The ViaRhôna, the cycle route that follows the Rhône from its source in Lake Geneva to its mouth in the Mediterranean, attracts many amateur and experienced cyclists every year.

Cycling the 380 kilometres between Lyon and Avignon is an unforgettable adventure, dotted with spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and fascinating historic sites.

But how much time should you allow for this cycling trip ?

The answer depends on your level of fitness, your experience and, above all, your desires.

If you're a seasoned cyclist and want to take on the challenge in as little time as possible, it's possible to do it in 4 or 5 days.

However, if you want to make the most of your trip and discover the riches of the region, it's best to plan for between 7 and 9 days.

This pace will allow you to :

• Alternate cycling stages with moments of relaxation and sightseeing.
• Visit the towns and villages along the way, such as Vienne, Valence, Montélimar and Orange.
• Taste local produce and discover the local gastronomy.
• Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Rhône Valley, from the vineyards of Côte-Rôtie to the lavender fields of Provence.

Whatever your choice, don't forget to prepare well before you leave.

To help you make your choice, you need to know how far you can cycle in a day ?

At an "average" pace, where you pedal for 4 to 5 hours a day, you can plan to cycle around 40 to 50 kilometres a day. This means that you can cover the ViaRhôna, from Lyon to Avignon, in around 6 to 8 days.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, particularly if you're travelling with children or want to take full advantage of the sites of interest along the route, aim for 30 to 35 km a day. You will then need approximately 10 days to complete the route by bike.

For more experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, aim for 80 to 100 km a day. At this rate, you could complete this stage of the ViaRhôna in less than a week! However, remember that these estimates depend on your personal preferences and may vary.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask at tourist offices and accommodation along the route for advice and practical information.

Useful links :

• https://www.viarhona.com/
• https://www.francevelotourisme.com/
• https://www.francevelotourisme.com/accueil-velo/hebergement

Make your journey easier with our bike hire service :

At Paulette, we want to make your cycling adventure along the ViaRhôna as easy and enjoyable as possible. Visit us at our branch in Lyon, located at 71 Cours Lafayette, where you can hire quality bikes, and drop them off in Avignon at the end of your journey! If you want to shorten or extend your stay, we also have drop-off points in Montélimar, Arles and Sète.

With Paulette, there's no need to worry about returning your bikes. Pick them up at the start with all the necessary accessories and simply leave them at your arrival point.

Are you constantly on the lookout for new adventures? Stay connected!
Find us on Facebook and Instagram ! Share your memories with #paulettebike and mention us: @paulettebike !