Cycle tour along the Rhône to the Provence

Bonjour de Lyon! Your cycle tour along the Rhône begins in France's third largest city. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through the old town. The traboules are particularly worth discovering. The hidden passageways that lead through corridors and courtyards used to allow silk weavers to transport their fabrics dry off the street. Enjoy the exquisite French cuisine in the evening and feel like God in France right from the start of your cycle tour along the Rhône.

On the way south, you will first pass the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Following the twists and turns of the Rhône, you reach Vienne. The city has preserved a rich architectural heritage throughout its long history. This includes the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Roman theater. As soon as you leave the city behind you, the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône come into view. Taste a fruity red wine from one of France's most famous wine regions at your stage destination. If you would like to shorten the stage due to the high volume of traffic in Lyon, we recommend a short train ride (not included) to Givors.

Your cycle tour along the Rhône takes you along the banks of the river to Tournon-sur-Rhône. Take a break in the charming historic old town and enjoy a glass of Hermitage, one of France's most famous wines. Continue on to Valence. The city is considered the northern Gateway to the Provence. Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, one of the city's most important buildings, is located in the heart of the historic city center. Spend the evening in one of the many restaurants or bars in the city center.

You follow the course of the Rhône through fertile landscapes dotted with apricot and apple trees. Numerous castles tower above the cycle path, most of which are now in ruins. At Loriol-sur-Drôme, you pass the confluence of the Drôme and the Rhône. You will soon have reached Montélimar. This inviting little town with its pedestrian zones and small squares is particularly famous for its nougat, which is made from honey and almonds. To balance out the sweet delicacies, take a stroll to the imposing Château des Adhémar, a Romanesque residential castle from the 12th century.

The first highlight of today's stage of your cycle tour along the Rhône is Viviers. Visit the 12th-century cathedral and stroll through the medieval alleyways of the former bishop's town before you have the opportunity to cross numerous bridges along the way. The route takes you through alluvial forests, the lively town of Bourg-Saint-Andéol, bright yellow sunflower fields and over the oldest Rhône bridge in Pont Saint-Esprit to Orange. Visit the Théâtre Antique, one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world - very impressive!

From Orange you cycle back to the Rhône. Relax and follow the course of the river through the famous wine-growing region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Take a detour to one of the wine shops before following the flat paths to Avignon. In the city of the popes, you can expect a wide range of sights worth seeing and discovering. The mighty city wall, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the medieval houses and the mighty papal palace bear witness to the city's eventful history. At the end of the stage, sample the delicious dishes of Provençal cuisine and treat yourself to a full-bodied red wine from the surrounding vineyards.

Today, the last stage of your cycle tour along the Rhône lies ahead of you. Cycle along the river and through vineyards to your destination of Arles. The city's history began over 2000 years ago, as can be seen from the many buildings. Visit the Roman amphitheater, which once had room for 25,000 people. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh once lived in Arles. He captured the city and its surroundings in numerous paintings. The modern museum Fondation Vincent van Gogh, which is dedicated to contemporary art related to van Gogh's work, was created in reference to his work.

After breakfast, your cycle tour along the Rhône comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Lyon or Arles with an extra night.