Landscapes and terroir
In a range designated a Parc Naturel Régional since 1974, the team looking after the Pilat strive to conserve and enhance the natural, human and historic riches of this exceptional mountain massif.
The Pilat Regional Nature Park covers over 700 km² of mid-sized mountains. It spans two départements (French counties), the Loire and the Rhône. Its varied lands, going from vineyards beside the Rhône to high plateaux at an altitude of around 1,000 m, offer many hiking and cycling possibilities, including mountain-bike trails. There are also traditional villages and historic sights to visit. A wide range of themed guided tours are organized in the park.
Custom route
Custom route
Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne / Sablons
This remarkable ViaRhôna stage offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, bearing witness to the Rhône’s wild side, via steeply terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, this stage will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. You follow greenways for almost the entire length, joining a road to enter Sablons.
Sablons / Sarras / Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun
This ViaRhôna stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first ViaRhôna stage to enter the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (or French county) on the mighty Rhône’s west flank. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving at the town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, follow the provisional signage to continue along the route.