During this cycling trip in Ardèche, you will follow the Dolce Via, a cycle path built on an old railway line, which is fully signposted and secure. The route sometimes winds along the Eyrieux, sometimes in the heart of the Rhône Valley. Some sections, in the Ardèche hinterland, offer more mountainous terrain. As you may have guessed, this trip to the Ardèche is full of a thousand shades. One thing is certain: you will be captivated by the wild beauty of this unspoilt natural environment!
You start your holiday in Ardèche in Tournon. The town, facing the majestic river, is an important wine-growing area. The hillsides of Saint-Joseph overlook the Rhône valley. Take advantage of your arrival in the region to sip a glass of Côte du Rhône and finally let go. Everything is organised by Safran Tours, so you don't worry about anything but pedaling and let yourself be guided. Let's go for a week of cycling in one of the most beautiful departments in France!
Dinner and night in a 3 star hotel.
D2
Ride from Lamastre to Saint Cierge sous le Cheylard
According to the train schedule (please contact us) ride to station at Saint-Jean-de-Muzols (6km) and transfer aboard little train of the Vivarais to Lamastre (trip 1hr45).
On other days: taxi transfer from Tournon to Lamastre.
19km stage with total uphill 390m. Around 2hrs45.
From Lamastre you continue on your way along the former railway, transformed into a walking and cycling path called "La Dolce Via".
You'll enjoy seeing fine typical old Ardèche farms and railway engineering features that still impress today!
Dinner and night at the auberge.
D3
Around St Cierge sous Le Cheylard
47 km with total uphill 790 metres. Duration about 4hrs.
A superb route with wonderful views. First you follow the former railtrack along the banks of the river Eyrieux. Gaining height progressively, you move into fine countryside made up of small fields and orchards.
Between Saint Agrève and Saint Jean de Roure, your eyes will light on a splendid panorama: the Massif Central with its cone-shaped summits (slumbering volcanoes...)
Dinner and night at the auberge.
D4
From Saint Cierge to Saint Jean Chambre
32 km with total uphill 400 metres. Duration about 3hrs00.
The morning is free time in the town of Le Cheylard. The church, the castle and the open air market (on Wednesdays) are worth a good look. You may like to visit the "Arche des Métiers" the "Ark of trades"- industry science and technology as you have perhaps never seen them - in the centre of Le Cheylard.
In the afternoon you cycle to your B+B situated on a remarkable site in the mountains of the Ardèche, by following the river downstream. You'll see several watermills with millraces supplied by the river.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in a restored hamlet.
D5
Around Saint Jean Chambre
50 km with total uphill 700 metres. Duration about 4hrs30.
Today you go up to the plateau of Mézilhac. From there you can admire splendid views over the extinct volcanoes of Mont Mézenc and Le Gerbier des Joncs, both in the Massif Central mountain range. In fine weather you can see Mont Ventoux 150 km away and even the distant Mont Blanc.
Cycling is along tarmacked roads, but you see few other people, just some sheep, goats and a handful of hamlets with 20 or so inhabitants...
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in a restored hamlet.
D6
From Saint Jean Chambre to Valence
64 km with total uphill 400 metres. Duration around 5hrs00.
Cycling down from the heights of the Ardèche to Valence is like treating yourself to a gentle journey through a mosaic of authentic landscapes. You leave behind the peaceful plateaus, where the air carries the scent of wide open spaces, and let yourself be carried away by the bucolic tranquillity of the Dolce Via, with its river providing a natural soundtrack to the rhythm of your cadence. As the valleys unfold, the views open up, villages appear between the trees and the route gradually glides towards the luminous Rhône valley. The ViaRhôna then guides you to Valence, where you reach the end of a beautiful story: feeling peaceful, amazed and perhaps a little tempted to come back and do it all over again.
Overnight in a 4* hotel - Dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants in the heart of Valence.
D7
From Valence to Tournon
Stage of 25 km via the ViaRhôna - Gentle elevation - Estimated duration: 2 hours
Leaving Valence by bike to follow the course of the Rhône up to Tournon means choosing a gentle, contemplative route, letting the water guide you. The ViaRhôna winds peacefully between green banks, terraced vineyards and the distant contours of the Ardèche hills. You cycle at the pace of the river, passing a motionless heron here, a boat gliding silently there, while the scents of orchards float in the air. The arrival in Tournon seems natural, with its iconic bridges, its old quarter nestled on the hillside and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a small wine-growing town.
Stage of 39 km across the Ardèche plateau - 800 m elevation gain - Estimated duration: 4h30.
For those who enjoy panoramic views and detours through the heart of the Ardèche, the climb from Valence to Saint-Péray and then up to the heights of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps and Plats offers a higher adventure. The valley gradually gets narrower as you climb, giving way to roads lined with chestnut trees, peaceful slopes and the characteristic light of the Ardèche plateaus. From the heights, the landscape seems to take a deeper breath and you can see for miles, as far as the Alps on a clear day. The descent to Tournon is a real delight: a long, winding ribbon that leads down to the town, with the Rhône gradually reappearing as a familiar thread. A ride for those who love to feel the mountains beneath their wheels and the freedom of the wind on their faces.
6 Half board accommodation and 1 B&B (night and breakfast)
3 star hotels, 3 'épis' auberges and guest houses
Travel file via the ‘Safrantours’ guidance application
Logistical and technical assistance
Baggage transfers
Transfer from Tournon to Lamastre by steam train or by taxi
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior : 135 €
Bike cart for child : 70 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 195 €
What's not included?
Dinner on day 6
Parking for your vehicle throughout the holiday : private parking to pay directly at the hotel or public parking in the street
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Self guided cycling holiday.
Daily stages between 19 and 64 kms, from 2 to 5hrs cycling at your own pace.
Daily uphill between zero and 750 metres.
Altitudes: between 100 and 1,100 metres.
Most of the time you are on tarmacked roads or earth tracks.
Bike required: Hybrid bike (all-purpose).
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your baggage is transported by us between overnight stops; your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end, and we provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 star/"épis" guest houses or hotels chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome, environmental and architectural setting. Holiday includes half board. Picnics are extra and may be ordered at reservation.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may have to be modified according to availability at the moment when final reservation is confirmed.
Access
By car
Highway A7 exit 13 Tournon sur Rhône
By air
Airport Marseille-Provence or airport Lyon St-Exupéry + train to Tain l'hermitage railway station + taxi to the accomodation (5 mn)
By train
Gare SNCF Tain l'hermitage (railway station) situated 20 mn far by foot or 5 mn taxi to the accomodation
Comments
Global note
4.6
Magnificent sceneries, a mix of easy and more challenging routes and a generally warm welcome.
A week that really makes you want to come back (translated from french)
We're delighted with our first Safrantours adventure in the Ardèche region.
Everything was perfectly organised and the stay was extremely enjoyable, with superb sceneries and very friendly and welcoming hosts. The food was excellent.
A breath of fresh air in a beautiful natural setting!
Thank you Safrantours
(translated from french)
Nous avons été heureux de croiser la route de Safrantours. Merci.
Une belle découverte pour nous. Des hôtels bien choisis, un accueil chaque fois chaleureux et sympathique. Une restauration de qualité partout. Un bel itinéraire bien étudié.
Séjour agréable pour amateurs de nature et de vélo. A recommander fortement.
Après avoir vu un reportage à la télé sur la Dolce Via, nous avons été très agréablement surpris et enchantés de découvrir ce circuit pour de vrai. Magnifiques paysages, nature verdoyante et variée, nous recommandons chaleureusement !
Logistique parfaite ! On se laisse conduire de chemin en chemin, à notre rythme, juste à suivre le roadbook et se laisser accueillir par les hébergements qui sont, chaque fois, une belle surprise.
Merci pour l'organisation sans faille. Nous avons passés une formidable semaine en famille !
Séjour au calme loin des grands axes routiers qui permet une bonne déconnexion avec la vie quotidienne.
Une belle aventure en famille qui nous a fait découvrir une région. A refaire.
Une façon détendue et agréable de découvrir des lieux peu fréquentés.
