This was my fourth bike tour, with the previous three down the Danube and the last on the Moravia River. I wanted to see the Rhone River valley and experience cycling in the country of the Tour de France. The Rhone bike ways are very different from those I experienced along the Danube or Moravia rivers. Because my bike trip took place during a record-breaking heat wave in France and Germany, I experienced a much more challenging tour with real problems due to the lack of infrastructure along the Rhone as compared to the Danube. First, there is much less infrastructure along the Rhone to support cyclists. Temperatures over 35-38C every day along the route forced me to cancel riding the longest day, 71km+ due to my very real fear that the lack of support (villages, stores, shade, etc.,) would endanger my health. So I paid the 30 Euro supplement to have the bike transported. I could not reserve a bike transport (1 Euro) on the TER website for that day so I had the luggage transporters take the bike while rode the train, 30 Euros is a small price to pay for avoiding possible heat exhaustion or worse. Compared to the Danube or Moravian rivers there were very few other cyclists. This also increased my concern in case I had a problem with the heat. I left each morning right after breakfast because the lower morning temperatures were better than being faced with 38C by noon or later in the afternoon. Second, I was called the tour office to ask about the discrepancy between the Rad und Reiser App and the Rhone cycle brochure. The Rhone Cycle Brochure advised not to ride from Lyon to Givors, recommending instead to the take the TER train. The Rad and Reise person I asked about it and the high temperatures, said to the effect, "well that stretch is not very attractive but you can certainly ride it." For all future cyclists, I would strongly recommend taking the TERM train from Lyon to Givors. There are many, many "chantiers" on the route from Lyon meaning construction sites that require riding in exposed road stretches to truck and construction equipment traffic. As you got close to the river, there was one small town and then you were forced to ride on a single-track stretch for several kilometers that are far from any cyclist-friendly infrastructure. Instead, in the high heat I was riding a single track that went up and down along huge industrial and building supplies and quarries. Again, no support in the area in case something goes wrong. I am an experienced mountain biker who has ridden in many back-country trails in California, Ghana, Utah, and other places, so I know what to do and how to avoid problems. But I would really advise anyone with less experience to avoid this stretch and just take the train to Givors. After Givors, it was VERY hot but I brought enough water to make it through to Vienne. I had to stop to pour water over my head and torso to cool down - again no infrastructure for kilometers. And did I mention, I was doing the first day without a helmet because it was missing on the bike? Due to the heat I wanted leave Lyon early but that was before any bike shops were open that could sell me a helmet. In Vienne, I went to a bike shop and bought a helmet for 60 Euros. I know I should have checked the bike the night before at the Lyon hotel, but I did not and I decided that leaving early during lower temperatures was a lower risk and that I would encounter a bike shop on the outskirts of Lyon on the way to Givors - I was very wrong! The hotels were all very acceptable and the meals in the Vienne hotel was outstanding. The staffs at the hotels were all very helpful and friendly. I stayed extra nights in Orange and the hotelier was very friendly and helpful. Orange was one of the nicest little historical towns on the route and would recommend Orange as a relaxing place to conclude the ride. There was a jazz concert on Sunday evening in front of the Hotel de Ville and the local people really had a good time as the temperatures had gone down a bit so people could enjoy sitting outside and listening to a very "tight" jazz group - the female vocalist was excellent. Summary: It was a real cycling experience that I can recommend to anyone who wants to experience the Rhone Valley up close and personal. Just don`t do it during a record-breaking heat wave and take the TER train from Lyon to Givors. Don`t assume there is infrastructure along the way and equip yourself accordingly. The French cycling infrastructure is improving but is not the "easy" Danube or Moravian routes with their many cafes on the bike paths and many small towns. I am glad I did this trip and now have many stories to tell, so all in all a successful experience, and more importantly, "an adventure." I became a better cyclist and thanks for the opportunity to "do" the Rhone!