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Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

tourhub | UTracks | Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon | HSV | Map

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6 Days From

~~$1222~~

$1184

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

6 Days Starting in Seyssel and ending in Lyon

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

HSV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From: $1222 $1184 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$39

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Connecting the Swiss Alps with the Mediterranean, the Rhone River holds an important place in French history. Serving as an inland trading route where goods were transported as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Rhone connected many of France's most important cities and subsequently many smaller villages were built alongside it. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy of this period can still be found in many places along the river and can be discovered by cycling sections of the Via Rhona Cycle Path. This section of the dedicated cycle route is almost flat and connects Seyssel with Lyon. Beginning in Seyssel avoids a busier section of the route, although there is an option offered to start in Geneva. Over four days of cycling, follow the banks of the Rhone between the Bugey Mountains and the Jura Massif with many highlights along the way. Sample pastries in Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, refresh yourself under a majestic waterfall, discover the caves of la Balme les Grottes and enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant on the canal of Savières. At night stay in handpicked hotels brimming with local character, with an option to upgrade your hotels.

Highlights

Leisurely cycle in an amazing landscape against the backdrop of the Alps
Riding past rolling vineyards in France
Arriving in Lyon, a centre of gourmet excellence
Soaking up the fine hospitality of well located hotels

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon | HSV | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Seyssel

Make your own way to Seyssel and check in to the first hotel. You are free to spend the afternoon exploring the charming little town of Seyssel, on the banks of the river.

Day 2 : Follow Riverbank To Champagneux (58Km/36Mi)

Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. When you arrive in Chanaz, also called "La Petite Venise Savoyarde", you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue towards Culoz and Belley, two peaceful towns with a rich heritage set below the Bugey Range, and on to today's destination, Champagneux.
Important note: About 3km of the route today is on a busy road which passes through two tunnels that do not have a shoulder for cyclists.
Ascent 132m/433ft, descent 178m/584ft

Day 3 : Discover The Old Town Of Morestel En Route To Villebois (65Km/40Mi)

Today you'll pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers. We highly recommend stopping here to sample the famous brioche pralines! Continuing on you can take a small detour towards the village of Glandieu where you can refresh yourself in the majestic waterfall, which is a wonder of nature. You then cross through Morestel, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town before a lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, where you stay overnight.
Ascent 232m/761ft, descent 212m/696ft

Day 4 : Cycle To The Hilltop Medieval Village Of Pérouges (54Km/33.5Mi)

Today the Via Rhone cycle path takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Bugey, situated above the Rhône. You'll pass lovely villages this morning including Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and then the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. Your final destination will soon be in sight as you approach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, listed among 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France'. Overnight in Pérouges.
Ascent 164m/538ft, descent 180m/590ft

Day 5 : Cycle To Lyon (46Km/28.5Mi)

This last cycle stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You can enjoy cycling as the route takes you through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a brand-new quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. Your options for the rest of the day are endless but you can also reward your cycling efforts with a delicious meal in a "petit bouchon", a typical restaurant in the city. Overnight in Lyon.
Ascent 61m/200ft, descent 116m/380ft

Day 6 : Trip Concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon.
NOTE: You can continue on our Rhone Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence trip, cycling all the way to Orange.

What's Included

Accommodation
5 nights hotels
5 breakfasts - generally continental style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice
1 dinner - on day 3 (4 if starting in Geneva) - note that this is dependent on staying at our usual hotel (standard and upgrade version) in Villebois. If an alternative hotel is booked, dinner will not be included.
5 nights 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to comfort plus hotels available - supplement applies)
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
Hybrid bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies). SPD pedals can be provided on request.
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline
For the 7 day trip starting in Geneva (see itinerary 2 - supplement applies), an extra night's accommodation and breakfast are also included
Travel to Seyssel or Geneva and from Lyon
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers if you need to skip a stage
Excess Luggage
Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature
Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

What's Not Included

Items of a personal nature - eg. phone calls, laundry, etc
Drinks, lunches and dinners daily
Tour guide - this is a self guided trip
Entrance fees
Transfers
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app

Accommodation

5 nights hotels
During the trip you will stay in specially chosen 2-3 star hotels. There is an option to upgrade to comfort plus hotels which are 2-4 star hotels.

Grading

Starting in Seyssel: During the 4 days of cycling the daily routes are between 46 and 65 kilometres/28.5 and 40 miles. Earlier on in the trip there are a couple of 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. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns). Pre trip you should exercise 3 times per week with some cycling mixed in to your usual exercise regime.
Starting in Geneva: 23km of this route is on busy roads with some steep sections particularly before the Swiss French border. It is important that you are comfortable riding on busy roads with traffic to confidently tackle this day. The remainder of the route to Lyon is almost exclusively on the cycleway.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

P. Rudd(Chislehurst, United Kingdom)

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

26 Sep 2023

Cycling through beautiful landscapes, mainly traffic free, and staying in comfortable chambre d'hotes.

S. Kinoshita(Greenwich, NSW)

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

07 Oct 2019

We are a couple in our early 60s and we hugely enjoyed the Rhone cycle path (Seyssels to Lyon, 6 days). With e-bikes, riding 60 km/day is not difficult. There were some challenges e.g., riding through tunnels with car traffic, and big roundabouts with trucks, but with enough caution they can be negotiated even by a novice cyclist like myself, and gives an element of adventure. Most of the time you are on ViaRhona cycle path which is well-sign posted, or country roads, with very pretty scenery. Riding into Lyon and along the riverside cycleway is a very nice introduction to this city. We would be happy to recommend the trip.

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