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!

Leading you through narrow gorges and tunnels and across viaducts, your bike trip along the Dolce Via here takes you on a journey through the past. Along the way, former mills and silk-weavers’ workshops reflect the former industrial wealth of this valley, once home to so many workers. Viewing points down on the Eyrieux are numerous and allow you some beautiful, contemplative stops. Below the greenway, the river’s generally tranquil waters invite you to halt. Pont-de-Chervil is an ideal spot at which to enjoy a refreshing pause mid-way along this stage. You gradually plunge into the Eyrieux Gorges, into nature shimmering orange and yellow in autumn, as chestnut trees dominate the scene in these parts.

On leaving Le Cheylard, the natural setting changes – the Dolce Via, following the Eyrieux’s course, enters the steep-sided Les Boutières Mountains. Today, the way by bike doesn’t prove a strain, but think back to the workers at the end of the 19th century having to build the railway line through here, creating a veritable technological prowess, given the steep terrain. The vestiges of this exceptional railway past include viaducts, tunnels, bridges and trenches dug out by hand, as you’ll see on your way up to Saint-Agrève. This stage may be spectacular, but it doesn’t present cyclists with any particular difficulties.