Rhône Cycle Path (ViaRhôna): Geneva to Lyon

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 prides 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 sites. 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 Lake Geneva.

Your first bike ride takes you along the Rhône River 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, through 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 centuries and its restaurants located directly at the edge of the canal. Continue 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, which is 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 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 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 in Lyon. We recommend the connecting tour from Lyon to Orange. Individual return journey.

Arrival: Geneva

Departure: Lyon

Nearest arrival airport(s): Geneva

Nearest departure airport(s): Lyon

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Geneva by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.