4 days of cycling, from Tain-l'Hermitage to Bourg-Saint-Andeol
A cycling route for the whole family! On this section of the ViaRhôna, you'll cover between 20 and 35 km per day, a suitable distance for younger cyclists. This itinerary has plenty of fun places to stop along the way to delight all ages: the Cité du Chocolat in Tain-l'Hermitage before you start, the Soyons caves, the Himalayan footbridge in Rochemaure, and the crocodile farm in Pierrelatte for a wonderous way to finish off your trip. Enjoy a delightful overview of Ardèche and Drôme as you hop from side to side of the Rhône during 4 days of nature and leisurely breaks.
A note from MyTripTailor: You can complete this section in just 3 days instead of 4: simply skip the night in La Voulte for a 55-km day from Valence from Montélimar (4 and a half hours of cycling at a leisurely pace).
Highlights of your itinerary
- 4 days of cycling along the Rhône River
A family-friendly itinerary
Fun and cultural activities along the way
A beautiful natural setting
Day 1 : Tain l'Hermitage - Valence
1 night in Valence
You can begin your journey in Tournon-sur-Rhône or Tain-l'Hermitage. The two cities sit on opposite sides of the Rhône River. From Tournon, take the footbridge to Tain and its not-to-be-missed chocolate museum. But don't indulge too much, your bike is waiting! You'll then cycle through the vineyards and hillsides of the famous Hermitage wine, as the barges sunbathe on the river near midday. The itinerary starts down the Rhône from Tournon in Ardèche and then crosses into Drôme at La Roche-de-Glun where you can enjoy a relaxing break at the recreation area. From there it's an hour's ride to Valence, a Town of Art and History that you can visit in the late afternoon.
- Distance : 22km
- Elevation gain: + 34m / - 77m
- Elevation : 107m / 134m
Day 2 : Valence - La Voulte sur Rhône
1 night in La Voulte sur Rhône
This short stage is a chance for a leisurely ride adapted to the pace of young riders. You'll leave Valence by the Port de l'Epervière and its recreation area where you can take your first break of the day. The ViaRhôna® then passes through charming and characterful villages including Soyons, with its caves and archaeological museum. Beauchastel's castle is also the perfect setting for a break. Then it's a gentle ride to La Voulte-sur-Rhône for your stopover. Here, take the family to visit the castle, the chapel of the princes, or Saint-Vincent Church, before ending the afternoon on the banks of the Rhône.
- Distance: 25 km
- Elevation gain : + 17m / - 60m
- Elevation : 91m / 126m
Day 3 : La Voulte sur Rhône - Montélimar
1 night in Montélimar
You'll leave La Voulte for another leisurely day. At the confluence of the Drôme and Rhône rivers is the flourishing Printegarde nature reserve. In Le Pouzin, you'll get back on the greenway along the Rhône, and then pass by Cruas with its splendid and well-preserved abbey church. You'll continue to Rochemaure, a village of character with the ruins of a medieval castle. The route then crosses to the Drôme side of the Rhône on the Himalayan footbridge suspended above the river, built on the pillars of the old bridge. A thrilling experience! You'll leave the greenway for the final kilometres to Montélimar.
- Distance : 40km
- Elevation gain : +52m / -54m
- Elevation : 69m / 97m
Day 4 : Montélimar - Bourg Saint Andréol
For your last day, you'll continue your ride along greenways at the crossroads of southern Ardèche and Drôme Provençale. After Chateauneuf-du-Rhône, the picturesque hilltop village of Viviers is worth a stop to admire the river from the promontory of this medieval city. Donzère, on the other bank, has an interesting Provençal Museum of popular arts and traditions. Try to make it to Bourg-Saint-Andeol in time to take a detour to the crocodile farm in Pierrelatte before you start your return journey. The kids can watch a feeding of these impressive animals! You can also stay overnight in Bourg-Saint-Andeol to have time to make the most of your last day.
- Distance : 29km
- Elevation gain : +49m / -68m
- Elevation : 50m / 91m