From the vineyards of Tain to the dancing rocks - Cycling loop n°9

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.

Cycling Route n°9 - From the vineyards of Tain to the Dancing Rocks, starting from Tain-l'Hermitage

This loop is accessible to a wide audience but still requires regular practice (not recommended for beginners). Right from the start, the route climbs into the hills of Hermitage. The estimated duration of this loop is about 3 hours, covering a distance of 55 km with an elevation gain of 482 meters. There's a possible variant between Chanos and Tain L'Hermitage via Mercurol that shortens the route. In Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, you can join the Isère river via the cycle path, the Isère Valley (V63), all the way to Pont de l'Isère. Afterwards, the route follows the Rhône River back to Tain-l'Hermitage (alternative route ViaRhôna).

Route Markings for Route n°9

The loop is entirely marked with Drôme à Vélo signs for route n°9.

Highlights of this ride

• The vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage: The Hermitage hills, emblematic of the Rhône landscapes, are among the most beautiful wine sites in the region. At the heart of the Northern Côtes-du-Rhône vineyard, this site was classified in 2013. A very strong visual landmark, this vineyard covers all the south-facing hills and presents great landscape and historical interest.
• The Dancing Rocks in Saint-Barthélemy-de-Vals: A legend is behind the name of the Dancing Rocks. On Christmas Eve, in the moonlight and under the passing clouds, some believed they saw the rocks move. This geological curiosity is actually a site composed of large blocks of quartzite sandstone resulting from the consolidation of Eocene sands. Even today, imagination prevails over the geological reality of this unique natural area conducive to interpretation.
• Châteauneuf-sur-Isère: The village of Châteauneuf-sur-Isère is located on the left bank of the Isère River, between two hills of molassic sands. This municipality has a rich artisanal and industrial past, with former molassic quarries and troglodytic architectures carved into the rock.

Nearby Train Station

TER train station in Tain, departmental bus.