From Geneva Lake to Lyon by bike

More than 300km from Geneva Lake to the capital of gastronomy on ViaRhôna

Heading out from magnificent Lake Geneva, this ViaRhôna section meanders through the mountains and valleys of the Haut-Rhône, or Upper Rhône, and on to the elegant historic city of Lyon. The landscapes as you cross Savoie and the Bugey are breathtaking, with gorges, lakes and marshes, and the typical old villages prove a delight. This section is physically challenging and incomplete as yet, but it includes some lovely Rhône-side greenways that are accessible to all. If you are with your family, prefer a start from Seyssel.

France Vélo Tourisme

The blue of the Lake Geneva

Linking France and Switzerland together, Lake Geneva has a real microclimate favourable to the development of southern vegetation. ViaRhôna skirts this inland ocean and makes it possible to admire the beauty of the lake, its villages and its thermal towns as Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains or the village of Yvoire located at the edge of water.

T. Prudhomme / Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme

Cycling through the Bugey region along the Rhône

Nestled between mountains and Alpine valleys, the ViaRhôna cycle route winds its way alongside the Rhône through the Bugey hills. You’ll cycle through Geneva’s vineyards, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, marshes, castles and charming villages, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and panoramic vistas of the Alps. A real breath of fresh air right on the doorstep of the capital of Gaul!

M. Perrin/OT Lyon

Lyon, capital of gastronomy

In addition to its historical monuments, its Gallo-Roman remains or its "Vieux Lyon" district, Lyon is also the gourmet capital, a mecca for French-style gastronomy. Between refinement in the starred restaurants or authenticity in the Lyonnais "corks", you will have the choice after a good day of cycling.

Tailor-made itineraries

1 Saint-Gingolph / Thonon / Evian

30 km

1 h 57 min

I cycle a lot

On the south bank of Lake Geneva, straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the town of Saint-Gingolph stands at the start of the ViaRhôna cycle route through southeast France. West along the lake, backed by mountains, the thermal spa resorts of Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are highlights, great for stays and lake views. Note that the stretch from Saint-Gingolph to Evian is only suitable for experienced cyclists. We strongly recommend that families with children start the route from Evian or Thonon.

2 Thonon / Geneva

44 km

1 h 52 min

I cycle often

After Thonon-les-Bains, the ViaRhôna cycle route leads you along a mix of cycle tracks and quiet roads, through villages in the Bas-Chablais area. Don’t miss the stunning medieval villages of Yvoire and Nernier right by Lake Geneva. There are numerous other short detours to make to little ports and beaches, great for a dip. Reaching Chens-sur-Léman, while awaiting the continuation of the ViaRhôna cycle route further west into France, we suggest you carry on along the signposted cycle route into Switzerland leading you as far as Geneva.

3 Geneva / Vulbens

33 km

2 h 05 min

I cycle a lot

This ViaRhôna stage keeps within the Franco-Swiss border area. You start in the splendid Swiss town of Geneva, beside its famous lake. Known as a buzzing international city these days, Geneva has preserved its traditional Swiss feel too. This ViaRhôna stage leads you via signposted small roads and greenways into the vineyards close to town and on through verdant countryside towards the Alps.

4 Vulbens / Seyssel

27 km

1 h 48 min

I cycle a lot

This ViaRhôna stage takes you up and down through spectacular scenery, offering splendid views over the Rhône Valley. You go through the dramatic Défilé de l’Ecluse before reaching Seyssel, an important river port since ancient times. Today it’s a charming stop, both for cultural activities and leisure ones based around the river. This stage uses roads that can be busy, so it is only recommended for experienced cyclists.

5 Seyssel / Chanaz / Belley

37 km

2 h 12 min

I cycle often

This ViaRhôna stage goes along both banks of the Rhône. This route is provisional. It leads between crests and plateaux, through landscapes marked by lakes and waterfalls. Then you come to a land of vineyards and gastronomy set below the Bugey Range, passing delightful little historic stops like Belley, Culoz and Chanaz. This physically-demanding stage is along a mix of greenways and roads.

6 Belley / St-Genix-sur-Guiers / Groslée

36 km

2 h 39 min

I cycle often

This ViaRhôna stage meanders through the beautiful Bugey area, between the majestic Rhône and the Lavours Marshes, below the imposing Grand Colombier Mountain. To the south, enjoy the Haut-Rhône plain, the mountains and the vineyards, arriving at the Pays de Lhuis and Izieu through magnificently varied countryside. On this stage, you follow greenways and laid-out roads, except when going through La Balme’s tunnels, where the road is narrow and very busy .

7 Groslée / La Balme-les-Grottes

52 km

3 h 27 min

I cycle often

This ViaRhôna stage takes you through unspoilt countryside beside the Rhône. Hidden in the magnificent landscapes of the southern Bugey, with their mountains and forests, lie splendid lakes and marshes. You pass lovely villages like Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. A lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Lagnieu. At Lagnieu Bridge, follow the D 1075 and D 65 to join La-Balme-les-Grottes, Be careful on the road (no signposting).

8 La Balme-les-Grottes / Jons

37 km

2 h 24 min

I cycle often

At the Bugey area’s southern edge, this ViaRhôna stage distances itself slightly from the Rhône to head up to the Balconies on the Rhône, boasting traditional villages, castles and vineyards. At Anthon, the Ain River joins the Rhône, creating a remarkable natural site in stark contrast to Lyon’s sprawling metropolis not far off. Continue to Jons (a village on the edge of Greater Lyon), the Canal de Jonage and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage. This provisional stage follows small roads.

9 Jons / Lyon

27 km

1 h 45 min

I begin

This ViaRhôna stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Then enjoy the magnificent cycle route through central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a brand-new quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. The route is along greenways, but without specific signposting.