Cycling from Annecy to Sète: from the Alps to Provence and on to the Mediterranean

A beautiful alpine day awaits you. From Sainte-Hélène-du-Lac, cycle between green valleys and foothills of the Chartreuse, with forests, perched villages and mountains as a backdrop.

Then Grenoble appears, nestled between the Vercors, the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains. Once you've parked your bike, take to the heights with the famous "bubbles" of the cable car up to the Bastille: after 85 km of cycling, the view of the Alps is all the more beautiful.

Leave Grenoble following the peaceful banks of the Isère. The high mountains begin to gently recede and the landscape opens up to the hills and farmland of the Voironnais region.

Then the first vineyards appear: a small hint of what awaits you further south. In Vinay, at the foot of the Vercors mountains, rediscover the tranquil atmosphere of an Isère village, with its market, local produce, and gentle way of life.

Cycle today through the agricultural landscapes of the Isère valley, between cultivated fields and generous orchards.

In Saint-Marcellin, a gourmet break is a must to sample the small cheese that proudly bears the town's name. Then head to Romans-sur-Isère, where a completely different specialty awaits: shoes. Discover its fascinating shoe museum and stroll through the historic center around the Saint-Barnard collegiate church.

A short stage today, perfect for taking your time. Follow the Isère River to its confluence with the Rhône: a lovely symbolic passage before continuing your journey south.

In Valence, something is changing. The terraces are filling up, the architecture is taking on a southern flair, and the atmosphere is gently becoming Provençal. Discover the Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) and the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, then enjoy Jouvet Park and its views of the Rhône and the Ardèche mountains.

Follow the Rhône south as the landscape transforms around you. Vineyards and orchards multiply, cypress trees appear, and a few lavender fields begin to give the road a hint of Provence.

Upon arrival, there's no mistaking it: you're in Montélimar, the nougat capital. Between tastings, climb up to the Château des Adhémar to admire the Rhône Valley from this imposing medieval fortress.

Today, the Drôme Provençale unfolds its colours and scents: lavender, olive trees and vineyards gradually compose a true southern landscape.

Follow the Rhône River along shaded stretches before reaching Pierrelatte. Along the way, those with a thirst for discovery can take a detour to explore the Crocodile Farm and its astonishing tropical greenhouse. An unexpected touch of the exotic in the heart of your Provençal journey.

The Mediterranean sun becomes more prominent as you travel along the Rhône and enter the Vaucluse. Around you, the Côtes du Rhône vineyards trace perfect lines across the hills.

Then Orange takes you back in time nearly 2,000 years. Its spectacular, remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre seems to be waiting for the next performance. Complete your journey into antiquity with the Triumphal Arch before enjoying the Provençal streets of the town.

A short stage, but it's hard to find a more heritage-rich route. Leave Orange amidst vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees, with the silhouette of Mont Ventoux watching over you in the distance.

Next, cycle through the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape before catching sight of the ramparts of Avignon. Then comes the monumental and majestic Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), followed, of course, by the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. This evening, leave your bike behind and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the City of Popes.

A final glimpse of Avignon from the Rhône, then on to the Gard. The Mediterranean countryside accompanies you towards a new day dedicated to Antiquity.

Along the way, a detour allows you to discover the spectacular Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of Roman engineering nearly two millennia old. Then Nîmes takes over: the arena, the Maison Carrée and the Jardins de la Fontaine immerse you in what is often called the "French Rome".

The South is now everywhere. Cross the garrigue between umbrella pines, olive trees and vineyards, with the scents of thyme and rosemary that almost make you want to slow down.

As you approach the Camargue, ponds and lagoons appear and host remarkable biodiversity – keep your eyes open to spot pink flamingos and Camargue bulls.

Then Montpellier brings you back to the urban bustle. Head to Place de la Comédie before getting lost in the small streets of the Écusson for your penultimate evening.

Last day, and the Mediterranean has never been so close. Leave Montpellier and enter a world of water: ponds, canals and reedbeds make up the luminous landscapes of the Languedoc coastline.

Follow the shores of the Thau Lagoon, famous for its oysters and mussels, before catching sight of Sète nestled between the lagoon and the Mediterranean. Its canals, colorful trawlers, and lively quays offer a charming arrival.

After 12 days on the road, there's only one thing left to do: park your bike, climb Mont Saint-Clair to admire the journey... then dip your toes in the Mediterranean. You've crossed from the Alps to the sea .