322 km au fil du Rhône
Au départ du superbe lac Léman, trait d’union entre la Suisse et la France, ce tronçon de ViaRhôna serpente entre les monts et vallées du Haut-Rhône pour rejoindre l’élégante capitale des gaules. L’itinéraire conduit d’abord les cyclistes à travers le vignoble genevois, les paysages et panoramas des Alpes, à couper le souffle, alternant gorges, lacs, cascades, marais, châteaux et villages authentiques. Une vraie bouffée de nature ! Il se termine dans une ambiance plus urbaine mais tout aussi majestueuse. L’arrivée dans Lyon s’effectue en effet depuis la rive gauche, où l’on aperçoit l’Opéra, l’Hôtel de Ville et l’Hôtel Dieu qui servent d’écrin à la ViaRhôna. Cette balade citadine, le long des Berges du Rhône et de ses péniches, se poursuit jusqu’ au nouveau quartier de Confluence, à l’architecture novatrice symbolisée par le musée des Confluences.
Custom route
Custom route
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 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.
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.
Thonon / Geneva
After Thonon-les-Bains, the ViaRhôna cycle route leads you along a mix of cycle tracks and quiet roads, through villages in the Bas-Chablais area. Don’t miss the stunning medieval villages of Yvoire and Nernier right by Lake Geneva. There are numerous other short detours to make to little ports and beaches, great for a dip. Reaching Chens-sur-Léman, while awaiting the continuation of the ViaRhôna cycle route further west into France, we suggest you carry on along the signposted cycle route into Switzerland leading you as far as Geneva.
Geneva / Vulbens
This ViaRhôna stage keeps within the Franco-Swiss border area. You start in the splendid Swiss town of Geneva, beside its famous lake. Known as a buzzing international city these days, Geneva has preserved its traditional Swiss feel too. This ViaRhôna stage leads you via signposted small roads and greenways into the vineyards close to town and on through verdant countryside towards the Alps.
Vulbens / Seyssel
This ViaRhôna stage takes you up and down through spectacular scenery, offering splendid views over the Rhône Valley. You go through the dramatic Défilé de l’Ecluse before reaching Seyssel, an important river port since ancient times. Today it’s a charming stop, both for cultural activities and leisure ones based around the river. This stage uses roads that can be busy, so it is only recommended for experienced cyclists.
Seyssel / Chanaz / Belley
This ViaRhôna stage goes along both banks of the Rhône. This route is provisional. It leads between crests and plateaux, through landscapes marked by lakes and waterfalls. Then you come to a land of vineyards and gastronomy set below the Bugey Range, passing delightful little historic stops like Belley, Culoz and Chanaz. This physically-demanding stage is along a mix of greenways and roads.
Belley / St-Genix-sur-Guiers / Groslée
This ViaRhôna stage meanders through the beautiful Bugey area, between the majestic Rhône and the Lavours Marshes, below the imposing Grand Colombier Mountain. To the south, enjoy the Haut-Rhône plain, the mountains and the vineyards, arriving at the Pays de Lhuis and Izieu through magnificently varied countryside. On this stage, you follow greenways and laid-out roads, except when going through La Balme’s tunnels, where the road is narrow and very busy .
Groslée / La Balme-les-Grottes
This ViaRhôna stage takes you through unspoilt countryside beside the Rhône. Hidden in the magnificent landscapes of the southern Bugey, with their mountains and forests, lie splendid lakes and marshes. You pass lovely villages like Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. A lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Lagnieu. At Lagnieu Bridge, follow the D 1075 and D 65 to join La-Balme-les-Grottes, Be careful on the road (no signposting).
La Balme-les-Grottes / Jons
At the Bugey area’s southern edge, this ViaRhôna stage distances itself slightly from the Rhône to head up to the Balconies on the Rhône, boasting traditional villages, castles and vineyards. At Anthon, the Ain River joins the Rhône, creating a remarkable natural site in stark contrast to Lyon’s sprawling metropolis not far off. Continue to Jons (a village on the edge of Greater Lyon), the Canal de Jonage and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. This provisional stage follows small roads.
Jons / Lyon
This ViaRhôna stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Then enjoy the magnificent cycle route through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a brand-new quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. The route is along greenways, but without specific signposting.