The Ardèche by bike: Nature and Authenticity

No bike stage for this day

Your stay begins in Tournon-sur-Rhône, a charming small town in Ardèche featuring a medieval castle that overlooks the town and offers stunning views of the Rhône River and the vineyards of Hermitage. Its tree-lined quay, perfect for a stroll, leads to the Seguin suspension bridge, one of the first bridges built with iron cables. Known for its gastronomy and wine, the town is just a few minutes by bike from the departure point of the famous Mastrou steam train, which crosses the magnificent Doux gorges. Patience — this journey back in time is planned for the day after your arrival! For now, enjoy the lively pedestrian streets of the old town. Settle comfortably into your accommodation.
Dinner is at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay in Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Bike : 25km / D+ : 391m / D- : 492m (V1) 45km / D+ : 965m / D- : 898m (V2) 52km / D+ : 925m / D- : 855m (V3)

This morning, you’ll need to pedal 2 km to reach Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and board the Matrou, a picturesque train that immerses you in a nostalgic atmosphere, with the steam of the locomotive and wild landscapes rolling past your eyes. After climbing through narrow valleys and crossing viaducts, you arrive in Lamastre, the starting point of your cycling adventure.
Two options await you: an easy route exclusively on the Dolce Via, a greenway set in a lush, peaceful environment on a safe and accessible path. You’ll follow the Doux valley, passing stone bridges and tunnels that recall the region’s railway past.
Alternatively, a more athletic route is available to discover the beauties of the Ardèche plateau and its typical villages, on small balcony roads offering remarkable viewpoints. The valley widens as you approach Le Cheylard, a small town nestled between mountains and rivers, marking the end of this first stage.

Option: EXTRA DAY
A free day can be planned in Le Cheylard to fully enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. The more adventurous can go hiking on the heights of Saint-Martin-de-Valamas, accompanied by a donkey — a unique and soothing experience, perfect for reconnecting with nature.
Looking for refreshment and relaxation? A swimming area and aquatic leisure base are easily accessible by bike from Le Cheylard, offering a great opportunity to cool off, read in the shade, or simply savor the moment.

Bike : 28 km / D+ : 78m / D- : 199m (V1) 30 km / D+ : 336m / D- : 585m (V2) 40km / D+ : 690m / D- : 940m (V3)

After breakfast, you continue your route with two possible itineraries. One follows the valley, running alongside the river and the Dolce Via, with no difficulties, allowing you to discover the charming village of Saint-Sauveur-de-Montagut (famous for its artisan ice cream!) and to regularly access the river for swimming and cooling off along the way.
Alternatively, if you want to gain some altitude and explore villages inhabited by the region’s native goats on roads nestled in the hills, you can take a more challenging route right from the exit of Le Cheylard overlooking the Eyrieux valley. Further along, you will rejoin the Dolce Via and the river to enjoy a swim before settling comfortably into your accommodation.


Option: EXTRA DAY
An additional free day can be arranged in Saint-Sauveur-de-Montagut or Ollières-sur-Eyrieux to mix things up and discover the valley from a different perspective. Thrill-seekers can try a 5 km canoe descent on the Eyrieux River, an accessible and refreshing route, perfect for enjoying the river at your own pace.
To extend the adventure, a treetop adventure course (high ropes course) above the river is also offered a fun activity combining nature, movement, and height, set in a lush, preserved environment.

Vélo : 41km / D+ : 167m / D- : 226m (V1) 46km / D+ : 394m / D- : 453m (V2) 57km / D+ : 773m / D- : 832m (V3)

Today, you hop on your bike for a final ride along the Dolce Via. You pedal gently through the Eyrieux valley, bordered by forests, orchards, and hills that change color with the seasons. Frequent access to the river invites moments of contemplation and refreshing swims! You pass through authentic villages like Saint-Laurent-du-Pape before reaching La Voulte-sur-Rhône, where the Eyrieux meets the Rhône.
An alternative, hillier route takes you along a mountain road perched on a balcony, offering stunning views of the Vercors before descending to La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Here, you leave the Dolce Via to join the ViaRhôna, a major cycling route that follows the river from the sea to Lake Geneva.
The landscape opens up to vast plains and vineyards as you approach Valence, the gateway to the Drôme region, where the atmosphere becomes more urban. You cycle through the gardens of Parc Jouvet, a true green oasis, before arriving at the lively riverbanks. A stop in the historic center allows you to admire Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral and savor a local treat, such as the famous pogne of Romans.

Bike : 22km / D+ : 67m / D- : 74 m (V1) 32 km / D+ : 287m / D- : 287m (V2)

You gently continue along the ViaRhôna heading north, following the river. The landscape soon alternates between orchards, vineyards, and stunning views of Ardèche to the west. The route, mostly flat and safe, passes through Glun and La Roche-de-Glun, offering pleasant spots to rest by the Rhône.
Further along, you ride past the hills of Saint-Joseph, famous for their wines, with a gentle scent of vineyards in the air. In Tain-l’Hermitage, a stop is a must to admire the vineyards and perhaps taste some Valrhona chocolate! Finally, you just need to cross the bridge to return to Ardèche and reach Tournon-sur-Rhône with its castle. End of our services.

Our services do not include the night in Tournon, giving you the freedom to continue your journey the same evening. However, we can arrange this overnight stay for you. Please refer to our accommodations section.