4 days of cycling in Drôme and Ardèche
Set off on a bike trip on two cycle routes between Drôme and Ardèche! After a ride through Drôme on the ViaRhôna, you'll cross into Ardèche to meet up with the Dolce Via, a 90-km long easy cycle route on an old railway line. Orchards, mills, and artistic architectural structures bear witness to the valley's rich agricultural and industrial past. You'll then return to the ViaRhôna and follow the Rhône River to Montélimar, where you can stroll through its Provençal little streets.
Highlights of your itinerary
- Explore two cycling routes
- Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of Ardèche
- Beautiful stages
- Provence on the horizon
Day 1 : Valence - Soyons
1 night in Soyons
Your journey begins with a visit of Valence: its colorful markets, gardens, and welcoming pedestrian streets are filled with a delightful southern atmosphere! See the Peynet Kiosk and the carved heads of the Maison des Têtes. Be sure to stop into the Musée de Valence for its architecture and diverse collections, and of course its stunning view of the Rhône. You can take your time in the city since it's a short day of cycling ahead. You'll cycle along Jouvet Park and follow the ViaRhôna along the banks of the Rhône to the Port de l'Epervière. The cycle route then continues south, crossing the Pont des Lônes bridge on the way to Soyons in Ardèche, a significant prehistoric site.
- Distance : 8,4km
- Elevation gain : 103m / 130m
Day 2 : Soyons - Le Cheylard
1 night in the Cheylard
You'll leave Soyons for a long day of cycling, passing by caves, archaeological sites, picturesque villages, castles, and unspoilt natural areas. This section follows the ViaRhôna to La Voulte-sur-Rhône, where you’ll connect with the Dolce Via for a ride into the heart of Ardèche. The Dolce Via meanders along the Eyrieux River following an old railway line. You'll then enter the Eyrieux Gorges surrounded by dense vegetation. After arriving in Le Cheylard, you can relax at one of the many swimming spots or explore the cultural and scientific sites of the town. Overnight in Le Cheylard.
- Distance : 64km
- Elevation : 90m / 450m
Day 3 : Le Cheylard - Le Pouzin
1 night in the Pouzin
Today, you'll leave Le Cheylard and reconnect with the Dolce Via to meet back up with the ViaRhôna in La Voulte-sur-Rhône. You'll once again ride through the Eyrieux Gorges, with rich vegetation and chestnut trees so typical of Ardèche. You can take the Sarny Tunnel for a fun break at the adventure park. In La Voulte, you'll make your way back to the Rhône and follow the ViaRhôna to Le Pouzin.
- Distance : 53 km
Day 4 : Le Pouzin - Montélimar
For this last day of your cycling trip, you'll enter the Drôme Provençale where the cicadas sing. In Cruas, the contrast between the abbey and the industrial heritage of the cement factories testifies to the town's history. The itinerary includes the delightful crossing the Himalayan footbridge in Rochemaure. Your journey ends in the Provençal streets of Montélimar. It's the perfect place to taste the famous nougat, a well-deserved treat after all that cycling.
- Distance : 33km
- Elevation : 69m / 95m
Custom route
Custom route
Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône / Le Pouzin
