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ViaRhôna (EV17) - From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean by bike in 17 days
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Description
ViaRhôna's declared ambition is to take you from the shores of Lake Geneva to the beaches of the Mediterranean by bike, following the Rhône River.
Travel this route of civilizations with over 2,000 years of history, between the Mediterranean and Europe. Landscapes, towns and villages, vineyards and gastronomy will follow the rhythm of the territories crossed. Pending the completion of the ViaRhôna, which will take several years, a provisional itinerary is now available for more experienced cyclists. For a gentler approach, prefer the stages that are already open and accessible to all.
ViaRhôna is 87% developed, with completion scheduled for 2020.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Services for cyclists
Nearly 130 Accueil Vélo accommodations (campsites, hotels, gîtes, chambres d'hôtes) are located within 5 km of the itinerary, guaranteeing you quality services such as a closed garage for your bike. We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, especially in tourist areas.
Updated by
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme - 09/12/2025
fr.auvergnerhonealpes-tourisme.com/
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Environments
In the country
River 5 km away
Overview on river
Open period
All year round.
Subject to favorable weather.
Contact
Phone : 04 26 73 31 59
Email : info@auvergnerhonealpes-tourisme.com
Website : https://www.viarhona.com
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
The ViaRhôna from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean - Chamina
Discover the 780 km ViaRhôna itinerary along the Rhône, from Lake Geneva to the Camargue and Sète. 36 fully-marked stages to discover by bike, either as a touring route or as a series of rides.
Publisher: Chamina
Author: Olivier Scagnetti
Pages : 111
Cartography: 1:100,000
Price: €15
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ViaRhôna from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean - Ouest France
From Geneva to the Mediterranean, discover the 15 best stages of the Véloroute du Rhône, the tourist gems, towns, detours and museums to discover along the great sunshine cycle route.
Publisher: Ouest France
Author : Michel Bonduelle
Pages: 142
Cartography: 1:100,000
Price: €14.90
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ViaRhôna from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean - Le Routard / Hachette
One of the most beautiful cycling challenges is to link Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, the heights of the Alps to the marshes of the Camargue, following the course of the Rhône: this is the ViaRhôna route.
Publisher: Hachette
Authors: Philippe GLOAGUEN and Philippe COUPY
Pages: 200
Cartography: 1:100,000
Price: €14.90
Type of land
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Location complements
Start of the route: at the intersection of Rue du Lac and Rue du Port, near the Saint-Gingolph ferry terminal.
Tricky passages
Please note that from Saint-Gingolph to Evian, the route is reserved for experienced cyclists. We strongly recommend that families start the itinerary in Evian-les-Bains or Thonon-les-Bains.
Caution between Geneva and Seyssel: this section of the ViaRhôna is reserved for experienced and determined cyclists. Its route, topography and motorized traffic make it inadvisable for families and leisure cyclists.
Between Lyon and Givors, a provisional route is in place (with signposting), but this may prove complicated for families and the uninitiated. Train (TER) strongly recommended between Lyon and Givors.
Animals
Yes. It is possible to travel with a pet transported in a luggage unit. But while it's tempting to consider having your dog run alongside your bike, this won't be possible everywhere: it will often have to be kept on a leash, and must be carried on sections of the route shared with motorized traffic. Dog
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