Cycling tour the Dolce Via 6 days

Quotation Book

Duration 6 days
Activity Biking
Holiday among adults
Theme rivers and canals, countryside

755€

Information : Cycling tour the Dolce Via 6 days

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Roadbooks French / English

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Presentation

This trip is really the Dolce Vi(t)a in the Ardèche! The holiday begins along the bed of the former railway track - now actually known as the "Dolce via" - which once linked Lamastre to Le Cheylard through the mountains of the Ardèche. Then after switching valleys, the ride continues along the Eyrieux river, wild and picturesque. By carefully choosing your start date you'll be able to go from Tournon to Lamastre by the little train of the Vivarais (see details below.)
The former railway tracks, mostly disused since 1968, have become simple trails. However, many remarkable civil engineering works dating from the railway era still remain, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Biking along through this little-known yet magnificent countryside, you'll see the distinctive valleys of the Boutières - part of the mountains of the Ardèche - from a whole new perspective.
The itinerary is relatively gentle and suitable for cycletourists, but as some of the paths are not tarmacked we recommend the use of country bikes with wider-section tyres.

Another tour with shorter rides is also proposed for families : see the details

Looking for a longer stay? Discover our tour Cycling tour the Dolce Via in 8 days

You'll love

being able to hire an electric-assist bike!
the train transfer from Tournon to Lamastre along the fabulous historic railway of the Vivarais
biking along former railways now transformed into cycle touring routes
discovering a very authentic Ardeche that the average tourist seldom sees

Program : Cycling tour the Dolce Via 6 days

D1 Arrival in Tournon

Things to see :
The Rhône Valley. Wines of the Côtes du Rhône: Hermitage and Croze Hermitage.

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).
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 (level 2/5). 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 inn.
D3 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 (on Wednesdays) the market 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. (You will have received a token you can use for this visit.)
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.

Evening meal and night in 3 'épis' B+B in a former mill.
D4 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...

Evening meal and night in 3 'épis' B+B in the former mill.
D5 From Saint Jean Chambre to Valence

64 km with total uphill 400 metres. Duration around 5hrs00.
Setting off by bike from the heights of the Ardèche to reach Valence is like embarking on a journey where the landscapes seem to change rhythm with every pedal stroke. First, the brisk, expansive, and silent air of the plateaus gives the feeling of floating above the world. Then the Dolce Via welcomes cyclists with its shaded calm, letting the river murmur alongside like a gentle musical thread. Gradually, the valleys open up, the outlines of houses appear between clusters of trees, and the Rhône Valley draws nearer, luminous and inviting. The ViaRhôna finally guides you into Valence, leaving a sweet sensation of having lived a suspended chapter, and a subtle urge to get back on the bike to extend the fleeting interlude.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel - Dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants in the heart of Valence.
D6 From Valence to Tournon

Stage of 25 km via the ViaRhôna - Gentle elevation - Estimated duration: 2 hours
If you choose to reach Tournon via the ViaRhôna, the short distance gives you plenty of time to savor Valence before hopping on your bike. Stroll among the museum’s collections, the quiet of the cathedral, the ancient streets, and the shaded avenues of Parc Jouvet. Treat yourself to a leisurely meal in one of the city’s typical restaurants, then head toward the Rhône. Following the river offers a soothing, almost meditative route, moving gently with the flow of the water. The ViaRhôna stretches peacefully between green banks, terraced vineyards, and the delicate outlines of the Ardèche hills. You pedal in time with the current, passing a motionless heron or a silently gliding boat, accompanied by the fruity scents of the orchards. And then Tournon appears naturally, with its familiar bridges, its maze of old stone buildings clinging to the hillside, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a small wine-producing town.

Stage of 39 km across the Ardèche plateau - 800 m elevation gain - Estimated duration: 4h30.
For those who love panoramic views and escapes into the Ardèche, the route from Valence up to the heights of Saint-Péray, Saint-Romain-de-Lerps, and Plats offers a true breath of altitude. As you climb, the valley shrinks into a miniature landscape, giving way to chestnut-lined roads, peaceful hollows, and the distinctive light of the Ardèche plateaus. At the summit, the scenery opens endlessly, and on a clear day, the gaze can reach all the way to the Alps. The descent to Tournon then becomes a celebration of cycling: a long, winding curve that gently brings you back to the town, the Rhône gradually reappearing like a familiar companion. An ideal ride for those who love to feel the mountain beneath their wheels and the wind on their face.

Baggage pick-up in Tournon and departure.

Tariffs high season

IN HIGHT SEASON, DEPARTURES ONLY POSSIBLE IN 8 DAYS VERSION

The Ardèche cycling tour 8 days

Tariffs low season

From May 16 to September 15, daily departures

IN DOUBLE ROOM

Adult : 755 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 755 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 60 €

IN TRIPLE ROOM

Adult : 715 €
Junior (12 - 17) : 715 €
Baby (0 - 1) : 60 €

IN SINGLE ROOM

955 €

SOLO TRAVELLER

1095 €

What's included?

3* and 4* hotels, 3 'épis' hostelries and guest houses
4 nights with Half board (dinner)
1 night with Breakfast
Baggage transfers
Transfer Tournon to Lamastre by steam train or taxi
Travel file via the ‘Safrantours’ guidance application
Logistical and technical assistance

Optional

Bike rental from :
- Bike for adult or junior : 115 €
- Trailer bike : 70 €
- Child seat : 10 €
- Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 160 €

What's not included?

Dinner on day 5
Private parking at Tournon, parking fee to be paid on the spot
Beverage and extra
Round trip 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 dirt tracks.
Bike required: Hybrid bikes (all-purpose).

Organisation

These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end, and we provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Accommodations have been chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting. As the holidays are half-board, picnics are extra; you may like to order picnics when you book.

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

4.9

Philippe 12 Jun 2024

A beautiful route that immerses us in a peaceful and remarkable natural environment. (translated from french)
Patrick 02 Oct 2023

The Safrantours team was exceptional in organising our recent cycling trip in Southern France. From the planning through the support during the trip, we felt like we were their only clients and nothing was too difficult.
Amazing accommodations and wonderfull routes.
We will be back!
Eric 07 Sept 2021

Très bonne organisation du séjour (parcours, hébergements, restauration), hâte de découvrir d'autres parcours sécurisés comme sur la Dolce Via.
Gilles 27 Sept 2019

Saluons l'organisation parfaite, de très beaux itinéraires en Ardèche, l'accueil aux gites/hôtels.
Anne-Claude 17 Sept 2019

Le séjour a été agréable et bien organisé. Nous avons effectué les étapes sans souci. Les hébergements et la restauration sont de qualité. Les professionnels très accueillants. Le circuit demande une bonne condition physique (montée longue).

Réponse Safrantours: Nous vous remercions pour votre commentaire. Pour 2020, nous prévoyons de modifier quelques étapes pour les rendre moins exigeantes. Nous espérons que le vélo électrique loué vous a permis d'effectuer l'itinéraire sans difficulté.
Fridolin 26 Aug 2019

On a aimé les différents logements du séjour et l'organisation, qui était trés bonne. Les vélos étaient d'une bonne qualité, on nous a reçu très cordialement. Le trajet de la dolce via était très agréable, mais il fallait sortir de la vallée le soir pour atteindre les logements. Avec le vélo sans traction électrique c'était plutôt dur. Mais en somme, on a bien aimé notre séjour. Vous avez fait un bon travail. Merci.
Christophe 12 Jun 2019

Nous avons apprécié l'organisation du séjour sur la Dolce Via, le circuit et les hébergements proposés sont de qualité avec un très bon accueil. Nous avons passé un très bon séjour que nous recommandons.