From Alpine landscapes to Mediterranean beaches, the ViaRhôna is one of France's most iconic cycle routes, connecting Switzerland to the Mediterranean. Along the Rhône, you'll follow the epic story of a river that has carved its valley over the centuries for 815 km.
Cycling enthusiasts cover the entire route in around ten days, but you can also cycle for a day on a particular section or organize a weekend with one or two stages.
We tell you everything you need to know to best organize your trip, from the mountains to the sea.
The itinerary
The ViaRhôna uses cycle paths wherever possible, along the Rhône on the embankments or along canalized sections. When these are absent, the route takes you along small roads with little traffic.
Lyon – Avignon ROUTE
Avignon – Mediterranean ROUTE
Prepare your trip
Before setting off on the ViaRhôna, we recommend planning your route and your stops. Tourist offices along the route have free maps, but you can also plan your trip online. www.viarhona.comSome tourist guides, such as the Guide du Routard, offer special ViaRhôna editions.
If you're starting your bike tour and don't have a GPS or map, don't panic! Your smartphone will do the trick. We'll explain everything in our page dedicated to micro-adventures.
Another option for cycling without losing your bearings is the geovelo app. It lets you find the best routes by prioritizing cycle paths, avoiding dangerous areas, and adapting to your type of bike (traditional, electric, hybrid, cargo).
EQUIPMENT
Rent a bike
Here are all rental companies labeled “Accueil Vélo” that you may encounter on your way in the Grand Avignon.
To be well received
Accueil Vélo
THE VIA RHÔNA WITH CHILDREN
The right equipment
The ViaRhôna is a suitable route for families to get started on their bikes. It's a great opportunity to teach them how to ride independently, at their own pace, on safe cycle paths as well as on quieter roads. Plan short, easy stages (maximum 25 km per day), and prioritize breaks at places equipped with children's games, activities, visits, etc. As for equipment, some rental companies offer suitable equipment such as baby seats, bike trailers, cargo bikes, bars, and traction elastics.
Here are the rental companies that offer equipment for children.
To accompany you
The stages on the Avignon side
The ViaRhôna crosses the Grand Avignon from North to South. Stages 17 and 18 will take you to Avignon if you are coming from the North, and stage 19 will take you towards the sea.
Step 17
From Lapalud to Caderousse
The ViaRhôna crossing in Vaucluse marks the entrance to Provence, between cicadas and lavender. This approximately 29 km route starts in Lapalud and winds through the agricultural plain on small shared roads to the Donzère Canal. Just before Mornas, the route joins the banks of the Rhône on a greenway, all the way to Caderousse. The route is punctuated by the XNUMXth-century fortress of Mornas, Lapalud and Piolenc, and Caderousse, nestled in its imposing dike, a testament to its relationship with the river.
During this stage, you can choose to deviate from your route to follow the V861 – Via Venaissia. Partially built on the old railway line, this 45 km route that connects Orange to Isle sur la Sorgue offers magical views of Mont Ventoux as well as the sublime Dentelles de Montmirail. It crosses the agricultural and wine-growing landscapes of Haut Vaucluse and Comtat Venaissin.
From the Piolenc or Caderousse lake, you can also reach Orange and its train station by road.
Step 18
Caderousse in Avignon
This 26 km stage combines a gourmet break (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its renowned vineyard), nature discovery (numerous river islands punctuate the route) and history. This stage passes close to the Revestidou lake, it runs along the banks of the Rhône counter-canal on a greenway to offer beautiful views of the Château de Montfaucon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Tour de l'Hers.
The route continues on the island of Oiselay to the Pont des Armées and then crosses a superb suspension footbridge, facing the Sauveterre dam. This spectacular structure suspended above the Rhône allows you to reach Avignon safely, via the island of Barthelasse, the largest river island in Europe. After the footbridge, you return to the shared road for a few kilometers to the Parc des Libertés, then the route returns to a greenway to the Pont Daladier, along the counter canal of the right arm of the Rhône. The arrival is "papal" and offers a breathtaking view, first of all over Villeneuve lez Avignon, then on to the city of the Popes. The majestic Rhône, the famous Pont d'Avignon, and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. This is one of the most beautiful views of Avignon!
Connection and connected cycle routes
The Chartreux cycle route allows you to visit Villeneuve lez Avignon et Roquemaure on the right bank of the Rhône.
If you want to reach the Sorgues TER train station, you can take the Voie des Papes de Sorgues. There is also a marked link to the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a link to Avignon Central Station via the Ramparts Tower.
Step 19
From Avignon to Beaucaire
After a final glimpse of the city of the Popes, the ViaRhôna enters the Gard region. This approximately 36 km route, which picks up at the end of the Pont du Royaume, passes close to Aramon and zigzags along small roads between vineyards and orchards before joining the Pont du Gard greenway, which leads gently to Beaucaire, a town of art and history at the crossroads of Languedoc and Provence.
Possible connections
At the end of the Pont du Royaume, you can cross the D2 under the bridge to reach the banks of the Rhône on the left and reach the city center of Villeneuve lez Avignon. After Montfrin, you can also join the greenway leading to the Pont du Gard and Uzès. À Beaucaire, possibility of taking The Mediterranean by bike to Tarascon to discover the Alpilles and the Luberon.
Go on an adventure
Great hikes
Want more? Here are some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to explore this region of Provence in depth.
We invite you to explore the ViaRhôna, part of EuroVelo 17, an exceptional cycling route that winds along the Rhône River, connecting Switzerland from Geneva to the Mediterranean. This iconic route is punctuated by charming cities like Lyon and Valence and captivating stages along the Ardèche and Drôme departments, offering an unforgettable journey through France's diverse landscapes. Whether you're looking for a nature adventure with camping or a cultural getaway, the ViaRhôna is the ideal route, enhanced by our specialized tourism guides, ready to transform your cycling experience into a memorable one.