ViaRhôna : From Lyon to Thonon-Les-Bains
Day 1
27 km
Lyon → Jons
Start your adventure at Paulette’s Lyon agency (71 cours Lafayette) and cross the Rhône to pick up the tranquil pace of the ViaRhôna. Soon, the cityscape gives way to nature as you enter the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, 2,200 hectares of water and greenery. Take a swim, enjoy a picnic, or simply pause and breathe it all in. Continue along the Jonage canal to Jons, where peaceful riverbanks meet the charm of a historic dam.
Day 2
38 km
Jons → La Balme-Les-Grottes
Leaving Jons, a quiet greenway leads you between orchards, gentle hills, and vineyards. You’re now at the doorstep of the Bugey region, rustic and full of character. Along the way, take time to explore the traditional villages of the Crémieu plateau.
At La Balme-les-Grottes, dive into the famed caves shaped by water and time. This unique underground world offers a memorable stop before a peaceful evening between cliffs and old stone houses.
Day 3
52 km
La Balme-Les-Grottes → Groslée
This leg of the trip features one of the ViaRhôna’s most scenic sections. Pass through Lagnieu, cross the Pont de l’Ain, and ride on to Isle de la Serre and the leisure haven of Vallée Bleue. Stop for a nature break or a waterfront lunch.
The journey then skirts ponds and marshlands en route to Morestel, a town of art and history with flower-filled lanes. Continue to Brangues and cross the Groslée bridge to end a beautiful day.
Day 4
37 km
Groslée → Belley
Enter the Bugey hills, where the Rhône grows wilder. Look out for sweeping views of Grand Colombier and the Lavours marshland. Stop in Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, famed for its pink praline brioche, and step into the Repaire Mandrin, an immersive journey through smuggling history.
Before reaching Belley, be amazed by the 60-meter Glandieu waterfall. End the day exploring Belley, Bugey’s capital, with its rich culinary and architectural heritage.
Day 5
34 km
Belley → Seyssel
Head toward Seyssel through the Chautagne vineyards, alternating between quiet greenways and more challenging segments. Make a stop in Chanaz, a gem on the Savière canal, where oil mills, river cruises, and lively terraces await.
Between Belley and Seyssel, cross the wooden walkways of the Lavours marshland for a moment of wild immersion. Your day ends in Seyssel, a town split by the Rhône, nestled between mountains and vines.
Day 6
28 km
Seyssel → Vulbuens
Though shorter, this stage is more demanding, taking you through the narrow Écluse Pass, a key crossing since ancient times. The terrain becomes more alpine, the reliefs more pronounced.
Winding between country roads and shaded paths, the route invites you to slow down. At Vulbens, near the Swiss border, sweeping views of the Alps hint at what’s to come.
Day 7
35 km
Vulbuens → Genève
This is one of the most varied days: from Geneva’s vineyards to the Verbois nature reserve, you cross into Switzerland via quaint, picturesque roads. The ride is occasionally challenging, but the panoramic views of the Alps and the lake make it worth every pedal stroke.
In Geneva, an international city full of culture, take time to wander the lakeside, explore museums and gardens, and soak up its unique blend of Swiss tradition and cosmopolitan energy.
Day 8
45 km
Genève → Thonon-Les-Bains
On your final day, follow the southern shore of Lake Geneva toward Thonon-les-Bains. Along the way, stop in Yvoire—ranked among France’s Most Beautiful Villages—and relax on the sandy beach of Excenevex, the lake’s only one.
In Thonon, a spa town perched above the lake, end your journey gently: swim, stroll through gardens, or enjoy a drink on a terrace facing the Alps. Return your bike to our local partner and savor the pride of crossing the Alps on two wheels, with total freedom.