Vineyards and Grands Crus on the ViaRhôna

Holidays (5-8 days)

I cycle often

The Rhône Valley by bike, from Condrieu to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Embark on a cycling journey from Condrieu to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, two magical names that tantalize the taste buds! This section of the ViaRhôna® truly embodies its nickname of the "Pathway of Civilizations". The route winds through a land with a rich history of river navigation. Towns steeped in Gallo-Roman history dot the river, surrounded by famous vineyards stretching out along sunny slopes. Valence, a Town of Art and History, marks the gateway to the south. The air is filled with the scent of the lavender fields that bloom in June and July, the aroma gently tickling your nose. It's then a gentle ride towards Provence and the historic towns of Viviers, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Avignon. The Rhône River is wild here, meandering through orchards and southern fields.

Highlights of your itinerary

A challenging and scenic section
4 days of cycling along the Rhône River
Beautiful stages
Crossing the famous vineyards of the Rhône Valley

Day 1 : Condrieu - Tournon-sur-Rhône

1 night in Tournon-sur-Rhône

Your journey starts in Condrieu. To the west, the steep slopes of the Pilat Mountains are covered with the prestigious vineyards of Condrieu and St-Joseph. Once on your bike, you'll follow the Rhône to the south. At the entrance to Drôme and Ardèche, you'll find an almost continuous greenway that runs alongside the river. Be careful on the small section of road as you approach Sablons, and then enjoy the natural landscapes of the island of La Platière. Between vineyards and orchards, the itinerary weaves its way to the quays of Tournon, a cheerful and lively town dominated by its old castle. You can take a break for a tasting of Rhône Valley wines, before crossing over the river to Tain l'Hermitage for another type of tasting at the Cité du Chocolat.

Distance : 55km
Elevation gain : + 11m / - 31m
Elevation : 118m / 150m

Day 2 : Tournon-sur-Rhône - Montélimar

1 night à Montélimar

It's a great day of cycling ahead! After leaving Tournon, the ViaRhôna passes through Glun and crosses the Rhône at the boating village of La Roche-de-Glun. Next up is Valence, a charming city filled with the aromas of the south: pedestrian streets, shaded squares, and little café terraces. Its Port de l'Epervière is the largest river port in France. Facing Crussol Mountain, the ViaRhôna® continues to wind along the right bank of the river. Beauchastel and La Voulte mark the entrance to the Eyrieux Valley and the chance to set out on an escapade along the Dolce Via. You'll cross the village of Rochemaure and its impressive Himalayan footbridge before ending the day in Montélimar, the capital of nougat.

Distance : 89km
Elevation gain : + 33m / - 77m
Elevation : 68m / 134m

Day 3 : Montélimar - Bourg Saint Andréol

1 night in Bourg Saint Andréol

This day is a shorter ride along greenways and small roads at the crossroads of southern Ardèche and Drôme Provençale. The itinerary of this beautiful stage passes by the hilltop village of Viviers with its medieval charms with fortified castles clinging to the cliffs. The quick ride means you can arrive early in Bourg-Saint-Andeol to enjoy a tasting or explore the historic town and its famous private mansions.

Distance : 29km
Elevation gain : + 53m / - 81m
Elevation : 50m / 83m

Day 4 : Bourg Saint Andréol - Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

This last day racks up the kilometres! From Bourg-Saint-Andréol, you'll set off on charming little roads toward the gateway of Provence and the historic town of Pont-St-Esprit, where you can take your first cultural break of the day. Then, you'll ride through the fields along the country roads of the temporary section of the ViaRhôna®. Stop in Mornas at the fortress perched on a cliff for a spectacular view of the Rhône Valley. A shared path then leads to the lake of Li Piboulo (swimming allowed in summer). You'll then join back up with the bike path along the Rhône until Caderousse, a village nestled behind its dyke protecting it from floods. After crossing the D72, you'll climb up to the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard and its unique terroir of rolled pebbles overlooking the Rhone. Don't miss a tasting of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape in one of the many wineries in the town! You can then make your way up to the castle for a stunning panorama of the Rhône, Avignon, Mont Ventoux, and the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains. A note from MyTripTailor: Be careful on the bridge of Pont-Saint-Esprit bridge that is not adapted for cyclists. 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 : 57km
Elevation gain : + 91m / - 79m
Elevation : 27m / 114m

See the itinerary

Vineyards and Grands Crus on the ViaRhôna

The Rhône Valley by bike, from Condrieu to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Highlights of your itinerary

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