Information : The ViaRhôna from Montélimar to Avignon
Comfort
Difficulty
Note
Roadbooks
French / English
Share on
Presentation
Cycling along the Rhône means letting yourself be guided by a majestic, vibrant, almost living waterway. It means taking the ViaRhôna, a long green ribbon stretching from the mountains of Lake Geneva to the shores of the Mediterranean. More than 800 kilometres of cycle route follow the old towpaths and, at every turn, tell the story of two thousand years of history and landscapes shaped by the river.
Safran Tours invites you to explore one of its most beautiful chapters: the gentle, sunny crossing between Montélimar and Avignon, where the first notes of the South perfume the air and the light changes, becoming warmer and more golden.
Your adventure starts in Montélimar, the capital of nougat, where the air is filled with the scent of almonds and honey.
Let yourself be seduced by the charm of the narrow streets of the historic centre, its mansions with their bright façades, the Saint-Martin gate and the Sainte-Croix collegiate church. Visit the nougat factories, gourmet treasures, then climb up to the Château des Adhémar, which watches over the town from its promontory.
At the end of the day, settle down on a shaded terrace under the plane trees of the Provençal alleys: the South begins here, slowly, warmly.
Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay in a 3* hotel in Montélimar.
D2
From Montélimar to Lapalud
38 km stage - Minimal elevation gain - Estimated duration: 2h30
As soon as you leave Montélimar, you'll be inspired by the river. The ViaRhôna glides between the vast plains announcing the Comtat Venaissin; vegetable crops colour the landscape, while wild islands are home to peaceful wildlife. Birds accompany you, and the riverbanks invite you to stop, listen and breathe.
Lapalud is a relaxing stopover, a little retreat before the grand arrival in the heart of Provence. This charming stage reveals a peaceful Rhône and wide panoramas opening onto the hills of the Provence.
Dinner and overnight stay in a bed and Breakfast.
D3
From Lapalud to Avignon
61 km stage - Minimal elevation gain - Estimated duration: 4h00
This final stage is filled with Provençal magic. The Rhône River is your guide, leading you through Mediterranean orchards, sunflower fields and sun-drenched fruit crops.
The smooth, safe route invites you to cycle to the rhythm of the cicadas' song and enjoy passing through charming villages.
Then Avignon comes into sight, a city of golden stone and history. The Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge stands tall like a greeting, and the Palais des Papes dominates the city: a grand finish, listed as a World Heritage Site, to complete your journey along the mighty river.
Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay in a 3* hotel in the centre of Avignon.
D4
End of your stay... or the start of a new adventure
After breakfast, it's time to take the train back to Montelimar.
If you have hired bikes, simply drop them off at the hotel in Avignon. If you have brought your own bikes, we recommend leaving your car in Avignon on the first day after dropping off your luggage and bikes in Avignon. A taxi transfer can also be arranged on request.
And if this trip has enchanted you, why not extend your adventure to Arles? At the gateway to the Camargue, another world awaits you. We are happy to organise this additional stage for you.
1 night in half board in guest house and 2 nights on b&b basis in 3* hotels
Your luggage is transported for you
Travel file via the ‘Safrantours’ guidance application
Technical and logistical assistance provided
Train ticket from Avignon to Montélimar
Optional
Hybrid Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior : 95 €
Trailer bike : - €
Child seat : - €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 135 €
What's not included?
Dinners of day 1 and 3
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Self-guided cycling tour:
Daily stages: Between 38 and 61 km, or 2.5 to 4 hours of cycling depending on your pace.
Elevation: low.
Type of roads: cycle paths and small roads.
Type of bike required: road bikes and hybrid bikes.
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your luggage is transported between lodgings and the application will guide you from beginning to end. We also provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Accommodation is in rural guest house and 3 star hotels, they are chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A7 exit Montélimar
By air
Airport of Lyon Saint Exupéry (airport code LYS), then train.
By train
French railways (SNCF) Montelimar
Comments
Global note
5.0
Very high-quality service. My requests were taken into account effectively. The itinerary was of a high standard. (translated from french)