Vinay / Romans-sur-Isère

You cycle into the hilly area of Saint-Marcellin, which has given its name to a reputed Dauphiné cow’s milk cheese, a portion of which could top up your energy on your stops! Head to Saint-Romans on the south bank of the Isère and enjoy a little detour via the medieval village of Beauvoir-en-Royans, visiting the calm site of the Couvent des Carmes. Ride on westwards to La Sône, a village renowned for its remarkable Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes. Then continue through walnut groves and orchards and past dams to Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier. Just before arriving here, you cross the Isère River, entering the département (French county) of Drôme. Carry on up to Romans-sur-Isère, a town now known as a centre for the rebirth of textiles and shoes Made in France. If keen on architecture, Romans-sur-Isère has a rich heritage, presenting a mix of Romanesque and Gothic craft… as well as industrial-era pieces.

The Route

Heading out from Vinay, La Belle Via guides you along the village lanes. The cycle route leads you along a quiet road from La Sône to Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans. Cross the bridge here and turn right to join the cycle path alongside the Canal de la Bourne up to Eymeux. Between Eymeux and Romans-sur-Isère, your route alternates between very quiet roads and stretches of greenway. 

Don't miss

• Saint-Marcellin: tours based around historic trails
• Beauvoir-en-Royans: the medieval village; the site of the Couvent des Carmes
• Saint-Romans:  the outdoor leisure centre (base nautique) du Marandan
• La Sône: the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes (extraordinary riverside garden); the feudal château; the church of Saint-Pierre; the medieval tower; the statue of the Black Virgin; GoBois craft
• Saint-Nazaire en Royans: the aqueduct and Espace Royans-Vercors, the latter explaining the area; the bâteau à roue, a paddle steamer; the Grotte de Thaïs (a cave with traces of prehistoric humans)
• Romans-sur-Isère:  its wider area designated a Pays et d’Art et d’Histoire for its historical and cultural riches; Romans historic centre; the Collégiale St Barnard, a major church; the narrow streets and fine townhouses; the walking trail, signalled by 11 giant shoes dotted around town; the Musée de la Chaussure, a major shoe museum set in a former convent; the Cité de la Chaussure (a store grouping together shoe-makers from town and items Made in France); Marques Avenue (a designer outlet centre); plus, don’t forget to taste the local culinary specialities, the miniature ravioli made here, and pogne, a kind of brioche filled with sugar-coated nuts.
• Bourg de Péage: the Musée de la Pogne Pascalis, a specific maker of pognes.