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Rhône Cycle path

Geneva - Lyon & Lyon - Orange

Route

Tour profile / level 1-2

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.

Itinerary Geneva - Lyon:

Day 1: Geneva
Individual arrival. 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.

Day 2: Geneva – Seyssel, approx. 60 km
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 vineyeards and your gaze fixe on the mountains of the Savoyer Alps and Mont Blanc. Today’s Day Finish is Seyssel, where two suspension bridges connect the pretty houses and squares on the left and right side of the river Rhône.

Day 3: Seyssel – Champagneux, approx. 60 km
On either side of the river Rhône vineyards rise up steeply. However you 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 15 th and 16 th 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.

Day 4: Panorama-Trip Champagneux, approx. 25 km
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.

Day 5: Champagneux – Meximieux, approx. 70 km
The Rhône cycle path takes you directly along the riverbank through the harmonious border scenery between Ain and Isere. In Perrozan you leave the river and cycle through little hamlets with medieval flair until today’s Day Finish Meximieux. This little town is connected via a footpath with 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.

Day 6: Meximieux – Lyon, approx. 50 km
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.

Day 7: Lyon
Individual departure or extension.

Itinerary Lyon - Orange:

Day 1: Lyon
Individual arrival. Since 1998 Lyon’s old part of town is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Mighty churches, about 30 museums and an excellent food serving industry guarantee a delightful stay.

Day 2: Lyon – Vienne, approx. 35 km
Already after just a few kilometres the futuristic museum ‚des Confluences’ appears with its spectacular location on an island at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. You follow the course of your ‚companion’, the river Rhône and soon you reach Vienne where you will stay tonight with its many remains of an ancient Roman colony. You will be impressed by the temple of Augustus and Livia and by the biggest Roman theatre in Gaul. 

Day 3: Vienne – Serrières, approx. 35 km
Today the cycle path leads you directly along the Rhône riverbank. On either side of the river, vineyards of the Cotes du Rhône rise up steeply. However you stay on flat terrain and soon cycle through a nature reserve with numerous observation points for you to marvel at flora and fauna. Onwards through alluvial forests with lots of shade until Serrières, a charming village located directly on the river Rhône.

Day 4: Serrières – Valence, approx. 60 km
The beautifully designed cycle path takes you South again, directly along the Rhône riverbank. World renowned grapes are grown in the surroundings of Tournon sur Rhône. We recommend you have your lunch break in one of the charming villages with their medieval village centres and sample at least one glass of the famous ‚Hermitage’. After that you will soon reach the main town of the Drôme-region called Valence. Also called the ‚Northern Gate to Provence’, it will amaze you with its vibrant town centre full of cafés and restaurants.

Day 5: Valence – Montélimar, approx. 65 km
Effortlessly you cycle through the fertile Rhône-valley. The temptation for ‚petty larceny of food’ is especially high today, since there are peaches, apples and kiwis growing directly along the route. Nevertheless, make sure you also look up and do not miss high up a once proud castle which has sadly crumbled and turned into a ruin, but still keeps a watchful eye over the valley. In today’s Day Finish Montélimar it is all about ‚nougat’, which is produced here in special quality. Temptations from dawn to dusk...

Day 6: Montélimar – Bourg St. Andéol, approx. 30 km
Today’s stage is very short and hence leaves you with lots of time to just enjoy! Several times you switch from one side of the river Rhône to the other side via impressive suspension bridges. Then onwards along the cycle path to the former diocesan town of Viviers. Behind the cathedral dating back to the 12th century you have an amazing view across the Rhône valley. Then it becomes very quiet in the alluvial forests except for the buzzing noise of your spokes. Vibrancy is back after that in Bourg St. Andéol. The old part of town is characterised by picturesque houses dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th century, situated directly on the river Rhône.

Day 7: Bourg St. Andéol – Orange, approx. 50 km
On your final stage you casually cycle through glowing yellow sunflower fields, apple orchards and peach plantations, past tomato- and basil fields. En route, you come across the little town of Pont St. Esprit, known for its 600-year old bridge, whose 25 arches stretch impressively across the river Rhône. You will be staying in the town of Orange with its well-known Roman theatre and the city founding arch, both part of the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage.

Day 8: Orange
Individual departure or extension.

Services

Included services:
  • 6/7 nights in rooms with private facilities, breakfast
  • luggage transfer
  • information meeting/briefing
  • bike rental insurance

  • maps and information material per room

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type

    Extras

    Discounts extra bed with 2 full paying adults  
    children 0-5,99 years -100%
    children 6-11,99 years -50%
    children 12-14,99 years -25%
    3rd person from 15 years on -10%
       
    Bicycle & equipment  
    7-/21-speed-bike 80
    E-bike 180
       
    Additional night  
    Geneva 3* (dbl/sgl) 110/160
    Lyon 3* (dbl/sgl) 60/95
    Orange 3* (dbl/sgl) 65/105
       
    Transfer  
    collective transfer Lyon - Geneva or Orange - Lyon* 90
    *every Saturday, reservation necessary, payable locally

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Accommodation

    Hotel samples

    Route Geneva - Lyon

    3*** hotels as well as chambre d´hôte, 1 x 2** hotel next to the river Rhône.

    Geneva: Hotel Les Nations***
    Seyssel: Hotel Beau Séjour**
    Champagneux: Hotel Les Bergeronnettes***
    Pérouges: Le Grenier à Sel
    Lyon: Hotel Charlemagne****


    Route Lyon - Orange

    3*** hotels as well as 2** hotels.

    Lyon: Hotel Charlemagne****
    Saint Desirat: Hotel La Desirade ***
    Valence: Atrium Hotel***
    Montélimar: Hotel Beau Soleil**
    Bourg Saint Andéol: Hôtel le Prieuré**
    Orange: Mercure Orange Centre****


    Note: Please be informed that these are hotel samples and therefore subject to alteration! Find Your final hotel bookings at Your hotel list after/at booking.

    Bicycle

    Bicycles inclusive panniers

    Our solid, smooth-running and travel-suitable wheels with reliable V-brakes, aluminum hollow chamber rims as well as top tires are well equipped for every path. The bikes are equipped with lights, luggage racks, mudguards and a comfortable saddle.

    The following rental bikes are available:

    • 7-gear bike with coaster
    • 21-gear unisex trekking bike with freewheel
    • 21-speed men’s bike with freewheel
    • E-bikes

    E-Bikes | Pedelecs

    With an E-bike every bike tour is a breeze! The shiftable, low noise electric drive of our modern electro bike relieves you of some of the work and increases the pedal force up to 3 times ... Acclivity can be handled easily.

    Note: E-bikes are a great development, but should be - due to their driving characteristics (high weight + high speed) - booked only by very safe and experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance. Not suitable are electric bikes for people who rarely ride a bicycle


    Private bicycles

    You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. This is adapted especially to your needs. Do not forget to bring a repair kit with all necessary tools such as: keys, reserve tube and lock. Please check your own bicycle for operability upon arrival.

    Useful

    ARRIVAL - PARKING - DEPARTURE

    ARRIVAL BY PLANE

    Airport:Geneva (GVA), Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS)

    From Geneva airport you can catch a train to the centre. The hotel is located approx. 800 m from the train station. Bus number 8 in direction "OMS", station "Canonnière", then onwards by foot to the hotel (approx. 5 min.)


    ARRIVAL BY CAR

    Parking: Hotel parking in Geneva, approx. € 22,- per day, Hotel parking in Lyon, approx. € 70,- per week (payable on spot, no reservation necessary).


    ARRIVAL BY TRAIN

    Train station: Geneva (TGV) or Lyon

    Current train  connections and prices you will find under: www.radreisen.at/france-train


    TRANSFER

    Return transfer by bus from to Geneva or Lyon each Saturday, reservation necessary, payable locally (€ 90,- per person incl. own bicycle).

    Videos

    Travel stories

    4,2 of 6 Stars | 17
    4.4 16.08.2023 | Robyn H. Rhône Cycle path

    Overall trip was good.

    GPX files should be sent AUTOMATICALLY once trip has been paid for. I had to ask for them 3 times before they finally got sent on day 4!!!! Email from your office said they had been sent when i first asked but i double checked inbox and spam and there ...
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 3
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Luggage transport 5
    • Route description 1
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 4
    more
    4.5 21.09.2019 | Barbara T. Rhône Cycle path

    Another great trip!

    • Overall satisfaction 5
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Luggage transport 3
    • Route description 2
    • On-site assistance 3
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5 02.08.2018 | Douglas S. Rhône Cycle path

    Feedback - Geneva lyon

    Sometimes hard to tie the instructions to the map. Perhaps a bit of context in the route instructions would help. an elevation profile would be good. Booking was excellent - best I’ve had in several years of such holidays.
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 4
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Luggage transport 6
    • Route description 4
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5.2 09.08.2017 | John R. Rhône Cycle path

    Geneva to Lyon

    A very enjoyable ride. We and several others had some difficulty following the directions out of Geneva. Some markers were "overkill" and others were missing. The changes in route no’s (from the map book) were also somewhat confusing and the book needs ...
    • Overall satisfaction 5
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Luggage transport 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
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