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Rhone valley 7-day Self-guided Cycling Tour Level 1 Lyon to Orange
Follow the vital line of the Rhône-Alpes region into Provence. Be accompanied by lush vineyards, sunflower fields and fragrant orchards. This is an area both rich in nature and culture. Splendid cathedrals and relics from Roman times are testimony to an opulent era long gone. During your tour marvel at cultural treasures such as the large Roman theatre in Vienne, or the architecturally outstanding museum of the Confluences in Lyon. Just as contrasting can also be the culinary treasures. Frog legs or soft caramel ice cream? You can already see there will be something to everyone’s taste.
The terrain is mostly flat and easy to cycle on. The Rhône cycle path is overall well-constructed and a perfect example for signposting and routing.
If you would like to rent a bike (75 euro) or e-bike (189 euro) please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Departures Sundays and Wednesday's
Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe
Arrival in Lyon
Since 1998 the old part of town of Lyon is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Mighty churches, about 30 museums and an excellent food serving industry guarantee a delightful stay.
Lyon – Serrières, approx. 69 km
Already after just a few kilometres the futuristic museum ‚des Confluences’ appears with its spectacular location on an island at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. You follow the course of your ‚companion’, the river Rhône and soon you reach Vienne with its many remains of an ancient Roman colony. You will be impressed by the temple of Augustus and Livia and by the biggest Roman theatre in Gaul. The cycle path leads you directly along the Rhône riverbank. On either side of the river, vineyards of the Cotes du Rhône rise up steeply. However you stay on flat terrain and soon cycle through a nature reserve with numerous observation points for you to marvel at flora and fauna. Onwards through alluvial forests with lots of shade until Serrières, a charming village located directly on the river Rhône.
Serrières – Valence, approx. 60 km
The beautifully designed cycle path takes you South again, directly along the Rhône riverbank. World renowned grapes are grown in the surroundings of Tournon sur Rhône. We recommend you have your lunch break in one of the charming villages with their medieval village centres and sample at least one glass of the famous ‚Hermitage’. After that you will soon reach the main town of the Drôme-region called Valence. Also called the ‚Northern Gate to Provence’, it will amaze you with its vibrant town centre full of cafés and restaurants.
Valence – Montélimar, approx. 65 km
Effortlessly you cycle through the fertile Rhône-valley. The temptation for ‚petty larceny of food’ is especially high today, since there are peaches, apples and kiwis growing directly along the route. Nevertheless, make sure you also look up and do not miss high up a once proud castle which has sadly crumbled and turned into a ruin, but still keeps a watchful eye over the valley. In today’s Day Finish Montélimar it is all about ‚nougat’, which is produced here in special quality. Temptations from dawn to dusk.
Montélimar – Bourg St. Andéol, approx. 30 km
Today’s stage is very short and hence leaves you with lots of time to just enjoy! Several times you switch from one side of the river Rhône to the other side via impressive suspension bridges. Then onwards along the cycle path to the former diocesan town of Viviers. Behind the cathedral dating back to the 12th century you have an amazing view across the Rhône valley. Then it becomes very quiet in the alluvial forests except for the buzzing noise of your spokes. Vibrancy is back after that in Bourg St. Andéol. The old part of town is characterised by picturesque houses dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th century, situated directly on the river Rhône.
Bourg St. Andéol – Orange, approx. 50 km
On your final stage you casually cycle through glowing yellow sunflower fields, apple orchards and peach plantations, past tomato- and basil fields. En route, you come across the little town of Pont St. Esprit, known for its 600-year old bridge, whose 25 arches stretch impressively across the river Rhône. You will be staying in the town of Orange with its well-known Roman theatre and the city founding arch, both part of the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage.
Orange
Individual departure or extension of your stay in Orange
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 05 2022 | Oct 11 2022 | 12 | Single rooms | 985€ | ||
| Double rooms | 715€ | |||||
| Oct 09 2022 | Oct 15 2022 | 12 | Single rooms | 985€ | ||
| Double rooms | 715€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
