7-day family cycle trip along the ViaRhôna

Dive into the Gallo-Roman world of Vienne. The richness and diversity of its history have elevated the ancient city to the rank of City of Art and History. The majority of the built heritage is concentrated in the heart of the city, ideal for a discovery on foot from site to site. Don't miss the ancient theater and the temple of Augustus and Livia, famous vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era.

You cycle quietly along the Rhône River on the bike path before crossing the river to get to the “Ile au Beurre”. Have a break on this peaceful island known for the diversity of its fauna!

Take the time to have a look around since you are in the heart of the major vineyards of the Rhône Valley including the famous Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie. From this point on, you will get your first glimpse of the typical Provence villages and houses.

Just before crossing the river once again, have a break in the Village of Saint-Vallier. Enter the Saint-Vallery Church, and the Poitiers family’s burial chapel (parents of Diane de Poitiers) As you arrive in Tournon-sur-Rhône you cross the Rhône River on the oldest French hanging bridge that is still in use today. This “Passerelle Seguin” bridge allows you to reach the village of Tain-l’Hermitage, home of the famous wine and ValRhôna chocolate. Be sure to taste both of these delicious regional specialities.

The cycle path now offers a gentle introduction to the South of France, with its pretty villages in typical southern style. Vineyards and fruits orchards are now the main part of the landscape.
Your trip ends in Valence, a classified Town of Art and History. With its colorful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters, this living city makes you feel like being in Provence already.

Today, the ViaRhôna snakes in Ardèche in the midst of the orchards. Stop in Soyons to visit the "Jardin des Trains Ardéchois", a gorgeous garden, 2800 m² large, miniature trains are crossing stations, tunnels and rivers in precisely reproduced Ardèche landscapes! Your path will take you then to picturesque villages and historic cities such as Charmes-sur-Rhône and La Voulte-sur-Rhône.

Continue south along the Rhone River with the magnificent Cruas Abbey and Rochemaure Castle as a backdrop, perfectly reflecting the rich architectural heritage of the Rhone Valley. You will then cross the Rhône river by taking the himalayan footbridge built on the piles of the Old Bridge of Rochemaure, a sensational experience guaranteed! Your journey continues on the Drôme side and ends in Montélimar, capital of nougat!

Famous stage of the National 7 on the road of the vacations, Montélimar smells good Provence! Stroll through the pedestrian streets of the old quarters with their colorful facades before relaxing on a terrace in the Provencal alleys. The tasting of its famous nougats will delight young and old!