ViaRhôna, Cycle path in France

The ViaRhôna is a long-distance cycle path in France that follows the Rhône River from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. The route alternates between dedicated bike lanes, quiet country roads, and riverbank paths that run through countryside, towns, and vineyard-covered slopes.

The Rhône valley has been one of Europe's main travel and trade corridors since antiquity, used by Roman legions, merchants, and pilgrims over many centuries. The cycle route passes through towns like Vienne and Arles, both of which were major Roman cities and still hold visible traces of that era.

The ViaRhôna passes through wine country, where riders can see vineyards climbing the hillsides and stop at small markets selling local produce. Towns like Arles still hold weekly markets where locals and visitors share the same narrow streets.

The route can be ridden in stages, and many sections connect with local train lines, making it easy to shorten or adjust a trip. Some parts use minor roads rather than dedicated paths, so checking an up-to-date route map before setting out is a good idea.

The route officially starts at Saint-Gingolph, a village that sits directly on the border between France and Switzerland, meaning the starting point is literally split between two countries. Near Groslée-Saint-Benoit, a waterfall drops from over 60 meters above the valley floor, a sight that many riders miss because it sits just off the main path.