Lyon city
T.Prudhomme

Festive ViaRhôna from Lyon to Avignon

A cycling route of festivals

The ViaRhôna® is a cycle route from Lake Geneva all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. This section from Lyon to Avignon is broken down into a 7-day trip that you can adapt to your pace. From the capital of the Gauls to the City of Popes, these vibrant cities host plenty of festivals all year long! You'll discover Lyon, Vienne, Andancette, Valence, Montélimar, Pont-Saint-Esprit, and Orange: your stopover cities along the way. Your route heads south through terraced vineyards, hilltop villages, orchards, and lavender fields imbued with the aromas of Provence. Embark on a fantastic cycling holiday!
A note from MyTripTailor: This itinerary is also great to explore outside of the festival season. If you would like to attend a particular festival on the route, be sure to check the dates and ticket availability in advance.

Highlights of your itinerary

  • Stopover towns with renowned festivals
  • A stretch of the ViaRhôna combining nature and heritage
  • A one-week cycling itinerary, easily adaptable with the train stations along the route
  • The magnificent Rhône River as your guide
  • The route is signposted and fully-equipped for almost the entire length.

 

Jazz in Vienne
B. Robert

Day 1 : Lyon - Vienne

1 night in Vienne

Start with a lovely visit of Lyon on a pleasant ride along the riverbanks. Cycling paths are not yet in place, so we recommend taking the train from Lyon to Vienne to begin your trip. A Town of Art and History, Vienne boasts exceptional ancient, Gothic, and Renaissance heritage. Every summer, its majestic ancient theatre hosts the famous "Jazz à Vienne" music festival. Across the Rhône, the Gallo-Roman museum of St-Romain-en-Gal is worth the detour to explore the history of the river from antiquity to the present day.  

  • Distance: 34km
  • Elevation gain: 69m / 80m
  • Altitude: 148m / 197m

 

Jazz in Vienne Festival
P. Blanc

Day 2 : Vienne - Andancette

1 night in Andancette

The route winds its way through the prestigious vineyards of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. On the greenway to Sablons, you'll enjoy the pleasant landscapes of the Rhône in a fantastic natural setting. The itinerary passes through the Ile du Beurre, an unspoilt nature reserve with two observatories. You can stop for a refreshing break at the recreation area of Condrieu – Les Roches. Just before Sablons, the Ile de La Platière nature reserve is a good spot for another break surrounded by beautiful greenery. The ViaRhôna® then offers splendid views of the wild river all the way to the small village of Andancette, where one of the oldest suspension bridges over the Rhône connects to Andance on the opposite bank. 

  • Distance : 44km
  • Elevation gain : + 22m / - 41m
  • Elevation : 123m / 162m
Cycling on the ViaRhôna
T.Prudhomme

Day 3 : Andancette - Valence

1 night in Valence

You'll hop back on your bike for a day following both banks of the Rhône on your way to Valence. In Tournon-sur-Rhône, stop and soak up the atmosphere of this pleasant town along the waterfront, and then cross to the other side of the river to visit the Cité du Chocolat in Tain l'Hermitage, as well as the M. Chapoutier shop for wine enthusiasts. Renowned wines and prestigious chocolate to delight all cyclists. You can also sign up for a stroll through the vineyards. You'll then continue along the greenway until arriving in vibrant Valence with its southern charms. A Town of Art and History, this gourmet destination is home to chef Anne-Sophie Pic and her 3 Michelin stars. Enjoy a lovely stroll through its little streets and shady squares for a taste of the south!     

  • Distance : 48km
  • Dénivelé : + 46m / - 50m
  • Altitude 107m / 150m
Fort Saint-André in Avignon
C.Martelet

Day 4 : Valence - Montélimar

1 night in Montélimar

You'll leave Valence by the Port de l'Epervière where you can stop at the recreation area before setting off. Today, the ViaRhôna will take you to Ardèche along greenways and small shared roads with little traffic. You can stop in Soissons to explore its caves and the archaeological museum. The route then crosses the picturesque village of Beauchastel, and continues to La Voulte-sur-Rhône where you can take a break. Further down, the confluence of the Rhône and Drôme rivers is the site of the unspoilt Pintegarde nature reserve. After Le Pouzin, you'll make your way down to Cruas with its magnificent abbey church. Architectural and industrial heritage stand harmoniously side by side near the end of the day's ride, all the way to Rochemaure and its Himalayan footbridge built on the pillars of the old bridge. You can then explore the Provencal streets of Montélimar with its Adhémar Castle and famous nougat! 

  • Distance : 63km
  • Elevation gain : + 17m / - 64m
  • Elevation : 68m / 122m
Cycling on the ViaRhôna
C.Martelet

Day 5 : Montélimar - Bourg Saint Andréol

1 night in Bourg Saint Andréol

Today, the itinerary arrives at the border between southern Ardèche and Drôme Provençale. You'll ride along greenways and small roads through ever-resplendent nature. This beautiful stage includes the exceptional perched village of Viviers and a few fortified castles clinging to the cliffs. It’s a short ride, so you can take a few detours if you like. Spend the afternoon at the crocodile farm of Pierrelatte, across from Bourg-Saint-Andeol. You'll then return to Bourg-Saint-Andeol for the evening where you can explore the town's history on a leisurely stroll. 

  • Distance : 29km
  • Elevation gain : + 53m / - 81m
  • Elevation : 50m / 83m
Cyclists cross the Rhône river
C.Martelet

Day 6 :  Bourg Saint Andréol - Orange

1 night in Orange

Charming country roads lead to the gateway of Provence and the historic town of Pont-St-Esprit. Then, you'll continue your ride along the small roads of the temporary ViaRhôna® itinerary, through fields and medieval villages. Mornas offers a breathtaking panorama of the Rhône Valley from its fabulous 12th-century fortress perched on a cliff. The castle boasts fun and entertaining activities and events from its passionate enthusiasts. You'll then continue on to the lake of Li Piboulo (swimming permitted in summer). The itinerary follows the well-equipped banks of the Rhône to Caderousse, nestled behind its levee protecting it from river flooding. Shortly after the village, you'll leave the Rhône behind and veer left towards Orange. At the end of the day, enjoy a stroll through the lively streets of this town of princes and see its ancient theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts the Chorégies lyric art festival every summer. Saint Eutrope hill boasts a beautiful view of the ancient theatre and the orange rooftops of the city. A note from MyTripTailor: Be careful on the old bridge of Pont Saint-Esprit, there is no bike lane. In Mornas, leave your bikes at the foot of the village (at the tourist office or at the café) for the steep climb to the castle: the site and the view are well worth it!   

  • Distance : 50km
  • Elevation gain : + 17m / - 9m
  • Altitude : 27m / 55m
Cyclists eating an ice cream on a terrace
C.Martelet

Day 7 : Orange - Avignon

Today, you'll leave Orange and meet back up with the shared route upstream from the hamlet of Grès. After crossing the D72, you'll climb to the prestigious vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its unique terroir. You can take the narrow streets up to the belvedere of the castle for a splendid view of the river and Mont Ventoux. Be sure to visit the Wine Museum, and take the time for a tasting. You'll then continue toward Sorgues, with its lush green Île de l’Oiselay nature site and the Pont des Arméniers bridge. The route enters Avignon via the greenway of the canal path. Then it's time to explore Avignon: the Palais des Papes and its famous bridge are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of an theatrical city that hosts the world's largest theatre festival during the summer. A note from MyTripTailor: Be careful along the 4-km stretch from Sorgues to Le Pontet. If travelling with children, it is recommended to take the train from Sorgues. 

  • Distance : 36km
  • Elevation gain : + 117m / - 135m
  • Elevation : 20m / 114m

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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.
Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône / Le Pouzin

Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône / Le Pouzin

33 km
2 h 12 min
I begin / Family
After a halt at Valence’s southern river port of L'Epervière, ViaRhôna leads you back onto the western, Ardèche bank of the Rhône. The Ardèche is known for its exceptional caves, archaeological sites, characterful villages, châteaux and nature reserves. From La Voulte-sur-Rhône, you can discover rugged central Ardèche by taking the Dolce Via route up the Eyrieux Valley. Continuing south along ViaRhôna, cross the Printegarde Nature Reserve to reach Le Pouzin after another short trip across the Rhône into the Drôme.
Le Pouzin / Cruas / Châteauneuf-du-Rhône / Viviers

Le Pouzin / Cruas / Châteauneuf-du-Rhône / Viviers

40 km
2 h 41 min
I begin / Family
ViaRhôna cycle route continues south towards Cruas. Heritage sites stand out in this area. Cruas Abbey, with its extraordinary medieval architecture, contrasts greatly with the industrial heritage around here, marked by cement-making works. An intriguing link between old and new is provided by the recent Himalayan-style footbridge at Rochemaure, built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont, an historic bridge over the Rhône.
Viviers / Bourg-Saint-Andéol / Lapalud

Viviers / Bourg-Saint-Andéol / Lapalud

32 km
2 h 07 min
I begin / Family
Leaving Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through historic towns: Viviers, with its medieval spirit; Bourg-Saint-Andéol, its treasures including a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity; and Pont-Saint-Esprit. This ViaRhôna stage is packed with heritage treasures, especially religious ones, including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. Those who love history as well as nature can enjoy their fill. The route takes you along portions of greenway and of quiet roads.
Lapalud / Caderousse

Lapalud / Caderousse

29 km
1 h 55 min
I cycle often
A provisional stretch of the ViaRhôna route has been signposted south from Lapalud, following the Rhône’s east bank through the county of Vaucluse. Cross the agricultural plain to the Canal de Donzère. Next, the route squeezes between the Rhône and parallel motorway, with links indicated to the medieval villages of Mondragon, Mornas and Piolenc and the town of Orange with its grand Roman remains. Fancy a dip in a lake? Try Les Girardes or Li Piboulos before continuing south along a Rhône-side greenway. End gently at the Provençal village of Caderousse, its dykes built to protect it from flooding by the tempestuous Rhône.
Caderousse / Avignon

Caderousse / Avignon

26 km
2 h 24 min
I cycle often
Leave the village of Caderousse using a provisional stretch of the ViaRhôna route leading to the famed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The way takes you along steep vine-covered slopes with beautiful views down on the Rhône Valley. However, reaching the 3.5km stretch of retail parks and industrial zones in the parishes of Sorgues and Le Pontet, take care until you reach the canal-side greenway leading into Avignon. Enjoy impressive first views of France’s historic papal city as you approach it.