From Geneva to Lyon – a cycling adventure on the ViaRhôna

At the crossroads of 3 countries which are Switzerland, France and Italy, Geneva is the perfect place to begin your cycling trip! Enjoy its remarkable localisation to discover the Geneva Lake or the famous water jets and go for a stroll around the streets, stopping by Saint-Pierre Cathedral with its inspiring architecture.

Ahhhhh Switzerland! You leave Geneva and its lively streets to pedal on small roads that take you through a bucolic countryside. When you arrive at La Plaine, enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards of the chocolate country. Forests, cows and peaceful villages will punctuate your progress until you come face to face with a small customs post that marks the border with France.
On the cycle track of the ViaRhôna, you will then reach Seyssel, a sweet little village, located between Savoie and Ain.

Ride on small countryside roads that lead you to the picturesque town of Chanaz. There, discover the stalls of the crafts-men and women of this old harbor along the Canal de Savière.
Then, you have the choice to reach the spa town of Aix-les-Bains by boat (in July and August only) or to continue cycling with the lake of Bourget in sight, the largest natural lake of France.

Take the bike path along the Bourget lake where you will surely not be able to resist the urge to take a dip. After Le Bourget-du-Lac, you will have to climb the few Savoyard reliefs to reach the Cat Tunnel, specially designed for cyclists. Your efforts will be rewarded by the view!
Then stroll through the small country roads and let yourself be tempted by a tasting of Savoyard wines around Yenne and the Gorges de la Balme. You will then reach Belley, the birthplace of the gastronome Brillat-Savarin and capital of Bugey.

This stage lets you discover the meeting of two Rhone, the canalized and the wild one. At their junction, look up to admire the Chartreuse de Pierre Châtel, an ancient 14th century monastery. You then join the Guiers country, a region where life is sweet and you have the possibility to make a detour to Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, the city of cake. For the gourmets, it is where the famous brioche filled with large pralines was invented!

You will then follow the Rhône river and reach the Cuchet lake for a refreshing moment. Cross the river to reach Glandieu, a small town nestled at the foot of the Bugey Massif. It's time for a photo break in front of the impressive 60 meter high waterfall, located in the heart of the village. Morestel is then holding out its arms to you.

At Le Vélo voyageur, we like to give you the choice! Two itineraries are possible today:

- the short option: a short break in your epic journey? Or simply the desire to enjoy the quietness of your accommodation a little longer? The short option is almost entirely on a path dedicated to soft modes of transports. You will arrive quickly in Crémieu, which leaves you plenty of time to visit this medieval city, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

- the long option: you have an itchy calf? Then take the ViaRhôna route which will take you to the Vallée Bleue leisure center before leading you to the Grottes de la Balme, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné. Small country roads will then take you to Crémieu, a village that's an invitation to travel!

After a final ride on the ramparts, it's time to mount your trusty steed for your final destination! Pedal through the countryside before seeing the landscapes evolve and become more urban.
Then it's a superb bike ride along the banks of the Rhone that awaits you. There is plenty of choice to relax and swim in the Miribel Park, one of the largest in Europe. A few pedal strokes later, you arrive in the capital of the Gauls!

Get lost in the traboules, the traditional passages that allow you to go from one building to another. Sit down in a Lyonnais "bouchon" to discover the famous local gastronomy. You can leave whenever you want after breakfast or extend your stay to enjoy the city.