ViaRhôna

Almost 40km in length, this cycling loop from Belley, the capital of the Bugey region, gives pride of place to quiet roads and small villages and hamlets with architecture so atypical of this southern part of the Ain département. A favourite playground for the Randonnée des lacs en Bugey, the Gland valley is famous for its winding roads and small villages bordered by lakes and streams.

This nearly 30 km cycling route, starting from Lake Lit du Roi along the ViaRhôna, departs from the Voie Verte and the Rhône River to explore the tranquil wine-producing villages of Bugey and their must-visit wine cellars. Along this loop, you'll also discover Lake Barterand and its sculpted rocks, where swimming is supervised during the summer period. Finally, don't miss the charming village of Ceyzérieu overlooking the Lavours Marsh Nature Reserve at the foot of the Grand Colombier.

From Vienne, this cycling loop winds along small roads amidst vineyards and orchards, where over thirty types of fruits thrive. Wine enthusiasts will take the time to discover the wines of Vienne, which have been revitalized with fruity flavors. For something stronger, the Pear Brandy is a local specialty to savor at the Colombier distillery in Villette-sur-Vienne. Vienne alone is worth the visit. This city, labeled for its art and history, boasts around forty remarkable monuments inherited from the Gallo-Roman era and houses the only Renaissance-style castle in Isère. If you combine your visit with the Jazz festival held every July in the unique acoustics of the ancient theater, then the highlight of your journey is guaranteed! This loop is not overly challenging despite a few hills.

Starting from Tain-l'Hermitage, this cycling loop introduces you to the typical landscapes of vineyards and orchards that define this region, with the added bonus of a superb panorama of the Rhône and Isère valleys. This ride takes you to the famous "Roches qui dansent" (Dancing Rocks), a collection of 51 rocks scattered on a hillside of chestnut and oak trees. You'll pedal along small country roads as well as sections of the Viarhôna route and the cycle path along the Isère river.

Starting from Valence, this family-friendly cycling loop of 26 km leads you to the Lorient Park, a sensitive natural area and a true haven of peace for a well-deserved break. On the way back, you'll enjoy a superb panorama of the Crussol Castle and the leaning tower of Soyons. Just before descending towards the Rhône, you'll cross the Lautagne plateau, which housed significant Roman camps during antiquity. The loop concludes by returning to Valence via the ViaRhôna route, passing through the leisure area of l’Epervière, one of the largest river marinas in France. This cycling excursion is mostly on dedicated paths and doesn't pose major difficulties.

This beautiful route within the "Country of Art and History" is ideal for a day combining sports and visits to the two flagship heritage sites of the region. This cycling loop follows both banks of the Rhône with a stop in Bourg-Saint-Andéol and Viviers, two small towns with remarkable architecture. Ride up the river via the ViaRhôna route on a beautiful shaded path that allows you to observe the fauna and flora along the "lônes," the river's small wild arms. The return journey crosses a plain marked by lavender fields, orchards, and olive groves, and returns on the left bank from the suspension bridge of Robinet de Donzère.

Starting from Pont-Saint-Esprit, this easy cycling loop crosses through typical villages of Provence Occitane (Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, Carsan, and Saint-Alexandre), offering lovely views of the vineyards of the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux. Pont-Saint-Esprit is worth a stop to explore the numerous historical buildings in the town, including the Maison des Chevaliers, which houses the Museum of Sacred Art. Don't miss the vibrant Provençal market on Saturday mornings.

Starting from the Roman city of Orange, this cycling loop is a countryside stroll towards the Provençal village of Caderousse, located on the banks of the Rhône River and along the ViaRhôna route. Nicknamed the "green island," it's the perfect spot for a picnic by the Revestidou water body or, for enthusiasts, fishing in its fish-filled waters. The ride can be extended on the ViaRhôna, which is converted into a greenway from Caderousse towards Mornas or Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

A leisurely bike ride amidst lush greenery near the historic center of the City of Popes. Barthelasse Island is the largest river island in Europe, home to a 700-hectare agricultural land. Besides this agricultural landscape facing the Palais des Papes, the island boasts a virgin forest along the Rhône, hosting numerous bird species, a population of beavers, and the precious otter, all signs of preserved nature.

This 51 km cycling loop offers a beautiful escape into the heart of the Gard Camargue. At the crossroads of herding and winegrowing traditions, the route traverses the vineyards of Costières and orchards before reaching the rice fields and marshes, offering breathtaking panoramas of the regional landscapes, notably the Camargue ponds. In Saint-Gilles, don't miss the visit to the Abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A beautiful discovery of the Thau Lagoon awaits you on this cycling loop, exclusively on bike paths or greenways. Throughout the journey, the lagoon is ever-present. The sky, the sea, and the blue of the lagoon merge depending on the light and time of day. From Sète to Balaruc-les-Bains, embark on the shuttle boat for a brief crossing of the largest lake in Occitania. Back on land between Balaruc and Mèze, the route gains some elevation, offering the opportunity to appreciate the panorama of the oyster beds stretching parallel as far as the eye can see. The Pointe des Onglous also offers a beautiful spectacle, with Mont Saint-Clair standing out in the background behind the lighthouse. Crossing the Lido between the dunes invites you to take a swim. Of course, tasting oysters accompanied by a glass of Clairette du Languedoc or Costières de Nîmes wine will perfectly complement your picnic!

The surprising Maguelone Cathedral, perched on its island, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your outing. During this bike ride, nature is omnipresent in remarkably preserved areas. Keep your eyes open, as you will encounter numerous animals, from the laid-back flamingos perched on one or two legs to the Camargue horses and cows firmly planted on all four. This easy cycling loop is a great family outing.

The Camargue thrives with its multitude of ponds. This extensive cycling route offers an exploration towards the shores of one of the largest and most famous among them: the Vaccarès Pond. Starting from Arles, the capital of Camargue's history and culture, the route heads south, passing through market gardens and rice fields. It then opens up onto the shores of the Vaccarès Pond, revealing a succession of endless panoramas where water merges with the sky.

Between the ponds and the Grand Rhône, this intimate cycle tour takes cyclists to the heart of a domesticated Camargue. Canals, crops, architecture, livestock... all the ways in which mankind has exploited this unique area are at your fingertips. Starting at Le Sambuc, a typical hamlet with low houses, the route reveals the wealth of hydraulic structures. On either side of the small roads, you can see the rice fields and pastures where the traditional Camargue horses and bulls graze.