Cycling guides and maps on the ViaRhôna
The Viarhôna, an adventure along the Rhône
The ViaRhôna is a cycle route that connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea over 815 kilometers. Following the course of the Rhône River, it takes you on a journey rich in landscapes, history, cultural discoveries, and water sports.
A bike route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
For 815 km, the ViaRhôna takes you from Lake Geneva, on the Swiss border, to Sète, on the Mediterranean coast. The route crosses a wide variety of regions: the Alps, the Rhône Valley, the Camargue, and the Mediterranean coast. This tour is perfect for a sunny vacation!
The shortest direction is north-south, from the lake to the sea. This is often the preferred route to take advantage of the generally descending terrain and the occasional favorable wind. The route is 96% signposted, with numerous greenways and quiet roads, making it a perfect route for families, beginner cycle tourists, or even e-bike enthusiasts.
The ViaRhôna signage is super easy to follow throughout the route. And to help you plan your cycling adventure, several comprehensive cycling guides, such as Chamina, are available, with detailed maps and all the necessary practical information.
The essentials of the ViaRhôna
The ViaRhôna cycle path crosses a multitude of towns, villages and unique landscapes. Here are some iconic stops:
- Lake Geneva : a magnificent starting point with the Alps as a backdrop
- Seyssel : a charming river town in the Ain region
- Chanaz : a small village nicknamed “the Venice of Savoy,” known for its charm and craftsmanship
- Lyon : a major cultural, gastronomic, and historical city, with its famous Lyon cycle path along the banks of the Rhône
- Vienne & Saint-Romain-en-Gal : Gallo-Roman ruins and ancient heritage
- Tournon-sur-Rhône & Tain-l’Hermitage : Côtes du Rhône regions, perfect for a wine tasting break
- Avignon and Arles : cities of art and history, with the Palais des Papes, arenas, and festivals
- The Camargue : an exceptional nature reserve among flamingos and white horses
- Sète : a lively port city, the endpoint of the ViaRhôna with views of the Mediterranean
Each stage of the ViaRhôna cycling route holds its own surprises. For families, this is the perfect cycling trip, with safe routes of 15 to 25 km along greenways. Activities include canoeing and windsurfing. A fun visit to the chocolate city of Tain is also available. As a family, you can cover shorter distances, such as the 17.5 km stretch from Chanaz to Virignin, or the 13 km stretch from Aigues-Mortes to Espiguette Beach.
It’s worth noting that accommodation along the ViaRhôna is varied and well-developed, with campsites and lodges for families, or hotels and B&Bs for couples there’s something for every taste and budget!
Our ideas for stays
- The ViaRhônna, from Vienne to Avignon in 8 days
- The ViaRhôna, from Vienne to Valence in 4 days
- Ardèche and Provence by bike in 7 days
If you want to see even more trip ideas, don’t hesitate to visit the La Bicyclette Verte website, which offers several fun cycling routes to do with friends or family.
Routes connected to La ViaRhôna
The ViaRhona is part of a network of European cycle routes and connects to several major routes:
- The Canal des 2 Mers by bike: the route to the Atlantic or the Mediterranean, following the direction of the Canal du Midi and the Garonne.
- EuroVelo 17: this is the complete route of the ViaRhôna, connecting the source of the Rhône in Switzerland to the Mediterranean, passing through France.
- EuroVelo 8: starting from Sète, you can continue along the Mediterranean coast, heading towards Greece or Spain.
Thanks to these connections, you can easily extend your cycle tour or create custom loops.
If you want to plan other cycling routes, don’t hesitate to consult the maps and guides in France or in Europe.