Via Rhôna Cycle Path: Haute-Savoie to Lyon

Make your own way to Seyssel and check in at the first hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this charming village located on both sides of the Rhône. Its peculiarity is to have two churches, two cemeteries, two Post Offices, ... Only one emblematic bridge separates the two town centres. Located at 250m above sea level, Seyssel is also the lowest village of Haute-Savoie.

Today you leave Seyssel and cycle between ridges and plateaux on both banks of the Rhone. In Chanaz, also called “La Petite Venise Savoyarde”, you can enjoy a pleasant break in one of the charming restaurants along the canal of Savières. Continue to Culoz and Belley, peaceful towns with a rich heritage set below the Bugey Range, and on to today’s destination, Champagneux. Important note: About 3km of the route today is on a busy road which passes through two tunnels that do not have a shoulder for cyclists. 260m/853ft ascent, 248m/814ft descent

Today you pass through Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers where we recommend stopping to taste the famous brioche pralines! Further along, a little detour towards the village of Glandieu will allow you to refresh yourself with its majestic waterfall, a wonder of nature. Next you cross Morestel, ‘Cité des Peintres’, where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and visit some galleries. A lovely greenway links "La Vallée Bleue" to Villebois, where you’ll stay overnight. 338m/1109ft ascent, 346m/1135ft descent

This stage takes you through the unspoilt countryside of Bugey, situated above the Rhône. You’ll pass lovely villages this morning including Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey and Sault-Brénaz, and then the more secretive La Balme-les-Grottes, with its great caves and picturesque centre. Your destination will soon be in sight as you approach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, listed among ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’. Overnight in Pérouges. 199m/653ft ascent, 174m/570ft descent

This last stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including at Le Grand Large and Miribel-Jonage. Relax and enjoy the cycling to central Lyon, along the Rhône’s banks. At the Rhône’s confluence with the Saône, you come to a quarter marked by contemporary architecture, the most striking building being the Musée des Confluences. Your options for the rest of the day are endless but you can also reward your cycling efforts with a delicious meal in a “petit bouchon”, a typical restaurant in the city. Overnight in Lyon. 109m/358ft ascent, 213m/699ft descent

The trip concludes after breakfast in Lyon. We an assist with booking extra nights on request. If you'd like to continue cycling, we offer the next stage of the Via Rhona from Lyon to Provence, cycling to Orange, and also the full route in France to the Mediterranean at Sete.