Come and ride alongside the river Rhône on a pleasant cycle path that offers a welcome change of scenery. The ViaRhôna is a cycle route between Lake Geneva in Switzerland and the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France. On the 815-km route, you'll be riding across Alpine terrain all the way to the beaches of Camargue, via the Jura Mountains on a 55-km section through the department of Ain.
Despite the mountainous terrain in the first half of this section, the differences in altitude are minimal, making the ViaRhôna the perfect choice for a first cycle touring experience!
"The ViaRhôna cycle route follows the most powerful French river from start to finish, along safe greenway routes and shared routes."
The river Rhône is 812 km long. It originates in Switzerland in the Saint-Gothard mountains, at an altitude of 1,753 m. It crosses Lake Geneva and then flows through France until it reaches the Mediterranean Sea via a river delta. Along the way, it passes through the Jura Mountains.
Find out more about the national route
If you find the Swiss section of this route a bit too mountainous and the valley near Lyon too flat to your taste, then the 'Jura Mountains' section is ideal for you!
This section is over 50-km long and crosses the Bugey Sud.
Here, the landscapes are flatter and the mountains aren't as staggering and so this part of the route is along pleasant cycle paths on the banks of the river Rhône or through lush green valleys with waterfalls and lakes.
"The ViaRhôna is part of the EuroVelo 17 itinerary and dotted along the route, you'll find over 2,000 years of history and treasured heritage sites."
The suspended bridge over the Rhône, between Virignin (Ain) and La Balme (Savoie) officially opened on 23 July 2021!
This 170-m long construction now links the two departments thanks to the ViaRhôna cycle route, with breathtaking views of the Rhône.
It is in a Natura 2000 zone and it offers a safe alternative that also respects the nature and heritage of this area, classified a 'Sensitive Natural Area'.
Cycle touring is all about taking your time and stopping off wherever you feel like it, in the towns and villages where there is so much to see and do.
Have you decided to go cycle touring with the children this year?
Opt for the ViaRhôna, the ideal destination for your cycle touring experience as a family.
There are some sections along quite busy roads but they can be avoided, and there are some superb safe greenway routes that wind alongside the river, across the rural landscapes of Bugey.
If you choose the section from Belley to Groslée, you can expect an enjoyable ride along a safe greenway route, with a refreshing break at the Cascade de Glandieu waterfall!
'Accueil Vélo' is a national French label that guarantees top-quality welcome and services along cycle routes, for cyclists on a cycle touring experience.
You can easily identify the certified establishments - all less than 5 km from the route - thanks to the little green logo:
Zoom in to get a closer look at the sections passing through the Jura Mountains!
3 essential ViaRhôna guides to choose from.
These guidebooks will be a much-appreciated travelling companion, providing information about the key stopovers and recommendations.
Don't miss the markets in Culoz and Belley:
Logo Montagnes du Jura
ViaRhôna - Belley
DR-ViaRhôna
Entre Ain et Savoie - Pont de la Balme - ViaRhôna
DR - ViaRhôna
