ViaRhôna

The Viarhona, the essential cycle route!

The Viarhona is about 815 km of cycle routes for all to enjoy! Crossing the Alps, the city of Lyon, the vineyards of the Rhône’s Valley and end its path on the beaches of the Mediterranean sea, the Viarhona has everything to delight! It is a secured and flat road, a playground for families and a pleasure for all to contemplate. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or an enthusiastic beginner, the famous greenway will meet your expectations!

The Viarhona in the south of Lyon between Drôme and Ardèche.

If you’re an amateur of cycling looking for a sporting getaway combining nature, culture and gastronomy, Tournon-sur-Rhône is the ideal place to start the Viarhona adventure in Ardèche. Get set, go! We offer you routes from this charming town, give you the keys to preparing your cycling holiday with our selection of cycle-friendly accommodation, restaurant tips, and must see sites.

The different routes from Tournon-Sur-Rhône

A 20 km loop

Pedal the Viarhona and Viarhona bis along the right and left banks of the Rhône. Starting from Tournon, head toward South until La Roche de Glun village (10km). There, you can take a break along the small marina or relax in the park by the Bassin des Musards. A shady spot, ideal for a picnic. The return journey is on the Drôme side to Tain l’Hermitage, a further 10km. You only need to cross the footbridge to come back to the starting point. For this loop, we advise you to choose times to suit the heat (morning or at the end of the day) and to wear your summer kit (cap, sunglasses and sunscreen)!

Viarhona Loop

A bike and boat route:

Climb aboard the boat of the Canotiers from Tournon-sur-Rhône’s port and bring your bikes to Valence or Saint Vallier, depending on your preference, and return by bike along the Viarhona. Allow 2 hours by boat and 20 km by bike (1 hour). You can also do the tour in reverse: start by cycling from Tournon to Valence or Saint Vallier on the Viarhona in the morning, then return to Tournon by boat in the afternoon. In order to do this Boat and Bike trip, we strongly recommend you to book your ticket in the boat of the Canotiers.

Viarhona boat Loop

Where to sleep and eat on the Viarhona (south of Lyon) ?

You wish to do the Viarhona in the South of Lyon; you’ll have to book your accommodation in Ardèche Hermitage, about an hour from Lyon by car and five hours by bike. We offer you accommodations with the “Accueil Vélo” label (bike friendly). Hotels, holiday cottage, bed and breakfast…such a large choice! Those with a label are equipped for cycling (secure bike shelter, repair kit)… If you need more advices, you can call or write to the Tourist Office of Tournon and Tain: 04.75.08.10.23 or info@ah-tourisme.com

The Accommodations

The restaurants

Must-sees from the Viarhona

Why not make the most of your visit to the Drôme Ardèche by bike to see some of the must-see sites? At the centre of Tain l’Hermitage and Tournon sur Rhône, you can discover, by foot, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona , the Château-Musée of Tournon and the Jardin d’Eden or or take the petit train dans les vignes  (a little train ride through the vineyards). Climb aboard the wooden catamaran and enjoy a sunset tour!

By bike, you can go to the train station of the Train de l’Ardèche for a stream train ride to discover the Gorges du Doux and climb up to the Hermitage chapel on the Drôme side to enjoy the view of the Rhône River.  From the Viarhona, several domains several domains are accessible and offer tastings.

The must-sees

Would you like to park your bikes for a visit? Take advantage of the secure bike shelters on the Quays of Tournon sur Rhône or the bike racks in Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage. You will find them at every tourist site!