Via Rhôna Bike Tour - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva

Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive in Geneva by car, train, or airplane—there are many options for travel to the area. Check in to your hotel, then head out for a day exploring the cosmopolitan city. Stroll around the city's beautiful botanical gardens. shop for world-famous watches, indulge yourself on Swiss chocolate or explore Lake Geneva on a sailboat tour. There's no shortage of things to do as you prepare for your trip. 

Day 2: Geneva — Seyssel

Ride Length: 62 km/38 miles,

Climbing: 776 meters/2,546 ft 

Start your day by heading to the bike shop to get fully outfitted for the ride ahead. Today is the toughest day of cycling on the whole tour, with lots of rolling hills and the highest ascent. Good news though—you get to enjoy plenty of downhill riding, too! 

The route winds southwest across the Swiss border at Chancy into the picture-perfect wine region of Rhône-Alpes, France, where you will cycle for the rest of the tour. Stop along the way to take in the sweeping panoramas, striking rock formations, and ancient ruins. 

Stop overnight in Seysell, which sits right on the river and is the perfect place to give your tired legs a rest. 

Day 3: Seyssel — Champagneux

Long Option: 76 km/47 miles, 772 meters/2,533 ft of climbing
Short option: 56 km/35 miles, 325 meters/1,066 ft of climbing

Today's level terrain will feel like a picnic in the park compared to the previous day. Make a side trip to Chanaz, known as the Little Venice of Savoie. Park your bikes to sample the exquisite local cheese in the Roman village of Belley. Alternately, if you would like to add some mileage to the journey, head off route to enjoy lunch in one of the medieval wineries on the banks of the Lac du Bourget.

Whichever option you choose, save a little energy for your climb uphill to your hotel in Champagneux. Your hard work will be rewarded with the incredible views of the valley—and the delicious dinner which awaits you. 

Day 4: Champagneux — Pérouges

Ride Length: 68 km/42 miles

Climbing: 380 meters/1,250 ft 

Follow the Rhone River through small villages and quiet countryside navigating along the traffic-free bikeway. From Saint-Sorlin, leave the Via Rhone and ride on the smaller roads through the rural Bugey region. Reach the hilltop medieval village of Pérouges, where you will stay the night. 

Day 5: Pérouges — Lyon

Long Option: 59 km/37 miles, 380 meters/1,250 ft of climbing
Short Option: 42 km/26 miles, 270 meters/885 ft of climbing

If you can't get enough of France's idyllic villages, opt for today's longer route. Leave the  Rhône River behind to enjoy the spectacular countryside. 

If you are dreaming of diving right into the food stalls at Les Halles in Lyon,  follow the Via Rhona directly into the city. Stay the night in the hilly La Croix Rousse neighborhood. 

Day 6: Departure

Enjoy breakfast on your last day, then connect to your transfer home. Safe travels!