Cycling week to discover the ViaRhôna and Dolce Via
During this 7-day trip you will discover the Rhône valley and the beautiful Ardèche thanks to 2 itineraries fully marked and secure: the ViaRhôna and Dolce Via.
- Rhone Alpes
- 7 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 56 km/day
- Itinerant
A truly enchanted break in the heart of nature!
From Valence, named the "South Gate" follow the Rhône river heading south and enter the Provence. Escape the riverside for a break in the heart of Ardèche along the Eyrieux on the Dolce Via, a 90km long easy green way built on the former railroad tracks. You will enjoy every minute of this luxurious valley where orchards, mills and architectural buildings will tell you the story of the agricultural and industrial past of the valley, you will not forget this experience! Your path, then, get back to the ViaRhôna itinerary where you will discover along the roman remnants, the chapels and cathedrals, the rich heritage of the Rhone valley. Your trip will beautifully ends up in the historic cities of Orange and Avignon. This is the perfect trip for Nature and History lovers!
Program
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.
- 75 km
Today the ViaRhôna takes you on Ardeche territory. In La Voulte-sur-Rhône, the itinerary joins the Dolce Via to enter the gorgeous Eyrieux valley. The former railroad tracks reused as a green way offers you a spectacular dive in the so-well preserved Ardeche.
With the mountain on one side and the river stream on the other, the Dolce Via lets you appreciate a beautiful nature and some very typical villages such as Saint-Laurent-du-Pape or Saint-Sauveur-de-Montagut. You end up your journey in Le Cheylard, a village surrounded with hilly woods.
We advise you to buy your picnic before taking the Dolce Via cycling route.
- 61 km
You leave le Cheylard and get back on the Dolce Via back to La Voulte-sur-Rhône. The itinerary, although the same, seems completely different and you will discover new landscapes along this gentle slope down.
Enjoy the Eyrieux gorges in the midst of a fantastic nature and admire the numerous works of art on your way. After reaching back the ViaRhôna in La Voulte-sur-Rhône, you cross the nature reserve of Printegarde to get to your hotel in Baix.
- 52 km
- + 30 m
You still head south alongside the Rhône river with the beautiful Abbey of Cruas and the Rochemaure Castle in the background. These two pieces of Architectural Art perfectly show the rich heritage of the Rhone valley. You cross the Rhone river using the "himalayan bridge" built on the pillars of the Old Bridge of Rochemaure, quite an experience!
You can make a detour on the Drôme side of the Rhone river (+12km) to visit Montélimar, city of the famous "nougats"! After visiting the medievales towns of Viviers et Donzère, witnesses of the rich past of the region, your biking day ends in Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
- 52 km
- + 78 m
You cycle to Pont-Saint-Esprit, crossroad of 3 departements : Vaucluse, Ardèche and Gard. Cross its 700 years old stone bridge and enjoy the beautiful view over the medieval city and its cathedral. It is a jump in History! You keep on following the Rhone river to reach Caderousse. This Provence village is a beauty with its old stone dam protecting the town against the regurlar floodings.
You leave the Rhône river to cross the plains and discover the roman city of Orange.The typical ochre colors of the city will tell you you are in Provence. With an exceptional historical heritage, Orange will take you back to the heart of the Roman civilisation. Of course, you will visit the Antique Theatre, very well preserved and still used today during the summer festival and admire the impressive Triumph Arch.
- 42 km
- + 155 m
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.
Accommodation
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: the nearest airport is Lyon Saint-Exupery. At the airport, there is a shuttle tramway Rhone Express taking you to the city center at Lyon Part-Dieu train station in 30 m
By train: TGV trains direct from Paris/Gare de Lyon to Valence TGV (2h10). Then, bus or TER train to reach Valence city center sation (10min). To plan your trip, thetrainline.
Car park
If you come by car, you can park in the secure car parks of Valence station or Champ de Mars. Price 7 days: 60€-75€. Possibility to reserve your parking space in advance.
To get back to the starting point
Trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. Regular regional trains are riding between Avignon and Valence. Bikes are accepted for free. The duration of the trip is about 1h20. Full rate is 21.90€/pers.
You will find the timetable of the day in your travel documents.
storage facility for the duration of your trip (upon availability).
- Rhone Alpes
- 7 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 56 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Rhone Alpes
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