Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

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8 Days From

$1860

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Via Rhôna Cycle Path from Lyon to Provence, exploring the picturesque landscapes of southern France. This self-guided tour takes you through historic towns like Lyon, Orange, and Vienne, and past stunning natural scenery including vineyards, nature reserves, and the rugged Ardèche region. Enjoy visits to cultural landmarks such as the Musée des Confluences in Lyon and the historic suspension footbridge at Rochemaure. With 7 nights in comfortable 2-3 star hotels, daily continental breakfasts, and a hybrid rental bike equipped with all essentials, this tour offers a perfect blend of active exploration and cultural immersion. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Cycling through the stunning landscapes of the south of France

  • Exploring historic towns and cities of Lyon, Orange, and Vienne

  • Following the dedicated cycle route connecting the Rhône-Alpes region with Provence

  • Visiting the Musée des Confluences in Lyon

  • Cycling past vineyards and the nature reserve of L’Île au Beurre

  • Riding through the rugged Ardèche region with its exceptional caves and archaeological sites

  • Crossing the historic suspension footbridge at Rochemaure

  • Pedaling through impressive natural scenery and the charming village of Pont-Saint-Esprit

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Lyon

Location: Lyon

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to Lyon and your hotel. Since 1998 Lyon’s beautiful old town has been listed with UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Grand churches, about 30 museums to discover and a superb culinary scene guarantee an interesting and delightful stay. Your bike will be delivered today or by 9am tomorrow morning.

Day 2 : Cycle To Vienne Via The Musée Des Confluences (34Km/21.5Mi)

Location: Vienne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll leave behind the buzz of Lyon, and cycle through the towns of Grigny and Givors, and on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than elsewhere along the Rhône, where museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. Overnight in Vienne.

Day 3 : Cycle Past Vineyards To Serrières (34Km/21.5Mi)

Location: Serrières

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's cycling offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre bears witness to the Rhône’s wild side. Then via steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, this stage will particularly delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. Overnight in Serrières.

Day 4 : Ride To The Northern Gateway To Provence, Valence (60Km/37Mi)

Location: Valence

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The itinerary today runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first stage of the Via Rhona Cycle Path that enters the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (French county) on the Rhône’s west flank. The Ardèche is known for its exceptional caves, archaeological sites, characterful villages, châteaux and nature reserves. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving in Tournon-sur-Rhone enjoy a pleasant break and soak in the Gallo-Roman history. In the afternoon, there is much to enchant you, including pretty villages in typical southern style. The town of Valence, the capital of the Drôme département, is a great introduction to the south, with its colorful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters. Overnight in Valence

Day 5 : Cycle Through The Orchards Of The Rhône-Valley To Montélimar (71Km/44Mi)

Location: Montélimar

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

As you leave Valence's southern river port of L'Epervière, the route leads you back onto the western, Ardèche bank of the Rhône. Continuing south, you'll cycle on the suspension footbridge at Rochemaure, which is a great experience. Built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont (old bridge), it is an historic bridge over the Rhône. Continue to the town of Montélimar, where a human presence has existed for more than 50,000 years. Renowned for its nougat, Montélimar is a pleasant city to explore. You can take a tour of the oldest nougat factory, or enjoy a stroll in the old city centre. Overnight in Montélimar.

Day 6 : Cycle Via Bourg St Andéol To Pierrelatte (30Km/18.75Mi)

Location: Pierrelatte

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Montélimar, you'll cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through the historic medieval town of Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, whose treasures include a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity (the 'Gouls du Vallon de Tourne' springs). The short cycle itinerary is packed with heritage and religious treasures including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. Those who love history as well as nature will particularly enjoy the stage. Crossing the bridge over the Rhone, continue along small roads to Pierrelatte which also has an interesting story about its creation. The town's name is derived from Petralatta, or thrown rock, because it was said that the giant Gargantua was tired from his travels and sat down on Mont Ventoux to take a stone out of his shoe. He threw the stone into the middle of a vast plain and where it landed became Pierrelatte. The large rock is a feature of the town and used as a backdrop for open air theatre and concerts. The town itself has a lovely historic heart to explore.

Day 7 : Cycle Past Sunflower Fields To Orange (50Km/31Mi)

Location: Orange

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll pedal through impressive natural scenery, delighting in the scents of Provence and passing through the charming village of Pont-Saint-Esprit. In the afternoon you'll reach the beautiful city of Orange. Of the numerous Roman buildings and monuments originally built, you still can see parts of the City Wall, the Arc de Triomphe and the Theatre (UNESCO heritage listed), the stage wall of which the Sun King, Louis XIV, described as the most beautiful wall in his country. Overnight in Orange.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Orange

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast in Orange. We can assist with extra nights accommodation if you'd like to further explore Orange, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights hotels

  • 7 breakfasts

    Continental style breakfasts generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea, and juices.

  • 7 nights accommodation

    Stay in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Upgrade to 3-4 star hotels available for a supplement.

  • Digital information pack

    Includes a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks.

  • Hybrid rental bike

    Equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder, and repair kit. Electric bike available on request for a supplement.

  • Luggage transfer

    One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. Supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Tourist tax

    Tourist tax is included in the package.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Lyon and from Orange

    Travel to the starting point in Lyon and from the endpoint in Orange is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Drinks and meals other than the included breakfasts are not provided.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.

  • E-bike hire

    Electric bike hire is available for a supplement.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no tour guide is provided.

  • Single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are not covered.

  • Transfers

    Transfers not listed as included are not provided.

  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for luggage exceeding the 20kg limit.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing your own handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included in the package.

  • Printed documents

    Printed documents are available at an additional cost and must be requested in advance.

Grading

The cycling is a moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 30 to 71km/18.5 to 37mi over relatively flat to lightly undulating terrain. The Rhone cycle path is overall well-constructed and signposted making it easy to follow. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. Electric bikes are available on request (supplement applies). ...more ...less

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.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder, and repair kit. Electric bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Upgrades to 3-4 star hotels are available for an additional supplement.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is provided for the tour?

    The tour provides a hybrid rental bike equipped with a pannier, anti-theft device, helmet, bike computer, map holder, and repair kit. Electric bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

  • What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Upgrades to 3-4 star hotels are available for an additional supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 continental style breakfasts. Other meals and drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?

    Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip.

  • What should I carry during the cycling day?

    During the cycling 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.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included?

    Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are not covered in the tour package.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage of the tour?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included in the tour package.

  • Is a tour guide provided during the cycling holiday?

    No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday; no tour guide is provided.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

D. Beard(Napier, Australia)  

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

11 Jun 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our bike trip from Lyon to Orange. Great scenery and very good cycling paths. Would recommend this trip.

Geoffrey Jack(Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia)  

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

3 Jul 2024

Very good quality bikes & equipment and reliable delivery of luggage. All accomodatton very good except Ibis Vienne was substandard.

Lois Loo(Sandy Bay, TAS, Australia)  

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

2 Jul 2024

It was well arranged and baggage transfer was always in good timing. Except we were miss informed on 2nd nt accommodation but was referred to go to another accommodation. All other up graded hotel were very nice boutique style. The best was Domaine des Olivier and their restaurant was rather good standard. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

8 Days Starting in Lyon, France and ending in Orange, France

Visiting: Lyon, Vienne, Serrières, Valence, Montélimar, Pierrelatte, Orange

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

RLP

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing

From: $1860 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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