Cycling holidays on the ViaRhôna, from Vienne to Avignon
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the ViaRhôna, between history, nature and gastronomy. Discover Vienne and its rich Gallo-Roman heritage before cycling through prestigious vineyards, medieval villages and nature reserves. Make gourmet stops in Tain-l’Hermitage, Montélimar, or Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste local wines and specialties. Admire emblematic sites such as the ancient theater of Orange, the majestic Pont-Saint-Esprit and the sumptuous Palais des Papes in Avignon. With varied landscapes, fascinating monuments and a unique Provençal atmosphere, this trip combines the good life and cultural discoveries at each stage.
Highlights:
- Cities of art and history of Valence and Vienne
- Montélimar, capital of nougat
- Medieval villages of Viviers, Donzère & Pont-Saint-Esprit
- Avignon, City of the Popes
- The renowned vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône
- Gallo-Roman heritage throughout the itinerary and in particular in Orange
- Protected nature reserves of Île du Beurre and Île de la Platière
Day 1: Vienne
Arrival in Vienne. Take the time to stroll on foot in its historic center, a true gem classified as a "City of art and history" thanks to its rich Gallo-Roman heritage. Don't miss its ancient theater or the majestic temple of Augustus and Livia.
Day 2: from Vienne to Serrières (34 km)
Follow the ViaRhôna and cycle across the plain, where the hillside vineyards on one side and the banks of the Rhône on the other mingle. After a few kilometres, you will discover the Île du Beurre, a remarkable protected site. With a bit of luck, you will be able to observe local species such as the grey heron or the beaver. The route continues through prestigious vineyards that will delight wine lovers: Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu. You then enter the Roussillon region. As you cross the Île de la Platière nature reserve, you will notice the ochre-coloured houses and the unique atmosphere of the surrounding villages.
Day 3: from Serrières to Valence (59 km)
One of the first stages of the day will take you to Saint-Vallier, a town with a rich historical past. Split in two by the Paris-Marseille railway line since 1850, it was the fiefdom of the Poitiers, lords and close friends of the famous Diane de Poitiers, favourite of King Henry II. The town’s church houses their family tomb. Continue your route by crossing the Seguin footbridge, the oldest suspension bridge in France, to reach the left bank of the Rhône. Your journey then takes you to Tain-l’Hermitage, where chocolate lovers will be sure to visit the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.
After Tain-l’Hermitage, the vineyards gradually give way to orchards: welcome to Ardèche! Along your route, local producers offer their delicious specialities. Take the opportunity to take a gourmet break and savour fresh, local produce, a real treat! In La Roche-sur-Glun, don’t miss the charming tower of Diane de Poitiers, dating from the 14th century. You quickly reach Valence, classified as a “City of Art and History”. With its green gardens, picturesque streets, lively market and charming districts, Valence seduces with its warm atmosphere and pleasant way of life.
Day 4: from Valence to Montélimar (74 km)
Continue your journey south along the Rhône, with the elegant Cruas abbey church and the majestic Rochemaure castle as a backdrop, witnesses to the rich architectural heritage of the Rhône Valley. Then cross the Rhône by taking the spectacular Himalayan footbridge, built on the remains of the Old Rochemaure Bridge – an unforgettable experience! Your journey continues on the Drôme bank and ends in style in Montélimar, the famous nougat capital, where sweetness and delicacy await you.
Day 5: from Montélimar to Pont-Saint-Esprit (49 km)
Leaving Montélimar, you pass through the charming medieval towns of Viviers and Donzère, true witnesses to the region's rich past. Your itinerary then takes you to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, renowned for its many listed historical monuments. Don't miss the remarkable bas-relief dedicated to the god Mithra, the largest in all of ancient Gaul.
Continue your journey to Pont-Saint-Esprit, the crossroads of the Vaucluse, Ardèche and Gard departments. Cross its imposing 700-year-old stone bridge and marvel at the majestic silhouette of this Provençal city before you. An unmissable stop for history buffs!
Day 6: from Pont-Saint-Esprit to Orange (36 km)
Your route runs along the Rhône and takes you to Caderousse, a charming and unusual Provençal village. Nestled on the banks of the river, it is surrounded by an imposing 19th-century stone dike, built to protect it from recurring floods.
You then leave the Rhône to cross a vast agricultural plain, towards the Roman city of Orange. The ochre tones of the city immediately immerse you in a typically Provençal atmosphere. Thanks to its remarkable historical heritage, prepare yourself for a fascinating journey to the heart of Roman civilization. Don't miss a visit to the ancient theater, one of the best preserved in the world, as well as the impressive triumphal arch.
Day 7: from Orange to Avignon (42 km)
Leaving the historic center of Orange, head towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its 3,000 hectares of renowned vineyards. A stop to taste its great wines is a must! Also take the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque streets of the village and climb up to the Château des Papes, once a holiday resort for the sovereign pontiffs of Avignon.
Your route continues through the vineyards, in a landscape worthy of a postcard. Little by little, you will find the familiar banks of the Rhône which guide you towards the impressive City of the Popes. In Avignon, let yourself be seduced by its countless treasures: the Palais des Papes, the famous Saint-Bénezet bridge, the imposing ramparts, as well as its many churches and chapels.
Day 8: Avignon
End of the tour after breakfast. Possibility of additional night(s).
