La Voulte-sur-Rhône / Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux
The little town of La Voulte-sur-Rhône is the starting point for the Dolce Via. Leaving the ViaRhôna cycle route, ride into the Eyrieux Valley, following in the shadow of an historic steam train line. In fact, starting in the midst of peach orchards, you set off along a former railway line. The slope is gentle leading to Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux, the way spectacular. With fine views over the valley, its river and the perched villages on the opposite bank, this route proves enchanting from the very first. And you’ve only just begun !
Dolce Via from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux
The cycle route, signposted ‘Dolce Via’, is laid out along a former railway line, the way alternating between stretches of greenway on compacted granite sand and on tarmacked surfaces, making for easy riding, plus there are portions on roads with little traffic. The gradient is insignificant (1%). The Corten steel guard rails, with their rusty aspect, are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also prevent any risk of falling, which is important given the at times sheer slopes to the sides of the track, recalling the route’s railway past.
Take care crossing the D120 road arriving at Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux, before you reach the train station.
Link with ViaRhôna
La Voulte-sur-Rhône also lies along the ViaRhôna cycle route, allowing you to reach Valence following the River Rhône, or then to cycle down towards the Mediterranean.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don't miss
- La Voulte-sur Rhône: Ile de Printegarde Nature Reserve; the Château and Chapelle des Princes (reflecting 900 years of history)
- Beauchastel: a character-filled village
- Saint-Fortunat-sur-Eyrieux: Pontpierre Gorge and the unusual Pourchaire Footbridge.
