The ViaRhôna, from Vienna to Valencia in 4 days

4 days cycling with the family on the ViaRhôna

This short stay is accessible to all. The ViaRhôna with the family is within pedaling distance on this route between Vienne and Valence. Start your adventure 30 km south of Lyon and follow the route that takes you to visit a rich Gallo-Roman heritage, hillside vineyards and many other surprises.

Highlights:

Cities of art and history of Valence and Vienne
The renowned vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône
Gallo-Roman heritage all along the route
Protected nature reserves of Île du Beurre and Île de la Platière
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

Day 1: Vienne

Arrival in Vienne. Take advantage of your free time to stroll around the historic center on foot. Vienne is classified as a "City of art and history", mainly because of its Gallo-Roman heritage. Don't miss its ancient theatre or the temple of Augustus and Livia.

Day 2: from Vienne to Serrières (34 km)

Take the ViaRhôna and cycle across the plain with the hillside vineyards on one side and the Rhône on the other. After a few kilometres you pass by the Île du Beurre, an exceptional protected site. With a bit of luck, you might be able to spot one of the many local species such as the grey heron or the beaver. The route continues through world-renowned vineyards that will make wine lovers' mouths water: Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu. You arrive in the Roussillon region. After crossing the Île de la Platière nature reserve, the houses take on an ochre hue and the atmosphere of the villages is unique.

Day 3: from Serrières to Tain-L'Hermitage (37 km)

One of the first stops of the day is Saint-Vallier, whose old town was split in two by the railway line that connects Paris and Marseille (1850). The town is the fiefdom of the Poitiers, lords and parents of the famous Diane de Poitiers, favorite of the King of France Henry II. The church houses the family tomb. Continue your route by taking the Seguin footbridge, the oldest suspension bridge in France to cross to the left bank of the Rhône. You reach Tain-L'Hermitage. The more curious or gourmet can visit the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona. This is the opportunity to discover all the secrets of cocoa-chocolate making, to participate in fun workshops and, of course, to taste!

Day 4: from Tain-L'Hermitage to Valence (22 km)

Today, orchards are gradually replacing vineyards. You are in Ardèche. On the route, local producers sell their delicious produce, don't hesitate to stop by to taste it. Fresh and local, nothing better! In La Roche-sur-Glun, stands the pretty tower of Diane de Poitiers, dating from the 14th century. You quickly arrive in Valence, "City of art and history". With its gardens, charming streets, colorful market and pretty neighborhoods, Valence is a welcoming and very pleasant city.

General information:

• 4 days and 3 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 and 4* hotels
• Child rate in the room of 2 paying adults:
  • 0-4 years = - 70%
  • 5-11 years = - 50%
  • 12-17 years = -30%
  • Reservation on quote

Dates:

Departures every day, from March 15 to November 15

Included:

• Self-guided online tour
• 3 nights in hotels
• 3 breakfasts
• Luggage transport between accommodation
• Day-by-day itineraries
• Breakdown assistance (except puncture).

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist taxes to be paid on site.

Options:

• VTC or Ebike rental
• Rental of children's equipment (bike, trailer, "3rd wheel")
• Additional night(s) in Vienna and Valencia
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Levels:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:
Flat terrain.

Climate:
Mild temperatures all year round.

Technicality:

• Biking: from 22 to 37 km or 2 to 4 hours of cycling per day
• Partly marked route, roadbook and map reading useful.

 
Bibliography:
Guide on the Via Rhôna
 

Additional nights:
An additional night is offered at the beginning and end of the tour.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: not included

The Bike:

• Rental bike: it is delivered to the accommodation and available from day 2. VTC or children's equipment. At the end of the tour, leave the bikes at the accommodation by notifying reception.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your bike.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for punctures for which we do not intervene)

Luggage:
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (max. 20 kg)

Travel diary:
We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the itineraries, upon your arrival at the first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as labels for your luggage.

Transport:

• By train: Vienna is about 3 hours by train from Paris (via Lyon)
• By car: Vienna is 500 km from Paris or about 6 hours.
• By plane: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.