La ViaRhôna: From Lyon to Sète by Bike
Each day is a sensory immersion: the scent of garrigue, the murmur of the river, bird calls overhead, and ever-changing light on the water. Whether you're riding a hybrid or electric bike, this adventure is a call to freedom—pedal to the rhythm of the Rhône.
Day 1
45 km
Lyon → Serrières
Start directly from Lyon or, for a smoother departure, take a train to Givors (recommended). From there, join the ViaRhôna and follow the tranquil riverbanks.
In Vienne, 2,000 years of Roman history come alive—temple, ancient theater, and Saint-Maurice Cathedral.
The trail meanders alongside the first Rhône Valley vineyards, bordered by reed beds and poplars. At Île au Beurre, spot herons, ducks, and cormorants in the wild. As you approach Condrieu, stunning panoramas unfold.
The section toward Serrières is sunny and exposed—bring water and a hat. Take a refreshing break at the Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf lake before arriving in the peaceful Ardèche village of Serrières.
Day 2
62 km
Serrières → Valence
Orchards stretch as far as the eye can see—cherries, peaches, and apricots painting a bucolic canvas, their sweet fragrances floating in the air.
Pause in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where sun-drenched streets, a hilltop castle, and lively markets invite you to linger. Across the river, Tain-l’Hermitage beckons with its legendary wines.
Ride on toward Valence along a mix of wild banks and safe bike paths. Arrive through Parc Jouvet, a lush urban oasis. Visit the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, stroll the pedestrian center, or savor an ice cream by the river.
Day 3
72 km
Valence → Montélimar
Depart via the Épervière marina, the largest inland port in France. Ride along the river to La Voulte-sur-Rhône, topped by a castle and linked by a signature suspension bridge.
The greenway leads through sunflower fields, orchards, and wetlands where storks and dragonflies glide. At Rochemaure, thrill seekers will love the Himalayan-style footbridge swaying above the river.
Arrive in Montélimar to the warm southern breeze—ochre façades, the scent of nougat, and a slower pace. Wander the narrow streets, climb to the castle, and enjoy the sunset over town.
Day 4
65 km
Montélimar → Caderousse
Today, pedal through Drôme and Vaucluse: stone villages, parasol pines, and olive groves. Stop in Bourg-Saint-Andéol to rest on a terrace or stroll cobbled lanes.
At Pont-Saint-Esprit, cross the Rhône on a majestic 13th-century bridge. The air grows warmer, the light brighter. A few more kilometers and you reach Caderousse, a little town protected by its historic flood wall.
Day 5
30 km
Caderousse → Avignon
A short ride through the famed hills of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Vineyards roll to the horizon, sun-warmed pebbles under your tires.
Then it’s Avignon—its medieval walls, the Palais des Papes, the legendary bridge, and the lively buzz of city life. Lose yourself in shady squares, explore the Halles market, or unwind at a café terrace.
Day 6
69 km
Avignon → Saint-Gilles
Pedal out to Beaucaire, its river port and fortress reflecting in the water. Then head west along the Rhône-to-Sète canal, framed by reed beds and open fields.
Welcome to the Camargue—white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos herald your arrival. At Saint-Gilles, visit the UNESCO-listed Romanesque abbey and wander this under-the-radar town with a rich pilgrim history.
Day 7
30 km
Saint-Gilles → Aigues-Mortes
Cycle along the Rhône-to-Sète canal, between salt flats and rice fields, storks above and frogs below.
Pause at the solitary Carbonnière Tower, standing guard between water and sky. Then Aigues-Mortes appears, encircled by medieval walls and flanked by pink-hued salins.
Stroll the ramparts, climb the Tour de Constance, or explore the salt flats by bike. At golden hour, the reflections across the brine pools are pure magic.
Day 8
62 km
Aigues-Mortes → Sète
Final stretch—with the sea on the horizon. From Le Grau-du-Roi, the path hugs the coastline. Pass through La Grande Motte and Palavas-les-Flots, breathe in the sea air, watch kites dancing overhead.
In Sète, follow the canal to the Saint-Louis mole—ViaRhôna’s symbolic finish line. Drop off your bike at our partner hotel, Au Valéry. End your adventure with a walk through the fishing district of La Pointe Courte or a seafood tasting on the harbor.