Electrically assisted bicycle: effortless rides and lots of fun!
A single pedal stroke and the bike sets off, almost without effort. Kilometres, elevation gain, nothing scares you anymore. You have new horizons thanks to the electrically assisted bicycle. This sport offers new perspectives to discover our territory at your own pace. Everyone will find their own pleasure: sports, an outdoor getaway, breathtaking panoramas ... all with respect for the environment. An eco-responsible activity, a primary value in Ardèche Hermitage, a life-size playground.
Since a few years, the e-bike has not known the crisis! More than 300,000 bikes sold in 2018: the French market is exploding. They now represent more than 10% of bicycle sales.
From the Viarhona cycle path, along the Rhône, to the legendary cycling race "L’Ardéchoise", Ardèche Hermitage is a cycling destination. Faced with the growing number of amateurs, we decided to create a unique brochure : the top 20 of electric bike rides in Ardèche Hermitage
Mythical roads, secure routes, the polka dot jersey is yours!
Damien, our bike specialist, has selected superb routes, routes accessible to all, using low traffic lanes to ride with peace of mind. From 14 to 106 kilometres of rides, for a few hours, a day or even a roaming : find the circuit that suits you ! This guide offers you more than just loops but also unique stages, combining different modes of travel: Steam train + bike, Bus + bike + Boat, for unique rides! 20 bike-electric rides in Ardèche Hermitage, the pleasure of exploring a region with multiple atmospheres.
A detailed technical sheet for each stage, with lots of practical information: kilometres, elevation gain, description of the route, points of interest, picnic spots ... But also the electrical power necessary to not end your ride without assistance. If you have a GPS, find the GPX files for free by downloading on our website.
Choose your route: On your bikes, ready, go!
Go ! Ah…ead
What a joy to ride the roads, taking a deep breath of fresh air, without worrying about the difficulties of the route! We have chosen 3 outings, extracted from the brochure 20 bicycle-electric tours in Ardèche Hermitage, let’s go.
Between vineyards and orchards: a gentle walk
39km, 570m d + starting from Gervans. This route follows the "Route des belvédères". Take on the region's most beautiful viewpoints over the Rhône Valley and its terraced vineyards! 3 exceptional panoramas and an ascent without difficulty thanks to the electric assistance, follow the small road of great wines for an wonderfull stroll. At the Hermitage chapel, the impressive landscape of terraced vineyards passes by. You overlook the famous Hermitage hill, at its feet the peaceful Rhône river. The route ends by following the Viarhona cycle path, a secure and marked route on the right bank of the Rhône for a smooth return.
The moutain pass route : hilltop villages
3 possible loops 39km, 61 km or 78km, 900m / 1370m / 1850m d +, starting from the charming village of Pailharés. You have the jersey of the best climber! This route begins with the legendary Col du Marchand, named in honor of Robert Marchand*, culminating at an altitude of 911m. A route where there are no less than 6 passes. A mountain stage, where electric assistance is more than welcome. Be sure to follow the recommendations regarding the electric power of the bicycle to avoid battery failure. Intermediate loops will allow you to ride serenely and return to your starting point more quickly if necessary.
Robert Marchand * figure of the cyclo "l'Ardéchoise" and record holder of the cycling hour on the track. Masters category over 100s.
Doux Valley: for an exotic stroll
31km, 400m d +, start of the cycling route in Lamastre. An original ride, combining two types of gentle travel, the famous Steam Train called "Mastrou" and the e-bike. Embark on a timeless ride with the famous Ardèche Train, to criss-cross the Doux Valley to the rhythm of steam. Departing from Tournon sur Rhône / Saint Jean de Muzols station, this historic train offers you the possibility of traveling with your electrically assisted bikes, thanks to a new adapted wagon. 1h40 of travel to Lamastre **, in the heart of the preserved gorges, site classified Sensitive Natural Area. Your e-bike course will be mainly downhill, passing through the village of Boucieu-le-Roi, one of the most beautiful classified villages in Ardèche.
** Check the days and times of the Mastrou.
Practical information
Rent a VAE in Ardèche Hermitage
Several possibilities for the rental of a VAE : Giraud cycles in Tain l'Hermitage, the Intersport store, the shop Tournon cycle and The "Station Bee's" in Tournon sur Rhône as well as the Saint Félicien tourist office. Pay attention to the opening days and times of the rental companies. If you have never had an eBike, take the time to learn about how it works.
Where to find the VAE guide: 20 electric bike rides in the Ardèche Hermitage
The brochure can be downloaded free of charge from our website. It is also available in our 4 reception offices, Tournon sur Rhône, Tain l'Hermitage, Saint Félicien and Saint Donat sur l'Herbasse, for sale at a price of € 2 and at our bike rental companies.
Damien and the rest of the team are available to answer any questions. We will be happy to help you with the preparation of your stay in Ardèche Hermitage. Fans of sports and / or nature, many cycling, mountain biking and hiking trails are also available for free download in our "Outdoors" section.
To receive all our cycling information, complete the form by clicking here.
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