This remarkable ViaRhôna stage offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, bearing witness to the Rhône’s wild side, via steeply terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, this stage will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. You follow greenways for almost the entire length, joining a road to enter Sablons.

This ViaRhôna stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first ViaRhôna stage to enter the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (or French county) on the mighty Rhône’s west flank. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving at the town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, follow the provisional signage to continue along the route.

This easy ViaRhôna stage offers a gentle introduction to the South of France. There’s much to enchant: pretty villages in typical southern style; a surprising branch of the Rhône encircling La Roche-de-Glun; and biodiversity. The big town of Valence presages Provence to the south, with its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters, including pedestrianized area. This stage goes along greenways, except through Valence.