Spend 8 days pedalling the Via Rhôna from Lyon to Orange on this self-guided cycling tour
Take on an exciting section of France’s Via Rhôna cycling route on this 8-day self-guided cycling tour from Lyon to Orange.
The Via Rhôna cycling route, which spans Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean in its full form, was established in 1995 and unfolds across 815 kilometres of scenic trails. This exciting tour will have you completing one of the most scenic sections of the route, inviting you to discover the majestic Rhône Valley.
The tour begins in Lyon, France’s renowned gastronomic capital, where you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of traditional Lyonnaise fare as you eat your way through France’s third-largest city. Then riding south, you’ll trace the wild Rhône, taking in the impressive historical villages, terraced vineyards, and ancient sites that populate the beautiful Rhône Valley. Along the way, you’ll stay in authentic French towns and villages throughout the Rhône Valley and Provence, where France’s cultural and historical heritage is on full display.
Peruse the charming old quarter of beautiful Vienne, where the true ancient nature of the land will become apparent as you explore traces of the ramparts of a former Roman city. Delight in the boundless natural beauty of the Ardèche region as you pedal alongside steep vineyards and orchards bursting with colour. Smell the sweet aromas of Provence as you pedal towards the gates to Provence, arriving in ancient Orange. Enjoy wonderful overnight stays in either standard or deluxe accommodations in Serrières, Valence, Montélimar, and more!
Experience the allure and charm of an authentic France, enjoying it all at your own pace on this mesmerizing cycling tour from Lyon to Orange.
Highlights of the Rhône River by Bike: Lyon to Orange
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Rhône River by Bike: Lyon to Orange Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your cycling tour begins in the French capital of gastronomy, Lyon! Arrive at your accommodations and make yourself at home. Your options for the remainder of the day in Lyon are endless. Put on a good pair of walking shoes and set out on an adventure to explore the elegant city, perhaps beginning with a stroll to the impressive Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière or a visit to one of the city’s fascinating museums.
Work up an appetite on foot, then pop into Lyon’s famous indoor food market to devour some traditional Lyonnais fare—the perfect way to whet the appetite before a delicious dinner this evening in a traditional Bouchon of Lyon!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lyon
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle or Train to Vienne
Today’s journey to lovely Vienne can either be completed by bike or by train.
If travelling by bike, you’ll depart Lyon this morning and ride through the towns of Grigny, Givors, and St-Romain-en-Gal. You’ll have a chance to learn more about the historical and contemporary significance of the Rhône, with optional museum visits in both St-Romain-en-Gal and your destination for today, Vienne.
Vienne holds plenty in store, home to a charming old quarter where one can explore spectacular Roman ruins.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vienne
Distance: 34km, 80m of ascent, 95m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve and Côte-Rôtie
Lovers of history, nature, and gastronomy unite—a full day of adventure awaits you!
Leaving laid-back Vienne this morning, you’ll pedal towards the L’île au Beurre Nature Reserve, where the true nature of the mighty Rhône will be on full display. Soak in the scenery of the terraced vineyards that envelop the trail as you enter the prestigious Côte-Rôtie wine area. Continue through the robust orchards that flourish in the valley as you complete today’s gorgeous route to Serrières.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Serrières
Distance: 34km, 20m of ascent, 40m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycling in Ardèche
Marvellous scenery in the rugged and beautiful Ardèche region will characterize today’s ride as you cycle alongside vineyards and orchards bound for Valence!
En route to Valence, hop off your bikes in Tournon-sur-Rhone, a fascinating town ripe for exploring with deep Gallo-Roman roots.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valence
Distance: 61km, 40m of ascent, 55m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to the Gates of Provence: Montélimar
This morning you'll set out to cruise the Rhône's western bank, enjoying a brief stop at Valence's southern river port, L'Epervière, as you leave town.
The historical region of Ardèche, which you'll ride through today, is well-known for its spectacular caves, archeological sites, opulent châteaux, and authentic villages. Your route leads you across the Rhône via the Himalayan-style footbridge at Rochemaure, arriving at Montélimar, known as the gates to Provence.
Explore Montélimar's old town center this evening and revel in the rich ambience of this historic town. Those with a sweet tooth will want to make a point of scoping out a shop that sells the local nougat delicacy, which Montélimar is famous for!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montélimar
Distance: 72km, 20m of ascent, 60m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Bourg-Saint-Andéol via Viviers
Say farewell to beautiful Montélimar this morning as you set out to trace branches of the Rhône, riding to the historic town of Viviers, which you’ll find steeped in medieval spirit. Continue to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, where you’ll unearth historical heritage treasures like the rare Mithraic deity sculpture found here and several ancient chapels, complete with grand clerical residences.
Bourg-Saint-Andéol is sure to be a highlight of the tour, particularly for lovers of history!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Distance: 30km, 20m of ascent, 50m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to Orange via Pont-Saint-Esprit
Today marks your final day on the bike as your mesmerizing tour of the Rhône Valley comes to an end tomorrow. Your final route features marvellous views of Provence as you pedal through breathtaking scenery and take in the aromas of this famous region of France. Pedalling through the lovely village of Pont-Saint-Esprit, you’ll then press on towards your final destination, historic Orange.
Orange is a truly fascinating town steeped in rich Roman history and home to several ancient Roman buildings and monuments. Take in the famous City Wall, and the Roman Amphitheatre while here.
Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, with a delicious meal and toast to a fabulous week spent exploring the Rhône Valley by bike!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orange
Distance: 51km, 30m of ascent, 50m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Following breakfast, your cycling tour will come to an end. It’s highly recommended to book a few extra nights in Orange, as there is so much to see and do in this historical city!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week except on Fridays. Prices below are per person:
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – May 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,595 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $875 USD
Departure on June 1st – September 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,625 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $895 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,595 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $875 USD
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – May 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,995 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,275 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,295 USD
Departure on June 1st – September 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $2,025 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,325 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,325 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,350 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,995 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,275 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,295 USD
Accommodation on the Rhône River by Bike: Lyon to Orange Tour
This tour is available with either standard or deluxe accommodations. Hotels on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences. Hotels on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer modern conveniences.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Standard Accommodation:
Hotel Ibis Gerland Musée des Confluences in Lyon ★★★
Located in the trendy Gerland district, this recently renovated hotel offers guests an array of amenities, with several highlights of Lyon right on the hotel’s doorstep.
Grand Hotel de la Poste in Vienne ★★
An old coaching inn dating back to 1750 has been converted to a cozy hotel in the center of Vienne here. Guests will enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as a delicious breakfast buffet here.
Hôtel Schaeffer in Serrières ★★★
Guests will enjoy their stay at Hotel Schaeffer which is located among the gorgeous vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
Hotel Alpes Cevennes in Guilherand-Granges ★★
Hotel Alpes Cevennes is a great hotel that prides itself on providing a “home away from home” atmosphere.
Hotel Le Printemps in Montélimar ★★★
Le Printemps is a lovely hotel offering guests an ideal mix of comfort and convenience. The hotel also boasts a pool, lounge and restaurant.
Hôtel Domaine des Oliviers in Pierrelatte ★★★
Enjoy this small romantic hotel with a refreshing pool, billiards room, and a cozy bar and lounge.
Hôtel Lou Cigaloun in Orange ★★★
Enjoy a stay on the edge of Provence at this historical hotel located in the heart of the old Roman City.
Deluxe Accommodations:
Hotel Ibis Gerland Musée des Confluences in Lyon ★★★
Located in the trendy Gerland district, this recently renovated hotel offers guests an array of amenities, with several highlights of Lyon right on the hotel’s doorstep.
Hotel Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne Saint Louis in Vienne ★★★
This is a lovely hotel featuring a cozy bar and lounge, located near several top attractions in Vienne.
Hôtel Schaeffer in Serrières ★★★
Guests will enjoy their stay at Hotel Schaeffer which is located among the gorgeous vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
Hôtel l'Atrium in Valence ★★★★
Contemporary rooms and proximity to top attractions in Valence, such as the Musee de Valence, make this an ideal base for exploring the charming town of Valence.
Hôtel le Sphinx in Montélimar ★★★
A historic 17th-century private residence has been beautifully restored into a charming hotel complete with a tranquil courtyard and welcoming lounge.
Hôtel Domaine des Oliviers in Pierrelatte ★★★
Enjoy this small romantic hotel with a refreshing pool, billiards room, and a cozy bar and lounge.
Hôtel le Glacier in Orange ★★★
Enjoy the charming and friendly ambience of this gorgeous hotel in a typically Provencal town, made up of several smaller houses, and set around a lovely tranquil patio filled with colourful flowers.
What’s Included in the Rhône River by Bike: Lyon to Orange Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Lyon and after the tour in Orange are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Deluxe hotel option
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhône River by Bike: Lyon to Orange
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
Learn MoreRhône River by Bike-Lyon to Orange Route Map
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