Cycling along the banks of the Rhône in Lyon
Christian Martelet - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme

Cycling and Gastronomy in the Rhône Valley

4 gourmet days between Lyon and Valence

This itinerary through the Rhône Valley is accessible to all riders, a delicious blend of cycling and gastronomy. You'll spend the first two days in the cities of Lyon and Vienne before setting out for two days on the ViaRhôna cycle route. 
Starting in Lyon, the capital of gastronomy, your gourmet journey continues to Vienne, a Town of Art and History. The route then follows the Rhône Valley, with views of terraced vineyards and names that wine enthusiasts will surely know, including Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. Be sure to stop at the Cité du Chocolat in Tain l'Hermitage. The itinerary ends in Valence, the gateway to Provence, where the 3-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic welcomes guests at her restaurant and brasserie.

Highlights of your itinerary

  • 4 days of cycling along the Rhône River 
  • A gourmet itinerary through nature 
  • Tastings at every turn 
  • Explore towns with rich histories 
People at a table in a Lyon restaurant
M. Kirchgessner

Day 1 : Lyon

1 day in Lyon

Your journey begins in Lyon, the capital of gastronomy. Since the Roman Empire, the city has stood out for its culinary traditions. In the 19th century, Lyon's reputation flourished under talented female chefs, the famous "Mères of Lyon". The city is also known for its "bouchon" restaurants serving traditional Lyon cuisine like grattons, tabliers de sapeur, and quenelles. A visit to the Halles Paul Bocuse market is a must to experience the excellence of Lyon's gastronomy.

  • Distance : 4,6km
  • Elevation gain : 163m / 187m
Terrace cyclists in front of the Roman temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienna
M. Rougy

Day 2 : Lyon - Vienne

1 night in Vienne

You'll take the train from Lyon to Vienne (20 min) since there is no cycling path between these cities yet. This splendid town boasts 2,500 years of history, with many Roman-era monuments.  The famous Jazz à Vienne festival takes place in the ancient theatre every summer. Stop for a visit at the Gallo-Roman museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. As for gastronomy, the renowned restaurant La Pyramide shines brightly with its 2 Michelin stars. In the city, local cheese and fruit producers showcase their renowned expertise.

  • Distance : 34km
  • Elevation gain : 148m / 201m
T.Prudhomme

Day 3 : Vienne - Andancette

1 night in  Andancette

You'll hop on your bike to take the path out of Vienne towards Andancette. This remarkable stage of the ViaRhôna boasts a wide variety of landscapes. After Vienne, you'll cross the Île du Beurre nature reserve in the heart of the wild Rhône River. Admire the terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie and the first orchards of the Rhône Valley. Stop to enjoy a tasting of AOC wines (in moderation). Something to satisfy nature lovers, history buffs, and wine connoisseurs alike! 

  • Distance : 44km
  • Elevation gain : 123m / 162m
Tournon-sur-Rhône on the opposite bank
C.Martelet

Day 4 : Andancette - Valence

You'll leave Andancette and continue your cycling itinerary between orchards and vineyards, where Saint-Joseph wine reigns supreme. It's a short ride to Tournon-sur-Rhône. You'll cross the bridge to the other side of the river to arrive in Tain l'Hermitage: a gourmet stop at the Cité du Chocolat is a must. With your bags filled with sweet treats, you'll continue on towards Valence. Its squares and pedestrian streets give it an air of Provence, and its rich history is seen in each of its monuments. Foodies are spoilt for choice with local producers, regional specialties, and a Michelin-starred chef. 

  • Distance : 48km
  • Elevation gain : 107m / 150m

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Lyon / Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne

Lyon / Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne

36 km
2 h 21 min
I cycle often
After buzzing Lyon, this ViaRhôna stage leads through the towns of Grigny and Givors, on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than anywhere else along the Rhône. Museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. A provisional link goes along the Rhône’s west bank, on very busy roads. Best take a train from Lyon to Givors.
Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne / Sablons

Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne / Sablons

33 km
2 h 11 min
I begin / Family
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

Sablons / Sarras / Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun

36 km
2 h 25 min
I begin / Family
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.
Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun / Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône

Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun / Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône

24 km
1 h 39 min
I begin / Family
This easy ViaRhôna stage offers a gentle introduction to the South of France. There’s much to enchant: pretty villages in typical southern style; a surprising branch of the Rhône encircling La Roche-de-Glun; and biodiversity. The big town of Valence presages Provence to the south, with its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters, including pedestrianized area. This stage goes along greenways, except through Valence.