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Voyage vélo Cycling holidays in France Fietsreizen in Frankrijk
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Alps riviera

A loop tour in the Alps riviera: cycling between the Rhone, the canal and the lakes

Starting from Aix-les-Bains and the lake of Bourget, get onto your bike to pass the charming hamlets of Belley and Chanaz and enjoy the most magnificient landscapes of Savoy!

Reviews (5) :
4.80 / 5
Reference VR0704
  • Itinerant trip
  • 7 days
  • Moderate
  • from mid-April to September
  • Minimum age 14 years
GPSGPS-app available
From
Prices
949€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • Water is your element? It goes without saying you will enjoy this adventure!
    This loop-bike tour begins from Aix-les-Bains: soon you will discover the magnifient Rhône, the turquoise water of Bourget and Aiguebelette lakes but also the canal of Savière, the artifical lake of Cuchet or the waterfall of Glandieu.

    Ride on your own pace: the daily steps are enough to have the time to visit all the treasures of the region but if you want to cycle more you have the opportunity to make a detour and immerse yourself in the heart of the vineyards and beautiful landscapes!

    Enjoy nature and its calm atmosphere and be prepared to make some effort to enjoy even more the most beautiful places: that’s the recipe of this 7-day bike trip in the heart of the Alps Riviera.

    Day 1
     
     

    Arrival in Aix-les-Bains

    Arrival in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains. You feel like enjoying a bathing? The lake of Bourget, the largest natural lake of France, is just two steps ahead. Unless you prefer to stroll in the lively streets or visit the Faure museum?

    Day 2
     
     

    Aix-les-Bains - Yenne

    Altitude
    ±300m
    Bike
    28/48km
    Ride on the cycling path along the lake of Bourget: you will not resist to swim into it! After Le Bourget-du-Lac, you have to ride uphill in the Savoy region to reach the famous "Tunnel du chat" which is specially adapted to cyclists. You will not regret it by enjoying the view!
    It is time to enjoy a visit… and a wine tasting (with sobriety obviously) with the local wine-growers. You reach then Yenne, a typical village with old-time charm.

    Still need more? Lucky you, we have thought of an optional loop bike tour from Yenne! Cycle in the vineyards of Jongieux and enjoy a swimming in the lakes of Chevelu, a nice programme doesn’t it ?

    Day 3
     
     

    Yenne - Champagneux

    Altitude
    ±164m
    Bike
    20/32km
    Ride almost all-day on the cycle path and enjoy the bucolic countryside!
    When you arrive at your accommodation, you may cycle a small detour to Saint-Genix where you can enjoy a succulent cake with pralines and visit the Mandrin museum.

    Day 4
     
     

    Free day in Champagneux

    Bike
    48km
    After two days of cycling, you can choose to relax and enjoy the bucolic atmosphere of the region or to get on your bike for more adventures!

    - Loop bike tour of the waterfall of Glandieu (48km, A+ 126m)
    You will follow the well-equipped cycle path of the ViaRhôna. At the waterfall of Glandieu, you can admire the water gush from 60m of height! Stop at the bridge of Groslée, a nice atmosphere for a wine tasting before heading towards your accomodation. On the way, for the history buffs, do not miss the house of Izieu, a memorial for Jewish children.

    - Loop bike tour of the lake of Aiguebelette (48km, A+ 760m)
    Watch out, this is a challenging stage! Ride on small winding countryside roads that lead you to the crystalline waters of the lake of Aiguebelette. You will be amazed by the magnifient panoramas! On the way back, do not miss the visit of the castle of Montfleury before reaching Saint-Genix where you will be happy to taste the cake with pralines to reward you for your daily efforts.

    Day 5
     
     

    Champagneux - Belley

    Altitude
    ±106m
    Bike
    25/58km
    After you crossed the cornfields, you reach the cycle path of the ViaRhôna and ride peacefully next to the majestic river.
    It is time to change the atmosphere: cycle from Savoy to Ain region by crossing the bridge of Virignin which is specially fitted out for bikers! Enjoy the activity of its port before reaching Belley, the capital of Bugey region.

    You want to cycle more? No problem, we have prepared a loop bike tour to discover deeply the Bugey region for the bravest. On small countryside roads, enjoy the bucolic atmosphere and pass the marshes of Lavours and the lake of Barterand, a confidential and relaxing area!

    Day 6
     
     

    Belley - Aix-les-Bains

    Altitude
    ±228m
    Bike
    40km
    Get on your bike and cycle one last time with your trip comrade: the Rhône. In Chanaz it will be time to say goodbye to the 812-km long river.
    Melancholy will not invade you: Chanaz, « the small Savoy Venice » is an invitation to travel! Located next to the canal of Savière, take the time to visit the stalls of the crafts-men and women: coffee roasters, brewers or ceramicists.
    Ride then with the lake of Bourget and Aix-les-Bains in your sights. You have the possibility to reach the spa town of Aix-les-Bains by boarding with your bikes (details and schedule in your travel documents).

    Day 7
     
     

    Departure of Aix-les-Bains

    A last bath in the lake of Bourget or a last small coin in the slot machines of the casino? Be prepared to leave this beautiful region… unless you decide to have an extra night or enjoy a boat ride?
       

    Discovery cruise « the abbey of Hautecombe » on the lake of Bourget 1h

    Explore the largest natural lake of France during this 1-hour guided cruise and enjoy the view! The boat makes a stop (1h30 to 2h) at the abbey of Hautecombe to discover this magnifient gothic-style structure from the 12th century. Entrance : €4,50 to pay on spot for the visit of the abbey church.
    (Cruise available every day at 3pm except on Tuesday)
    		 11,00 € / child
    13,00 € / teen
    16,00 € / adult
  • Accommodation

    • Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep staying in these 2 or 3-star hotels or Bed&Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and the friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
    • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:
    • a touring bike adjusted to your size
    • equipped : front rack pack, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.
    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
    • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to Lyon or Chambéry

    • By train: The train station of Aix-les-Bains is well connected to the railway network and you can easily access the station from many cities in France and Europe. For instance from Paris: duration 3h15; from Lyon: duration 1h10; from Geneva: duration 1h05. To plan your trip: https://www.thetrainline.com/?redirected=true


    Parking

    If you drive to Aix-les-Bains, you can park your car in the car park of your accomodation (subject to availability) or next to your hotel. The location and contact details of the car parks will be given in your travel documents.

    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.

    .
  • Reviews

    •   Memory of the trip  

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    5 bike travelers reviews 4.80 / 5

    “ Très belle découverte... ”

    On the 2023-08-16 by Eric
    Très agréable séjour au fil de l'eau, avec des paysages magnifiques et un circuit très accessible, sur des voies en grande partie réservées aux cyclistes. Bon suivi du "vélo voyageur" suite à un petit souci de bagage. Bon choix d'hôtels, à l'exception d'un que nous n'avons pas apprécié. Application GPS très pratique. Nous recommandons !

    “ Un séjour très sympa autour du Lac du Bourget ”

    On the 2023-07-23 by Laurent
    Nous avons choisi un circuit de 5 jours autour du lac du Bourget et en empruntant la ViaRhôna. Après un petit souci mécanique sur un de nos vélo solutionné efficacement et rapidement, nous avons passé un excellent séjour. Le circuit était bien dimensionné, très agréable (à noter que nous utilisions des vélos à assistance électrique…) et l'application GPS efficace. Les lieux d'hébergement étaient calmes et sympas. Bref, une très bonne expérience que nous renouvellerons sans doute.

    “ CHOUPETTE ”

    On the 2023-06-07 by BEATRICE
    Très belle région, super soleil et pistes très agréable.

    “ Cycle trip in the Alps ”

    On the 2022-07-27 by Graham
    Another great trip with Vélo Voyageur. Perfect organisation and a helpful GPS application, which we did not have on previous trips. The daily distances were easily reached, but with extra suggestions for further visits on the way. The trip is in the Alps, but there are no mountain passes to negotiate! The trip runs along one of the paths to Santiago de Compostela, so look out for pilgrims or signs on your journey. Champagneux is just 10km or so from the Maison des enfants d'Izieu, which is definitely worth the visit (3h at least for a full experience). Aim also to spend some time in picturesque Chanaz where you can visit a working mill, producing excellent nut and hazlenut oil, among other products.

    “ Enchanté! ”

    On the 2022-07-25 by José
    Très belle randonnée, ce tour de la Riviera des Alpes. Le programme, bien équilibré, laisse de la place aux envies personnelles. Les hôtels sont à l'écoute de leurs hôtes. Petit conseil aux personnes d'un certain âge: profitez de la proposition d'un vélo électrique; il permet de grimper sans problèmes certaines côtes du coin, même lors de canicules estivales.
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