8 days cycling on the Dolce Via
Cycle for a full week on the Dolce Via, a unique cycle route in Ardèche. Between rivers, forests and typical villages, experience a timeless cycling adventure.
- Rhone Alpes
- 8 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 31 km/day
- Loop
A little bit of peace and quiet ? Dolce Via by bike is the ideal destination for adventure lovers in search of a total break from the daily routine. This route, built on an old railway line, crosses enchanting landscapes: wooded valleys, crystal clear rivers and charming Ardèche villages. Accessible to all, this holiday promises a gentle and friendly adventure.
Program
Welcome to Valence ! City of Art and History, the city opens the doors of the South to you. With its colorful markets, its gardens, the vitality of its neighborhoods and its welcoming pedestrian streets, Valence rhymes with Provence!
- 43 km
- + 476 m
Your cycling trip begins in Valence next to Jouvet Park. Before reaching the entrance to the Dolce Via, you will need to cycle on the ViaRhôna towards La Voulte-sur-Rhône. This is where the adventure really begins! Take advantage of the facilities of this beautiful track. Each turn is a new landscape to contemplate!
- 12 km
- + 447 m
Here you are on a short signposted hiking route to go around Peyremourier, located in the neighboring town. A magnificent panoramic view awaits you up there over the Eyrieux valley.
- 6 km
- + 289 m
Here you are on a short hiking route (2h30) to go around the Trémouline. This hike is more suitable for families. It allows you to discover several hamlets and the unusual site of “Roches Blanches” (rock walls which have taken on particular shapes under the effect of erosion).
- 3 km
- + 257 m
I suggest one last walk today to go to the Eyrieux belvedere. I prefer to be honest, it’s a bit steep but it’s worth it! One last little effort!
- 30 km
- + 253 m
After enjoying Les Ollières sur Eyrieux, the cycling adventure begins again! You leave in the direction of Le Cheylard, where you will spend your next night of stopover. The landscapes pass by you again, you will be able to observe abandoned factories when the region was very involved in industrialization. Remember to have your little sandwich in the morning! You can therefore take advantage of the picnic facilities all along the route.
- 26 km
- + 437 m
Probably the most "sporty" day of the Dolce Via but also the prettiest! You gradually climb towards Saint Agrève to reach an altitude of 1050m. Magnificent panoramic views await you upon arrival. Welcome to the upper valley of L'Eyrieux!
- 44 km
- + 589 m
The biggest stage of your cycling trip on the Dolce Via! But don't worry, you will enjoy beautiful descents with valley landscapes. After Le Cheylard, you will cross numerous tunnels leading you to different scenery. Enjoy the beautiful descent between Saint Prix and Lamastre. Your Ardèche train awaits you at 3:15 p.m. at Lamastre station. Finally, you will arrive in Tournon-sur-Rhône, your stopover town.
- 4 km
- + 42 m
One last little effort! Once you get off the train, take a leisurely stroll towards Tournon-sur-Rhône. Enjoy the restaurants along the Rhône and the entertainment in the town's streets. You can also admire the vineyards that surround both towns.
Take advantage of this day to discover the Gorges du Doux aboard an authentic steam train classified as a historical monument. Board the train at Lamastre station and set off to explore the Gorges du Doux and the Ardèche mountains. Halfway through, a 15-minute stop allows the steam locomotive to refuel. At the terminus, watch the locomotive turn around on the turntable.
- 22 km
- + 32 m
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.
Learn about the fascinating process of making chocolate ! You visit the historical site of the well-knowed Valrhona chocolaterie, where an exhibition shows to the public and professionals the backstage of the brand.
Enjoy a final stroll through the pretty city of Valence before heading back home.
Accommodation Cyclist-friendly
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane: Flight to Lyon or Montpellier, then take a regional or TGV train to Valence.
By train: Direct TGV trains from Paris, Gare de Lyon. The duration of the trip is about 3h. Plan your trip on, thetrainline.
Car park
If you come by car, you can park your vehicle in the Q PARK/Faventines secure car park. The price of parking is €14/4 days. There are also other car parks around the hotel and also close to Valence train station. We advise you to look on the PARKOPEDIA website for more details in your choice.
- Rhone Alpes
- 8 day(s)
- Easy
- ~ 31 km/day
- Loop
Tried and tested Trips!
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Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
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Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
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Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
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Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Rhone Alpes
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