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
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 Fontaines
SeyssuelA 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
- 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 Schaeffer
Serrières3 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
- 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 Azalées
Tournon-sur- RhôneThe 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
- 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 Oliviers
LoriolThe 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
- 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 Sphinx
MontélimarThe 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
- Cuisine
A continental breakfast is included in your stay.
25 mi
(40 km)
