Saint-Gingolph / Thonon / Evian ViaRhôna
30,10 km cycling route from Saint-Gingolph to Thonon
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 will be highlights where it is pleasant to stroll and rest along the quays in the immediate vicinity of 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 from Thonon-les-Bains or Geneva.
Elevation of the stage
Waytypes of the stage
Surface of the stage
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 writing.
We strongly recommend that families with children embarking on this cycle route, or inexperienced cyclists, only start either at Evian-les-Bains or Thonon-les-Bains. There are stations at both Evian and Thonon, as well as boat links with the Swiss town of Lausanne (for those doing the Tour du Léman).
SNCF train stations
Gares SNCF
Evian-les-Bains
Thonon-les-Bains
Ferry ports on Lake Geneva
Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains
Daily links between Thonon, Evian and Lausanne, with bikes allowed on board : https://veloland.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/route-1
Tourist offices
- Evian-les-Bains : +33 (0)4 50 75 04 26
- Thonon-les-Bains : +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
Travellers’ reviews