Eurovelo 17 cycling guides and maps
EuroVelo 17 – The Rhône Cycle Route
EuroVelo 17 is a European cycle route that follows the course of the Rhône River, from the glaciers of the Swiss Alps to the beaches of the Mediterranean. It crosses two countries and takes you through contrasting landscapes: Alpine peaks, terraced vineyards, historic towns, and Provençal villages bathed in light.
EuroVelo 17, une véloroute au fil du Rhône
EuroVelo 17, or the Rhône Cycle Route, connects Andermatt in Switzerland to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône in France, spanning nearly 1,100 km. The route follows the Rhône River from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth in the Mediterranean. It crosses two countries with contrasting landscapes and cultures:
The route can be done in either direction, but most cyclists choose to cycle north to south, from the Swiss mountains to the sea. In Switzerland, the cycle route is signposted as Route nationale 1 (Rhone-Route), and passes through spectacular alpine scenery, deep gorges and terraced vineyards.
In France, the route becomes ViaRhôna, a cycle route of over 800 km that follows the banks of the river through the plains of Valais, the Rhône Valley, Roman towns, and Provençal villages. The route alternates between greenways and shared roads, with numerous facilities dedicated to cycle tourists.
An updated EuroVelo 17 map is essential for planning your stages and identifying points of interest, campsites, accommodation, stations and bicycle services.
The stages and sites not to be missed along the EuroVelo 17
Following the Rhône River means exploring an incredible variety of landscapes and cultures. Here is a selection of the major stops and must-sees :
- Andermatt in Switzerland : Alpine starting point, at the foot of the Oberalp Pass where the Rhône river rises.
- Brig and Visp : in the heart of Valais, surrounded by peaks and vineyards.
- Sion and Martigny : Historic Swiss towns, perfect for a cultural and gourmet break.
- Geneva : Large, cosmopolitan lakeside city, gateway to France.
- Seyssel and Belley : First French stops in a peaceful natural setting.
- Lyon : Vibrant metropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
- Valence and Montélimar : More southern climate, relaxed atmosphere, colorful markets.
- Avignon : City of the Popes, with its famous bridge and medieval heritage.
- Arles : Ancient capital, between Camargue and Provence, rich in art and history. • Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône: arrival on the Mediterranean coast, with a view of the ponds and the sea.
Along the way, you will also discover the Rhône coast, hilltop villages, nature reserves such as the Camargue, as well as changing landscapes ranging from Alpine glaciers to Mediterranean beaches.
Our recommendations for preparing your itinerary
To make your EuroVelo 17 journey a success, it’s best to equip yourself with:
- Bikeline Guides : highly detailed, with elevation profiles, accommodations, and 1:75,000 scale maps.
- Huber Verlag : publisher specializing in European cycle routes, offering clear, laminated, and lightweight maps.
- Rhône Regional Maps (ING) : ideal for planning local loops or connecting with other routes.
- La ViaRhôna (Chamina Editions) : ideal if you’re extending your trip south towards the Mediterranean.
Routes connected to EuroVelo 17
EuroVelo 17 crosses or extends with several other emblematic routes:
- The ViaRhôna : From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, this cycle route is a natural extension of EuroVelo 17 on the southern side.
- EuroVelo 6 : It intersects with the Rhône Cycle Route in Alsace, near Lyon, allowing you to reach the Atlantic via the Loire or head towards the Danube towards the Black Sea.
- EuroVelo 5 : It passes near Geneva, providing a connection to Burgundy, Alsace, and Italy via the Via Romea Francigena.
- The Scandibérique / EuroVelo 3 : It joins the ViaRhôna near Lyon: a great opportunity to combine several routes.
- EuroVelo 8 : Near Arles, EuroVelo 17 joins the Mediterranean by bike, which then follows the coast to Narbonne, Perpignan, or Italy.
If you want to discover other parts of Europe, we invite you to visit our EuroVelo guides and maps.