The work required to complete the whole ViaRhôna route to the Mediterranean needs few more development, but right now, experienced cyclists can tackle the provisional itinerary. For gentler cycling, try out the many stages already in place that are accessible to all, taking you along greenways and cycle tracks beside the Rhône.
Elevation of the route
Waytypes of the cycle route
Surface of the cycle route
Signposting and state of the itinerary
ViaRhôna is finished at 87% and the completion of the whole route is planned for 2027-28. The ViaRhôna logo accompanied with its EuroVelo ID number 17 are on the panels.
The itinerary is mainly developped on designated lanes for non-motorized vehicles (54%).
Be careful between Lyon and Givors : a temporary route has been implemented (with signposting) but it can be difficult for beginners / families. The train (TER) is strongly advised between Givors and Lyon.
Services and accomodations "Accueil Vélo" ("Cyclists Welcome") on The Vélodyssée
Nearly 130 accomodations (campings, hotels, lodges, guest houses) "Accueil Vélo" ("Cyclists Welcome") are located at less than 5km away from the itinerary and they guarantee quality services for cyclists such as a closed garage for example. We strongly advise to book your accomodations in advance (including campings), especially in touristic areas.
Trains and public transports alongside ViaRhôna
The itinerary is well served with trains, although you need to be careful during peak periods when bicycle transports can become complicated in TER.
- TER railway Genève - Lyon (see schedule) :
Stop at : Seyssel, Culoz, Ambérieu - TER railway Lyon - Givors - St-Etienne (see schedule)
- TER railway Marseille - Avignon - Valence - Lyon (see schedule)
Long time parkings on the itinerary
A foretaste of ViaRhôna :
Cycling route ideas on the itinerary
The best cycling holiday breaks
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Saint-Gingolph / Thonon / Evian
On the south bank of Lake Geneva, straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the town of Saint-Gingolph stands at the start of [...]
Thonon / Geneva
After Thonon-les-Bains, the ViaRhôna cycle route leads you along a mix of cycle tracks and quiet roads, through [...]
Geneva / Vulbens
This ViaRhôna stage keeps within the Franco-Swiss border area. You start in the splendid Swiss town of Geneva, beside [...]
Vulbens / Seyssel
This ViaRhôna stage takes you up and down through spectacular scenery, offering splendid views over the Rhône Valley. [...]
Seyssel / Chanaz / Belley
This ViaRhôna stage goes along both banks of the Rhône. This route is provisional. It leads between crests and [...]
Belley / St-Genix-sur-Guiers / Groslée
This ViaRhôna stage meanders through the beautiful Bugey area, between the majestic Rhône and the Lavours Marshes, [...]
Groslée / La Balme-les-Grottes
This ViaRhôna stage takes you through unspoilt countryside beside the Rhône. Hidden in the magnificent landscapes of [...]
La Balme-les-Grottes / Jons
At the Bugey area’s southern edge, this ViaRhôna stage distances itself slightly from the Rhône to head up to the [...]
Jons / Lyon
This ViaRhôna stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and [...]
Lyon / Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne
After buzzing Lyon, this ViaRhôna stage leads through the towns of Grigny and Givors, on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The [...]
Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne / Sablons
This remarkable ViaRhôna stage offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman [...]
Sablons / Sarras / Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun
This ViaRhôna stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first [...]
Tournon-sur-Rhône / Glun / Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône
This easy ViaRhôna stage offers a gentle introduction to the South of France. There’s much to enchant: pretty [...]
Valence / La Voulte-sur-Rhône / Le Pouzin
After a halt at Valence’s southern river port of L'Epervière, ViaRhôna leads you back onto the western, Ardèche [...]
Le Pouzin / Cruas / Châteauneuf-du-Rhône / Viviers
ViaRhôna cycle route continues south towards Cruas. Heritage sites stand out in this area. Cruas Abbey, with its [...]
Viviers / Bourg-Saint-Andéol / Lapalud
Leaving Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through historic towns: Viviers, with its [...]
Lapalud / Caderousse
A provisional stretch of the ViaRhôna route has been signposted south from Lapalud, following the Rhône’s east bank [...]
Caderousse / Avignon
This stage combines a gourmet break (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its famous vineyards), nature discovery (numerous river [...]
Avignon / Beaucaire
Take a last look back at the great papal city before ViaRhôna leads you across the Rhône into the county of the Gard. [...]
Beaucaire / St-Gilles
A provisional signposted stretch of cycle route has been put in place between Beaucaire and Saint-Gilles while awaiting [...]
Saint-Gilles / Aigues-Mortes
The ViaRhôna route has been set up between Gallician and Aigues-Mortes. On this stage along a greenway, you cross a [...]
Aigues-Mortes / Palavas-les-Flots
This stage marks the end of the whole ViaRhône route, with the Mediterranean and its beaches beckoning, and very [...]
Palavas-les-Flots / Sète
From Palavas-les-Flots, close to the bigger city of Montpellier, the itinerary is winding between beaches and saltwater [...]
Beaucaire / Arles
This stretch links two towns packed with fascinating history and monuments. At Beaucaire, the river port reaches into [...]
Arles / Port-St-Louis-du-Rhône
The historic town of Arles stands just north of the Camargue. Famed for its Roman monuments, the whole place is steeped [...]
Travellers’ reviews