Via Rhôna Switzerland by bike. The Route du Rhône, from Andermatt to Geneva
At every turn, the road winding through the Furka Pass region, then past the Rhône Glacier, provides a spectacular prelude to your route. As you advance towards Lake Geneva, you will be captivated by the diversity of Swiss landscapes: from the rugged peaks of the Saint-Gotthard massif to the charm of the villages of the Goms valley, from the romance of the Binn valley to the vast expanses of the valley of the Rhône. Finally, you will succumb to the charm of Lake Geneva, with its castles, its vineyards, its elegant towns and its lively banks. It is rare that a trip reveals so many facets of Switzerland.
Highlights of the bike trip:
- Rhône Glacier
- Haut-Valais and Valais valleys
- Geneva
- Lausanne
- Shores of Lake Geneva
- Vineyards
Day 1: Arrival in Andermatt | from Andermatt to Obergestelen or Oberwald - 40 km / + 1000 m
Your luggage will be taken care of in Andermatt (to be submitted by 10 a.m. at the latest). The departure will be from a rocky recess, an element of the fortification system of the Swiss Alps, then you will cross the pastures of the Urseren valley. After a demanding ascent to the Furka Pass, at 2430 meters above sea level, a rapid descent will follow along the ice caves of the Rhône Glacier.
Night in Obergestelen in comfort version and Oberwald in standard version.
Day 2: from Obergesteln or Oberwald to Brig - 50 km / + 620 m
The young Rhône, called “Rotten” in Haut-Valais, crosses an authentic natural and cultural landscape. Charming villages, beautiful baroque churches, arolle forests, flower meadows buzzing with insects and the smell of resin will accompany you through this sunny high valley.
Night in Brig.
Day 3: from Brig to Sierre - 42 km / + 170 m
The main valley of Valais widens, warmed by the sun on its rocky sides. Between Leuk and Sierre, you will move away from the Rhône road to cross the vineyards to a wine estate. After a wine tasting, the road will continue to the town of Sierre.
Night in Sierre.
Day 4: from Sierre to Martigny - 44 km / + 120 m
Sion, the capital of Valais, proudly displays its historic castles, churches and mansions. The high mountain landscape of the Dents-du-Midi dominates the lower Rhône valley. You are in the heart of a landscape of vineyards and fertile orchards.
Night in Martigny.
Day 5: from Martigny to Vevey or Montreux - 60 km / + 250 m
At the bend of the Rhône, a tower watches over Martigny from the heights. St-Maurice watches over precious treasures at the narrowest point. You will cross a landscape of high mountains and plains. Lake Geneva reveals itself timidly behind the reeds, finally revealing the imposing Château de Chillon.
Night in Vevey in comfort version and Monteux in standard version.
Day 6: from Vevey or Montreux to Lausanne - 30 km / + 425 m
Lake Geneva, with its silver reflections, is framed by snow-capped peaks and vineyards, including the Lavaux vineyard, a UNESCO heritage site. On the shore, Vevey, Montreux, as well as Lausanne, the metropolis, “Olympic city” and vital organ of the Vaudois population.
Night in Lausanne.
Day 7: from Lausanne to Prangins or Nyon - 45 km / + 470 m
The terraced vineyards between Morges and Nyon are known under the name “La Côte”. The fruity Chasselas pressed here will bring a particular sweetness to this stage. Going down towards the edge of the lake, you will admire the towns of Morges and Rolle, then the beautiful castles of Nyon and Prangins, with slightly kitsch architecture.
Night in Prangins in comfort version and Nyon in standard version.
Day 8: from Prangins or Nyon to Geneva - from 30 to 60 km / from + 235 to + 615 m
The banks become less accessible, the villas and yachts more imposing. Geneva, the cosmopolitan city, is quickly emerging with its boulevards and its 140 m high “jet d’eau”. After your arrival in Geneva, you can leave individually (luggage to be collected until 5 p.m. at the latest).
