Lyon à vélo

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.

After buzzing Lyon, this ViaRhôna stage leads through the towns of Grigny and Givors, on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than anywhere else along the Rhône. Museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. A provisional link goes along the Rhône’s west bank, on very busy roads. Best take a train from Lyon to Givors.

On this La Voie Bleue stage, savour the last stretch of the Saône before it joins the Rhône. From Trévoux to Lyon, southern capital of French gastronomy, enjoy views of the Monts d’Or hills and the Saône’s holiday atmosphere, with its waterside restaurants and nautical activities. Entering Lyon, the riverbanks are well laid out. Finally, you come to the Saône’s confluence with the Rhône, marking a sensational end to your cycling adventure, or a stopping point before continuing to the Mediterranean on the ViaRhôna cycle route. Lyon’s contemporary Confluence Quarter stands out for its funky architecture and cultural venues, adding a new facet to this city whose historic quarters have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seek out a fine restaurant, maybe a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais, and make the most of the innumerable activities on offer in France’s third-largest city.