Saint-Gingolph / Thonon / Evian

Bike route of 30.10 km from Saint-Gingolph to Thonon (Note: route on departmental roads) On the shores of Lake Geneva, straddling the Franco-Swiss border, Saint-Gingolph marks the official start of the ViaRhôna route. The spa towns of Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are the highlights of the itinerary, pleasant spots to stroll and rest along the quays next to Lake Geneva. Warning: this route uses a busy departmental road and is therefore primarily intended for experienced cyclists. For families with children, we strongly recommend starting your ViaRhôna adventure in Thonon-les-Bains or Geneva.

The route

As the first stretch from Saint-Gingolph to Evian runs along a very busy county road, the D1005, it is only suitable for experienced cyclists. Just after the village of Meillerie, there is an alternative stretch, with steep slopes, going via Lugrin and Maxilly-sur-Léman to Evian.
Note that there is no signposting as you cycle through the town of Evian at time of publication.

We strongly recommend that families with children embarking on this cycle route, or inexperienced cyclists, begin in Evian-les-Bains or Thonon-les-Bains. There are train stations in both Evian and Thonon, as well as boat connections with the Swiss town of Lausanne (for those doing the Tour du Léman).

For an itinerary continuing around Lake Geneva in Switzerland, see this page.

SNCF train stations

Saint-Gingolph (Switzerland): www.sbb.ch/en
Evian-les-Bains
Thonon-les-Bains

Ferry ports on Lake Geneva
Saint-Gingolph (Switzerland)
Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains
Daily connections between Thonon, Evian and Lausanne, with bikes allowed on board

Tourist offices

• Saint-Gingolph Tourist Office Tel. +41 (0)24 481 84 31
• Evian-les-Bains Tourist Office Tel. +33 (0)4 50 75 04 26
• Thonon-les-Bains Tourist Office Tel. +33 (0)4 50 71 55 55

Don’t miss

Evian-les-Bains: the thermal spa town; the marina, gardens and lake-side promenades; the Palais Lumière, a major venue for exhibitions and events

Thonon-les-Bains: historic capital of the mountainous Chablais area; the thermal spa town; the clifftop gardens; the marina and great walks and viewing points over Lake Geneva

Cruises on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French)

Réserve naturelle du Delta de la Dranse (Dranse Delta Nature Reserve)

Château de Ripaille, its grounds and vineyard: a former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, with tours possible of the castle’s interiors, the grounds and the vineyard