Cycling week along the ViaRhôna from Vienne to Avignon

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.

Stop in Saint-Vallier and visit the church of Saint-Valéry which houses the funeral chapel of the Poitiers, lords of Saint-Vallier and parents of the famous Diane de Poitiers, favorite of the King of France Henri II. Then, you will cross the Rhône on the Seguin bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in France still in use and reach Tain l'Hermitage and its famous wines.

After the vineyards, the landscape changes and gives way to the orchards of the Ardèche. Stop at a small producer to taste the fruity specialties of the region. Valence, City of Art and History, opens the doors of the Midi to you. With its colorful markets, its gardens, the vitality of its neighborhoods and its welcoming pedestrian streets, Valence rhymes with Provence!

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!

You leave Montélimar and pass the medieval towns of Viviers and Donzère, witnesses of the prosperous past of the region. Your stage continues in Bourg-Saint-Andéol with its numerous classified historical monuments. You will be able to admire the most important bas-relief dedicated to the god Mithra of all ancient Gaul.

Finally, pedal to Pont-Saint-Esprit, crossroads of three departments: Vaucluse, Ardèche and Gard. Cross its 700 year old stone bridge and admire the majestic silhouette of the Provençal city that is taking shape before your eyes. History lovers will be won over by this step!

Your path continues along the Rhône and leads you to Caderousse. This atypical Provencal village on the banks of the Rhone is surrounded by a 19th century stone dike protecting it from frequent flooding.

You then leave the Rhone to cycle through the agricultural plain to the Roman city of Orange. The ochre hues of the city will immerse you in the atmosphere of Provence. Thanks to its exceptional historical heritage, prepare yourself for an immersion in the heart of Roman civilization. Don't miss a visit to the ancient theater, very well preserved and admire the imposing triumphal arch.

You leave Orange to reach Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its 3000 hectares of vineyards. Of course, tasting its Grands Crus is a must!

Take a stroll in the small streets of the village up to the ancient Chateau des Papes, resort place for the Popes from Avignon. Then your path takes you through the beautiful vineyards back to the Rhône banks.

Following the river, you’ll get slowly to the impressive Cité des Papes. Admire the gorgeous treasure of Avignon : the Palais des Papes, the bridge Saint Bénezet named « Avignon’s bridge », the city walls, the numerous churches and chapels...

Enjoy a final stroll through the narrow streets of Avignon and visit the Palace of the Popes before leaving or extending your stay.