The Via Rhôna home
When you ever tire of admiring steep ravines and pretty villages, at La Voulte sur Rhône you can pick up the Via Rhôna. This flatter cycle trail will take you past vineyards and sleepy hills, along the banks of the Rhône back to Tournon (about 35 km), or straight to Valence (about 20km).
Of course, your quick tour in the saddle has given you only a glimpse of this stunning region. If you have the time, head further south to the Ardèche Gorges and explore some of the dozens of village de caractère.
The Ardèche is a quiet region just basking in rugged and rural beauty and somewhere that is worth savouring slowly.
accredited to a high standard and provide particular services for cyclists).
Along the way there’s also two “village de caractère” (Chalencon and Beauchastel) as well as kayaking, river swimming and tree top adventure if you want to take a break from the cycling for a while.
But most importantly, the Dolce Via is a gently undulating journey over viaducts, through tunnels and alongside some simply fantastic views. The valley far below is dotted with traditional old silk mills of the 19th century and the surrounding hills are thick with woodland and wildlife. It’s a thoroughly civilised way to travel and a journey you could manage in a day or two or spread out over 3 or 4 days to a week.