Via Rhona by Bike Rhône-Alpes

Via Rhona by Bike

Cycle the Rhone Valley and bear witness to the Rhone’s wild side amongst a variety of landscapes

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Via Rhona by Bike

From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, via steeply terraced vineyards including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, this beautiful stage of the 'Via Rhona' cycle route will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy.

Holiday Highlights

Accommodation in 3 star hotels chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting
Vienne: Roman theatre, Temple and archaeological museum
Local vineyard visit and tasting of wines from the Rhone Valley
Chocolate Museum
Provençal villages
Almost entirely cycle tracks along the River Rhone

What's Included

Luggage transfers between hotels
Comprehensive route notes
4 nights half board
Bike hire
4 days cycling

Starting Days

You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week.

Itinerary & Hotels

1
Arrive Vienne day 1
Summary
Arrival and transfer to your 3 star hotel with pool. Time to explore this venerable city dating from Roman times, with its Amphitheatre and Temple. Dinner in the gastronomic restaurant at the hotel.
Hotel
Domaine des 7 FontainesSeyssuel
A 3 star charming rustic hotel is set in extensive beautiful grounds with fountains and unusual exotic birds and white kangaroos. The hotel also boasts a heated swimming pool and a gastronomic restaurant.
Facilities
Gastronomic restaurant
Garden terrace
Heated swimming pool
Bar
Free WiFi
Ensuite bathrooms
Flat screen televisions
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
The Gourmet restaurant offers creative and refined dishes using the best local produce. In the summer dinner can be enjoyed on the terrace.
2
Vienne to Serrières day 2
Summary
Through the vineyards of the elegant “Côtes-Rôties”, planted in remarkable terraces on the steep slopes. Cycle along the calm of the banks of the river Rhône. Gourmet dinner and night in 3 star hotel.
Hotel
Hotel SchaefferSerrières
3 star Hotel Schaeffer is located on the banks of the River Rhone and offers a refined dining experience in peaceful surroundings.
Facilities
Air-conditioning
En-suite bathrooms
Flat screen television
Free Wifi
Sound proof rooms
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
Gourmet dinner in Schaeffer hotel's refined restaurant, renowned as one of the best restaurants in the region and very popular with the locals.
23 mi
(37 km)
3
Serrières to Tournon sur Rhône day 3
Summary
A ride to explore the rich heritage of the left and right banks of the Rhône. Just the pace you need to enjoy these Gallo-Roman towns steeped in history, whilst all round vineyards bask on their celebrated inclines. Stay in a 3 star hotel in the centre of Tournon.
Hotel
Hotel AzaléesTournon-sur- Rhône
The delightful 3-star Les Azalées is located in the attractive Ardechois town of Tournon-sur-Rhone. Les Azalées guarantees a warm and friendly welcome. There are great views of the Rhone and the vineyards that surround the town. Bedrooms have an unmistakeable Provencal feel and are all air-conditioned, they also have flat screen TV's and free WiFi. The ochre coloured hotel is ideally located to explore the interesting town of Tournon with its narrow streets, marina and bustling quays and a great museum-chateau perched on a cliff, with a wonderful backdrop of the famous St Joseph vineyards.
Facilities
Comfortable Provencal hotel with bright modern decor
Quiet location in the town
Friendly staff
Fully equipped en suite bedrooms with air-conditioning
Free WiFi
Flat screen TV
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
The restaurant serves delicious traditional and regional French cuisine. The menu reflects the changing seasons using local and garden produce and the desserts are concocted from fresh fruit and delicious Valrhona chocolate.
22 mi
(35 km)
4
Ride around Tournon sur Rhône day 4
Summary
The majestic river steers you towards Valence. Already, drifting Mediterranean scents suggest the nearness of Provence. On the left bank (the Drôme department - on the right bank is the Ardèche), the plain is broader and you pass through a multitude of fruit trees: peach, cherry, apricot and more…Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with pool.
Hotel
Hotel des OliviersLoriol
The Hôtel des Oliviers is set in beautiful surroundings offering a relaxing and calming stay at the end of a day's cycling, a quick dip in the pool before dinner on the terrace overlooking the park.
Facilities
Air-conditioning
Ensuite bathrooms with baths and showers
Hairdryer
Flat screen television
Board
Half Board
Cuisine
A gourmet meal made with fresh local procude can be enjoyed on the terrace.
37 mi
(60 km)
5
Loriol to Montélimar day 5
Summary
Now on the right bank (Ardèche Department), you enter the Vivarais and gain a little height over the river Rhône. Through small yet undeniably charming villages you make your way towards the broad Provençal avenues of Montélimar. Charming hotel in the heart of Montélimar.
Hotel
Hotel du SphinxMontélimar
The Sphinx hotel has been carefully restored to maintain the authenticity and charm of a beautiful 17th Century French manor house.
Facilities
Bar
Quiet shady terrace
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Continental breakfasts
Board
Bed & Breakfast
Cuisine
A continental breakfast is included in your stay.
25 mi
(40 km)