On the Via Rhôna: From Geneva to Lyon
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSavoy / French Alps
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions81.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
From Geneva to Lyon, let the Rhône River be your guide for a 7-day cycling getaway amidst unspoiled nature and vibrant heritage. This first section of the Via Rhôna begins on the shores of Lake Geneva and winds its way through the Savoy and Bugey regions, revealing a succession of gorges, lakes, marshes , and authentic villages . A gentle immersion into the heart of a region with diverse landscapes and a strong identity.
Designed for comfort , this independent trip offers charming accommodations , luggage transfer for added convenience, and bicycle rental (classic or electric). Each stage invites you to discover unspoiled natural spaces and hidden gems of local heritage , before arriving in Lyon , a gastronomic capital and UNESCO World Heritage city.
A cycling tour for lovers of wide landscapes, regional culture and freedom , to be experienced at your own pace, between water, mountains and tradition .
The highlights
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7-day itinerary along the Rhône River, between lakes, mountains and typical villages
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Our selection of high-quality accommodations
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Discover the Via Rhôna by classic or electric bike at your own pace.
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 52 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 319 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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St Julien en Genevois - Geneva - St Julien en Genevois
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 220 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at 2 pm in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois , very close to the Swiss border. Due to accommodation and parking costs, an overnight stay in Geneva is not planned, but a departure from the city remains an option. This first day is a loop starting and ending in Saint-Julien . The route crosses the Geneva countryside before reaching the center of Geneva , where you can stroll along Lake Geneva . We suggest visiting St. Peter's Cathedral , especially its towers which offer a panoramic view of the city . The return journey follows a different path, partly along the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), back to your accommodation in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.
Day 1 -
St Julien en Genevois - Seyssel
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 580 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You leave Saint-Julien, taking small roads lined with vineyards to cross the canton of Geneva to Avully , where you rejoin the Rhône . The river leaves Switzerland shortly after and plunges into its first gorges , which you overlook from a scenic road . On the other side, don't miss the view of Fort l'Écluse , an impressive military structure clinging to the mountainside. The route continues across the Usinens plateau , between forests and pastures , before descending towards Seyssel , a charming village nestled on both sides of the Rhône .
Day 2 -
Seyssel - Saint Genix sur Guiers
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 62 km
- Positive elevation gain 240 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's route follows both banks of the Rhône , alternating between ridges and plateaus in a landscape dotted with waterfalls and lakes . At the foot of the Grand Colombier (1525m) , the scenery becomes gentler, with vineyards , local specialties , and villages like Belley , Culoz , and Chanaz , which perfectly embody the spirit of the Bugey region . Continuing south, you'll traverse a mosaic of plains, vineyards, and hills , until you reach the Pays de Lhuis and Izieu , whose luminous landscapes captivate nature lovers.
Day 3 -
Saint Genix sur Guiers - Villebois
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 57 km
- Positive elevation gain 280 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Rhône River certainly didn't choose the shortest route to Lyon! Here it is, heading north to skirt the Bugey massif. This leg of the journey unfolds through unspoiled nature along the banks of the Rhône. Hidden amidst the mountains and forests of southern Bugey are stunning ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Day 4 -
Villebois - Pérouges
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 72 km
- Positive elevation gain 402 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Several villages to explore in the morning: Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey or Sault-Brénaz, and the more intimate La Balme-les-Grottes with its famous caves and picturesque center. Then the Via Rhôna veers slightly away from the river to gradually reach the Balcons du Rhône, where authentic villages, castles, and vineyards follow one another. At Anthon, the Ain flows into the Rhône, creating a remarkable natural site.
(It is possible to shorten this stage by only doing 39 km on the small roads of the Ain)
Day 5 -
Perouges - Lyon
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 190 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This final stage takes advantage of the Miribel-Jonage Park to skillfully traverse the Greater Lyon urban area. The route connects parks and bodies of water while remaining away from traffic, offering a calm and safe journey. The route then continues with a pleasant bike ride along the banks of the Rhône , which are landscaped and protected from cars , all the way to the heart of Lyon .
Day 6 -
Lyon
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast .
Each person organizes their dispersal freely , according to their program and their means of return.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
After breakfast on day 07 in Lyon.
Go to the starting point
It is located on the Bellegarde - St Gervais Les Bains line.
Paris 9:44 - St Julien en Génevois 13:34 (TGV - TER)
Lyon 10:37 - St Julien en Génevois 12:29 (TER - TER)
Marseille 8:37 - St Julien en Génevois 12:29 (TGV - TER)
Schedules to be checked with SNCF
St Julien en Genevois (France) is accessible via the A40 motorway between Bellegarde and Geneva (10 km).
Parking:
You can park your vehicle in the station car park located 300m from your accommodation (12 hours free then €4/day).
Price details
The price includes
- Organization fees
- Food and half-board accommodation (except days 01, 05 and 06)
- The provision of a digital hiking file
The price does not include
- Lunch
- Evening meals (days 01, 05 and 06)
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Luggage transport (optional)
- Individual equipment as well as bicycle rental.
- The printed hiking guide.
- Shuttles or taxis to retrieve your car or to shorten certain steps.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- All options not included in the price
- Insurance
- Everything not mentioned in the price includes
Options
- Luggage transfer based on 2 people : CHF301.88 / person
- Luggage transfer based on 3 people : CHF210.40 / person
- Luggage transfer based on 4 people or more : CHF150.94 / person
- Electric Bike Rental : CHF256.14 / person
- Adult all-terrain bike rental (VTC) : CHF173.81 / person
- Hiking guide in paper format : CHF27.44 / reservation
- Supplement for departures from Thursday to Saturday : CHF36.59 / reservation
- Single participant supplement : CHF205.83 / person
- Single room supplement : CHF219.55 / person
- Extra night before the stay - Saint Julien en Genevois - Single room : CHF109.78 / person
- Extra night before the stay - Saint Julien en Genevois - Double room : CHF77.76 / person
- Additional night after stay - Lyon - Single room : CHF100.63 / person
- Extra night after stay - Lyon - Double room : CHF59.46 / person
- Return shuttle Lyon - St Julien en Genevois on weekdays (1 to 4 people) : CHF269.87 / reservation
- Return shuttle Lyon - St Julien en Genevois (Sundays and public holidays) : CHF407.09 / reservation
- Discount without overnight stay in Lyon : CHF-59.46 / person
- Option: 1 additional day in Pérouges based on a double room : CHF63.12 / person
- Option: 1 additional day in Pérouges based on a single room : CHF94.22 / person
- Option to rent a hybrid bike for an additional day in Pérouges (VTC). : CHF22.87 / person
- Option to rent a bicycle for an additional day in Pérouges (Gravel or E-bike) : CHF36.59 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Bicycles are not provided, but we offer the rental of 3 types of bicycles to choose from (available in St Julien en Genevois on the first day, you return it to St Julien on the last day, this requires taking the return transfer, or leave it in Lyon with a supplement):
- All-Terrain Bike (VTC – A200 Voyage): robust bike for long-distance travel without excessive elevation gain, 8-speed Shimano gears, dynamo system, V-brakes. Rear rack for up to 25 kg.
- Gravel (Le Vadrouille): a high-performance and lightweight gravel bike, equipped with the Shimano GRX 400 groupset, ideal for bikepacking and varied terrain. Aluminum or carbon frame available on request.
- Electric Assist Bicycle (VAE – Nevo GT): High-end German electric bicycle, with Bosch motor, range up to 150 km, belt drive, advanced suspension, Magura disc brakes and 27 kg luggage rack.
Bicycles are rented with a helmet, lock, puncture repair kit or sealant, two 20L waterproof panniers, and a phone holder. Damage and theft insurance covering 90% of the cost is also included.
Equipment to bring
To transport your belongings:
- If you have a luggage rack, you can attach your bag to it using bungee cords
- The bikes provided in the rental option only have a luggage rack (bring your own bungee cords). It is possible to rent panniers, a map holder or other accessories.
- One piece of luggage: a backpack or travel bag in good condition
For the Bicycle
- A water bottle
- Short or long cycling shorts depending on the season
- Cycling gloves
- Sunglasses (for protection against the sun, air, and midges)
- Windbreaker
- Cycling t-shirts or jerseys
Clothing to bring
Against the sun and the rain
- Cream and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat (helmet)
- A rain cape or a "Gore-Tex" jacket
After the effort
- A sweater or a fleece
- Comfortable trousers
- Shorts
- Change of clothes
- A lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirt
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Spare clothes and personal linen
- Toiletry bag
- A mini-pharmacy: personal medications, elastic bandage, bio-gauze or "second skin", gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin in case of minor injuries... (quite a program! but rest assured, the pharmacy often returns untouched from your week of hiking)
