The ViaRhôna from Geneva to Lyon

Weekend (2-3 days)

I cycle often

3 days of cycling through the mountains of Savoie

A beautiful stretch of the ViaRhôna® designed for experienced cyclists! From Seyssel to Lyon, the wild Rhône River majestically winds its way through the landscapes of Savoie. Starting from Seyssel, you'll enter the breathtaking Alps with its mountains, lakes, gorges, valleys, villages, and waterfalls. The trip ends with a gentle ride into the urban setting of Lyon. Between mountains and valleys, you'll cycle along the Rhône from the Bugey Mountains to the capital of gastronomy.

For a stress-free first day, we recommend arriving in Seyssel a day early.

Day 1 : Seyssel - Belley

You'll leave Seyssel via the greenway for this challenging first day. At the Fier River, the itinerary takes the D991 and then the D904, steep roads with heavy traffic. You’ll need to be very cautious until reaching the Pont de la Loi bridge. On this stage, you'll ride along both banks of the Rhône. Ridges, plateaus, lakes, lush greenery, vineyards, and wine-growing villages dot the path of this temporary route. In Chanaz, you can take a fun break at the town's recreation area, or stop along the Savière Canal. You'll then cross the Rhône to the ancient Roman city of Belley. Variation: In Chanaz, you can take the Boat + Bike connection to Aix-les-Bains across Lake Bourget. Prior booking is required on website of the Compagnie des Bateaux Aix-les-Bains.

Distance : 33km
Elevation gain: +82m / -103m
Elevation: 226m / 300m

Day 2 : Belley - Villebois

This section of your route is almost entirely on beautiful greenways. You'll need to be careful, however, along a 3-km stretch between Virignin and La Balme, where there is no cycle path until autumn 2019. For now, the route follows a busy and steep road that crosses through three tunnels, so proceed with caution! On your day through the Bugey region, you'll enjoy views of the Grand Colombier Mountans, the marshes of Lavour, and of course ever-present and imposing Rhône. Under a beautiful light, you'll follow plains, mountains, and vineyards. In the southern Bugey region, the nature of the Rhône gives way to ponds, lakes, and forests. Be sure to stop in Morestel, a lovely small town of painters, before reaching the Vallée Bleu recreation area in the town of Montalieu-Vercieu. Here, the Rhône forms a vast, 180 ha river lake with plenty of activities on offer, including paddleboarding, canoeing, jet skiing, mountain biking, and rail biking. Then it's just a few kilometres more to reach your stopover for the evening in Villebois.

Distance : 78km
Elevation gain : + 173m / - 202m
Elevation: 198m / 329m

Day 3 : Villebois - Lyon

The banks of the Rhone will be your guide on this final day through nature and towns. Marvel at the Roman bridge in Sault-Brénaz that has been rebuilt several times. Further on, the Espace Eau Vive offers whitewater sports on an artificial river. You'll pass through St Sorlin-en-Bugey nestled between a cliff of the Bugey Mountains and the Rhône. After the town of Lagnieu, you can take a break in La Balme-les-Grottes to visit its famous caves and picturesque town centre. The temporary route crosses charming stone villages including Hieres-sur-Amby, the starting point for the archaeological site of Larina that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The top of the site offers views of the plains of the Rhône and Ain rivers and the Bugey power plant. It's a short detour to Anthon, where the Ain River flows into the Rhône. You'll then arrive in Jons, a small village on the edge of Greater Lyon, famous for the Jonage Canal and the large Miribel-Jonage Park. It's one of the largest suburban parks in Europe, with plenty of activities on offer, both on land on the water, including tennis, golf, sailing, and canoeing. The day ends with a superb urban ride along the banks of the Rhône, with a view of Lyon's City Hall and Opera House. You'll ride into a new futuristic neighbourhood where the Rhône meets up with the Saône, symbolised by the Musée des Confluences.

Distance : 75km
Elevation gain : + 157m / - 180m
Elevation : 164m / 274m