Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon
Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon
Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon
6 Days Starting in Seyssel, France and ending in Lyon, France
Visiting: Seyssel, Champagneux, Villebois, Pérouges, Lyon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HSV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Via Rhôna Cycle Path from Haute-Savoie to Lyon, France. This self-guided cycling adventure offers a leisurely ride through stunning landscapes with the majestic Alps as your backdrop. Pedal past rolling vineyards, explore charming towns like Seyssel and Chanaz, and discover the medieval village of Pérouges, listed among 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France'. The route takes you through the picturesque old town of Morestel and along the Rhône’s banks into the heart of Lyon, a city renowned for its gourmet excellence. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in specially chosen 2-3 star hotels, with an option to upgrade, and savor the local cuisine along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Seyssel
Location: Seyssel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your own way to Seyssel and check in to the first hotel. You are free to spend the afternoon exploring the charming little town of Seyssel, on the banks of the river.
Day 2 : Follow Riverbank To Champagneux (58Km/36Mi)
Location: Champagneux
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. When you arrive in Chanaz, also called "La Petite Venise Savoyarde", you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue towards Culoz and Belley, two peaceful towns with a rich heritage set below the Bugey Range, and on to today's destination, Champagneux.
Important note: About 3km of the route today is on a busy road which passes through two tunnels that do not have a shoulder for cyclists.
Ascent 132m/433ft, descent 178m/584ft
Day 3 : Discover The Old Town Of Morestel En Route To Villebois (65Km/40Mi)
Location: Villebois
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you'll pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers. We highly recommend stopping here to sample the famous brioche pralines! Continuing on you can take a small detour towards the village of Glandieu where you can refresh yourself in the majestic waterfall, which is a wonder of nature. You then cross through Morestel, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town before a lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, where you stay overnight.
Ascent 232m/761ft, descent 212m/696ft
Day 4 : Cycle To The Hilltop Medieval Village Of Pérouges (54Km/33.5Mi)
Location: Pérouges
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today the Via Rhone cycle path takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Bugey, situated above the Rhône. You'll pass lovely villages this morning including Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and then the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. Your final destination will soon be in sight as you approach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, listed among 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France'. Overnight in Pérouges.
Ascent 164m/538ft, descent 180m/590ft
Day 5 : Cycle To Lyon (46Km/28.5Mi)
Location: Lyon
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This last cycle stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. You can enjoy cycling as the route takes you 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. Your options for the rest of the day are endless but you can also reward your cycling efforts with a delicious meal in a "petit bouchon", a typical restaurant in the city. Overnight in Lyon.
Ascent 61m/200ft, descent 116m/380ft
Day 6 : Trip Concludes
Location: Lyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon.
NOTE: You can continue on our Rhone Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence trip, cycling all the way to Orange.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights hotels -
5 breakfasts (6 if starting from Geneva) - generally continental style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice
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1 dinner - on day 3 (4 if starting in Geneva) - note that this is dependent on staying at our usual hotel (standard and upgrade version) in Villebois. If an alternative hotel is booked, dinner will not be included.
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5 nights 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to comfort plus hotels available - supplement applies), or 6 nights if starting from Geneva
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
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Hybrid bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies). SPD pedals can be provided on request.
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Emergency hotline
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For the 7 day trip starting in Geneva (see itinerary 2 - supplement applies), an extra night's accommodation and breakfast are also included
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Travel to Seyssel or Geneva and from Lyon
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, such as drinks, lunches, and dinners daily, are excluded.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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E-bike hire
E-bike hire is available but a supplement applies.
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Tour guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are excluded.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage beyond the included 20kg is excluded.
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Handlebar phone holder
A handlebar phone holder is not included; it is recommended to bring your own.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature, such as phone calls and laundry, are excluded.
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Printed documents
Printed documents are available at an additional cost and must be requested in advance.
Accommodation
5 nights hotels. During the trip you will stay in specially chosen 2-3 star hotels. There is an option to upgrade to comfort plus hotels which are 2-4 star hotels.
Grading
Starting in Seyssel: During the 4 days of cycling the daily routes are between 46 and 65 kilometres/28.5 and 40 miles. Earlier on in the trip there are a couple of longer ascents to be tackled. On all other stages the terrain is nearly flat throughout and easy to cycle on. Except for a few interruptions, the Rhône-cycle path is well constructed and it is a perfect example for signposting and routing. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns). Pre trip you should exercise 3 times per week with some cycling mixed in to your usual exercise regime.
Starting in Geneva: 23km of this route is on busy roads with some steep sections particularly before the Swiss French border. It is important that you are comfortable riding on busy roads with traffic to confidently tackle this day. The remainder of the route to Lyon is almost exclusively on the cycleway.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Seyssel or Geneva and from Lyon. Hybrid bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies).
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
A hybrid bike is supplied with panniers, a repair kit, helmet, and lock. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is there an option to upgrade the accommodation?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to comfort plus hotels, which are 2-4 star hotels. A supplement applies for this upgrade.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, generally continental style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juice. Additionally, 1 dinner is included on day 3 (or day 4 if starting in Geneva), provided you stay at the usual hotel in Villebois.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps, a roadbook, and GPS tracks is provided.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Are there any sections of the route that are particularly challenging?
Yes, on the second day, about 3km of the route is on a busy road that passes through two tunnels without a shoulder for cyclists. Additionally, if starting in Geneva, 23km of the route is on busy roads with some steep sections, particularly before the Swiss-French border.
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What is the luggage transfer policy?
Luggage transfer is included, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What is the grading of the tour?
The tour involves daily routes between 46 and 65 kilometers (28.5 and 40 miles). There are a couple of longer ascents early in the trip, but the terrain is nearly flat throughout the rest of the stages. The Rhône-cycle path is well constructed and signposted. If starting in Geneva, the route includes 23km on busy roads with some steep sections.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.