Avignon

This stage combines wine (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its renowned vineyard), nature (river islands dot the route), and history. Starting in the village of Caderousse, follow the bike path along the dyke to Lake Revestidou, with swimming from the island of Brotteaux on the other side. ViaRhôna then follows the banks of the Rhône canal along a greenway, with beautiful views of Montfaucon Castle, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the tower of Hers. The route continues along quiet tree-lined roads on the Île de l’Oiselay to the Pont des Arméniers bridge, before returning to a greenway on the shaded, lush-green river island. After a few kilometres, the route links back up with the banks of the Rhône, and then crosses the river on an impressive suspended footbridge across from the Sauveterre dam. Inaugurated in autumn 2023, the bridge links Avignon with the Île de la Barthelasse, the largest river island in Europe. After the footbridge, the route follows a shared road for a few kilometres to the Parc des Libertés, before returning to a greenway along the canal of the right arm of the Rhone, all the way to Pont Daladier bridge. The arrival is truly "papal", with breathtaking views of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon and the city of popes, the majestic Rhône River, the famous Avignon Bridge, and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. Enjoy one of the best views of Avignon!

Take a last look back at the great papal city before ViaRhôna leads you across the Rhône into the county of the Gard. A dedicated cycle track will be put in place here; for the moment, follow the green strip of land between the TGV rail bridges and Aramon Bridge. Then the route zigzags between vineyards and orchards before joining the Pont du Gard Greenway, heading to the Rhône-side port of Beaucaire, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its rich historical legacy, and set at a point where the regions of Languedoc and Provence meet.