Seyssel / Chanaz / Belley
This stage of ViaRhôna follows both banks of the Rhône River. The temporary cycling route winds through ridges and plateaus, offering varied landscapes dotted with waterfalls and lakes. Further along, vineyards, local gastronomy, and charming small towns such as Belley, Culoz, and Chanaz punctuate the journey. Greenways and quiet roads alternate throughout this more challenging stage..
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
The route
Leaving Seyssel, the route begins on a greenway. From the Pont du Fier to the Pont de la Loi, a short climb takes you along quiet country lanes before joining newly developed cycling facilities running alongside the main road. The route then alternates between quiet roads and greenways from Pont de la Loi to Chanaz, followed by an excellent greenway all the way to Belley.
Alternative options
Road signed between Massignieu-de-Rives < > Yenne (8 km)
Canal de Savières <> Lac du Bourget: taking the D18 road alongside the canal
Don't miss :
Lavours: its marshes, declared a nature reserve in 1984, with a nature trail on raised boardwalks to fully appreciate this exceptional site.
Belley: a charming historic town with Roman roots. It’s renowned as the birthplace of Brillat-Savarin, a ground-breaking writer on gastronomy who encouraged the area’s culinary traditions.
Ruffieux: visit the prestigious Chautagne wine cellars here.
Chanaz: an enchanting village beside the Canal de Savières, offering an outdoor sports and recreation centre, cruises to Lac du Bourget, and tours of an historic walnut oil mill
Aix-les-Bains/Chambéry: reach the historic lake-side thermal spa town of Aix-les-Bains by boat from Chanaz; then a greenway, partly beside Lac du Bourget, leads south to Savoie’s historic capital, Chambéry. Bikes are accepted on boats from Chanaz, but you must book in advance: +33 (0)4 79 63 45 00
Markets :
Culoz : Wednesday morning
Belley : Saturday morning
Train stations:
Culoz:
- TER line 51: Chambéry > Culoz > Geneva
- TER line 35: Chambéry > Culoz > Ambérieu > Lyon
- TER line 03: Geneva > Bellegarde > Lyon
Vion-Chanaz:
- TER line 51: Chambéry > Culoz > Geneva
Check TER timetables in Rhône-Alpes
Tourist Information Centres :
- Office de Tourisme Haut Rhône Tel. +33 (0)4 50 59 26 56
- Office de Tourisme Bugey Sud Grand Colombier Tel. +33 (0)4 79 81 29 06
Office de tourisme Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes : 04 79 88 68 00
Path modification
The route has been updated and mainly on tarmac paths. It follows a slightly different route so follow signs and markings. If in doubt follow tarmac. At one point the Rhone has taken away the path. There is a temporary muddy short path avoiding the edge but difficult to cycle so we walked.