goes through the Dombes pond landscape, to Notre Dame Abbey and Villars de Dombes. This evening, you will also stay in Pérouges/Meximieux.
The last cycle day cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You travel on remote paths through beautiful meadows and fields back to the river Rhône. Then enjoy the well-constructed cycle path all the way into the centre of Lyon, along the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône. The old part of town is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and has numerous architectural highlights. Your options for the rest of the day in Lyon are endless and why not enjoy your final evening in one of the countless exquisite restaurants.
After breakfast, your cycle tour along the Rhone cycle Path comes to an end. We recommend the connecting tour from Lyon to Orange. Individual return journey.
Route overview
Difficulty level: Moderate.
On this tour you will be riding on cycle paths where the terrain is nearly flat throughout and easy to cycle on. Expect a few longer ascents on day 1 and day 3, the Rhône-cycle path is well constructed and it is a perfect example for signposting and routing.
Total distance: Approximately 265 km
What’s included
Standard Bike Hire
7 nights in rooms with private facilities,
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
Information meeting/briefing
Bike rental insurance
Maps and information material per room
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
Search results are loading
