Backroad cycling France

More pictures

View videos

A superb discovery of the Pre-Alps on this Via Rhona cycling itinerary from Annecy to Lyon Ref CN12

Water, water, everywhere! Three major features make up this aquatic itinerary. First of all, we discover Lake Annecy, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in France. Surrounded by high alpine peaks, it is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world. Our first day’s riding takes us on a tour of the lake, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Linking Lake Annecy and the Rhone River, we follow the River Fier as it winds its way westwards. Despite its passage through Lake Geneva, the Rhone is not yet the mighty river it becomes further downstream. Nevertheless it guides us as we make our way between the mountains of the Pre-Alps, with a stop in the beautiful medieval town of Pérouges. Our route then takes us past the marshy plains of the Dombes and on to our final destination: The Gaulois capital. Welcome to Lyon !

Self-guided tour: from 765€ - Details Duration : 7 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
- 3 reviews
+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour

Physical level :  

Your profile:
Fairly sporty, enjoying leisure cycling on a fairly regular basis.
Tour profile:
Distance: 35 to 50 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 800 metres maximum accumulated over the day.
This tour is E-bike compatible

Highlights

  • The tour of Lake Annecy, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps
  • The valley and gorges of the Fier River
  • The superb stretches of cycle path along the Rhone River
  • A visit of the medieval town of Pérouges, at the gateway to the Dombes area
  • A finish in the heart of Lyon, the city of lights, with its exceptional heritage and culture

Description

  • Accommodation:

    Hotels and guest houses

  • Luggage transport:

    Only your daypack; your baggage will be carried by vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 : Tour of Lake Annecy

Itinerary start: The tour begins on day 1 at 10am at your hotel in Annecy (detailed address will be indicated in your travel documents). On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Annecy.

Rendezvous in the capital of the Haute-Savoie. Arguably the prettiest town in the Alps, Annecy's charm is to be found in its medieval streets and numerous canals. A characteristic that has earned Annecy the nickname of "Venice of the Alps". The lake and the Bauges and Aravis mountain ranges offer a picture postcard backdrop. We start the day with a tour of Lake Annecy. Beginning along the northern bank of the lake, we pass the village of Veyrier du Lac and the restaurant of famous chef Marc Veyrat, then on past the foot of the Roc du Chère, which overlooks the Baie de Talloires, perfect spot for a dip... On reaching the end of the lake, we take a cycle track back to Annecy, via the Château de Duingt. Once back in Annecy, we take the time to discover the old town through its labyrinth of small streets. Night in a hotel in Annecy.

Distance covered: approx. 40 km / ascent: approx. 300 m

Day 2 : Annecy - Seyssel: the Gorges du Fier and the Val de Fier

This second day is the most physical day of the week. Not too difficult distance wise, but it's the day with the most amount of climbing. We head west out of Annecy: our aim is to join the Rhone River, which we will then follow all the way to the Gaul capital of Lyon. Once out of Annecy, we make a stop at the Gorges du Fier, one of the most remarkable natural sites in the northern Pre Alps. A small path and an impressive raised walkway lead down to the torrent at the bottom of the steep gorge. A short but steep climb leads us away from the Fier, before we continue our journey west on a mix of tracks and small back roads. One last obstacle before we reach the river: a superb road through the Val de Fier leads us to Seyssel, on the banks of the Rhone.

Distance covered: approx. 45 km / ascent: approx. 600 m

Day 3 : Seyssel - Belley: Between the Rhone and the Chautagne

Seyssel, like many of the villages we visit on this journey, is split in two by the Rhone, one side in the Haute-Savoie, the other in the Ain department. From here we head south, the Rhone our guide for the next few days. We will also pass numerous lakes on our journey, many of which are ideal for swimming. Gradually, we enter the Chautagne, a major wine producing region of the Savoie. Nestled between the Lac du Bourget (the largest natural lake in France) and the mountains, the vineyards of Chautagne produce light, fruity wines. Our route takes us close to Ruffieux, where an excellent swimming lake and the Chautagne wine-growers cooperative make for an almost obligatory rest stop! Shortly afterwards, we join the official route of the Via Rhôna, which leads us towards one of the most beautiful villages we will see during the week: Chanaz. On the Savières Canal which connects the Rhone to the Lac du Bourget, Chanaz is a charming, peaceful village with plenty of interesting architecture, and cafés along the waterfront. The ideal place for a coffee stop! We continue along the Via Rhôna cycle route to join Belley, capital of the Bugey region, where we spend the night.

Distance covered: approx. 40 km / ascent: approx. 150 m

Day 4 : Belley - Champagneux: the Avant Pays Savoyard

During the morning we visit the town of Brillat Savarin, which boasted a strategic position between France and the Savoie (today between the Ain and the Savoie departments), affording it a rich and turbulent history. We leave Belley, following the banks of the Rhone, then crossing over to the left bank, the Savoie side. Our route follows more or less the Rhone, but the next stretch can seem a bit disorientating, as we follow its many diversion canals, as well as the man-made route of the Rhone, diverted in order to harness its hydraulic energy. We end our day's riding early afternoon, in the village of Champagneux, overlooking the Rhone. Option of a half-day hike, in order to discover the history of a legendary local personality. Unknown outside the area, he was nevertheless behind an invention that revolutionised communication. The hike is roughly 10 km with 450m of climbing (approx. 3 h of walking).

Distance covered (not including hike): approx. 25 km / ascent: approx. 100 m

Day 5 :  Champagneux - Lagnieu: the Bugey

This is the longest day in terms of distance, but the terrain is relatively gentle with little climbing. We pass through Saint Genix sur Guiers during the morning, home of the famous cake of Saint Genix (a brioche with pralines). Our route then heads north, following the Rhone. We temporarily leave the official route of the Via Rhôna which, on this portion, uses a section of busy road. Our alternative route takes us along easy tracks, some of which follow the Rhone while others take us through pretty woodland sections. Midway through the stage, we stop at Port de Groslée and its country inn, considered one of the best restaurants in the area. We stop for the night at Lagnieu.

Distance covered: approx. 55 km / ascent: approx. 200 m

Day 6 :  Lagnieu - Meximieux: Pérouges and the Dombes

We ride to the medieval village of Pérouges, one of the most beautiful villages in France and contestant for the "Favourite village of the French" title. The oldest buildings in the village date from the 12th Century, whereas the majority of Pérouges as it stands today dates from the 14th Century. Incredibly well preserved and restored, the medieval village is full of charming small streets and lanes… the small shop front stalls are a clear reminder of what trade was like in the Middle Ages... Pérouges is also the gateway to the Dombes area, between the Bresse (to the north) and the Lyonnais. With over 1000 lakes and ponds, the Dombes has become renowned as a precious sanctuary for many bird species. The day's itinerary takes us on a tour of the Dombes, through its small villages, farms, and woodland that fills the little space left by the lakes. Unfortunately, some of the lakes have been drained for farmland irrigation. The day's itinerary can easily be replaced by a longer visit of Pérouges, or taken as an opportunity for a rest, as our night's lodgings are in Meximieux, located a few kilometres from Pérouges.

Distance covered: approx. 45 km / ascent: approx. 300 m

Day 7 : Meximieux - Lyon: the Jonage Canal and the capital of the Gauls

This morning, we once again join the Rhone River which leads us all the way to the capital of the Gauls, Lyon. Last stretch of true countryside between Meximieux and Jons, where we discover a hydroelectric dam built between the two world wars. We cross the Rhone once again, entering the department which bears the same name. We set off again along a long track that turns into a cycle path, following the river all the way to Lyon. Our route takes us through the Miribel Jonage Park (optional stop for a swim) before passing the Parc des Congrès de Lyon, through the famous Parc de la Tête d'Or, before arriving at the Place Bellecour, finish point of our trip. Registered as a Unesco World Heritage site, the centre of the city is full of superbly preserved monuments, rendered all the more charming by the waters of the Saone and the Rhone which meet here… An opportunity to visit Lyon and its "traboules" (ancient passageways originally used by merchants), the Notre Dame de Fourvière Cathedral, the Bellecour and Terreaux squares, the area of Croix Rousse... but also to sample the "Gastronomie Lyonnaise" in one of its famous "bouchons" (restaurant serving traditional local cuisine)...

Distance covered: approx. 45 km / ascent: approx. 300 m

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end : The trip ends on the last day in the centre of Lyon at around 4pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Lyon.

Return to Annecy at the end of the trip

The return trip to Annecy is not included in the price of the trip, leaving you the option to stay on for a day or two in Lyon (which we strongly recommend).

There is a regular train service between Lyon and Annecy (2 hour journey, trains every hour). The service uses TER trains which accept bicycles. A one way ticket costs approximately 35 €.

Dates

This tour can be booked anytime from the beginning of April to the end of October.

During July and August, we strongly recommend starting your trip on a weekday rather than at the weekend, to avoid the excessive crowds in Annecy, which can make cycling rather difficult.
No departures over the weekend of 1–2 August 2026. 

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of :

Single-room supplement will automatically be charged in the case of odd-numbered groups.

The price includes:
  • 6 nights in guest houses and 2 or 3* hotels in double or twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Bike rental
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under “the price includes".

Extra services

Single room accommodation (6 nights) 330 € / 

On request, we can book extra nights for you in Annecy or Lyon in 2* or 3* hotels. Please note that during Season B (1 June to 31 August), we can book 3* hotels only.

Extra nights in Annecy:

Extra night in Annecy in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 85 € / 

Extra night in Annecy in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 145 € / 

Extra night in Annecy in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 100 € / 

Extra night in Annecy in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 175 € / 

Extra nights in Lyon:

Extra night in Lyon in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 100 € / 

Extra night in Lyon in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 165 € / 

Extra night in Lyon in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 115 € / 

Extra night in Lyon in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 185 € / 

Dinner reservation

On request, we can make 5 dinner reservations in restaurants carefully selected by our team (menu between 30 and 35 € per person, including starter, main course and dessert). Drinks not included. Meals are to be paid upon arrival at the restaurant. Price per booking: 35€.

Dinner reservation 35 € / 

Bike rental

Standard bikes and e-bikes are available for rent.

Standard bike (7 days) 165 € / 

E-Bike (7 days) 260 € / 

Rear pannier hire (pair) (7 days) 60 € / 

Delivery and collection fee of rental bikes 350 €

The bikes are SCOTT brand (Sub Cross model for trekking bikes and Sub Tour eRide for e-bikes, or equivalent). They are fitted with mudguards and a luggage rack and come with a puncture repair kit. Helmet available upon request. If you would like more information about the available models, please contact us.

Make sure to indicate your height on the booking form.

Electric bikes offer pedalling assistance, greatly reducing the effort needed to cover a given distance. They provide the "extra push" when tackling the hills and the climbs, more or less frequent on our trips. They offer an interesting alternative to the regular, "human-powered" bikes in two cases:

  • You are hesitant to complete the Level 1 trip (the easiest out of 3 levels). With an e-bike, it becomes possible. 
  • You wish to cycle comfortably with another person who is fitter and you are worried about keeping up.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Annecy train station (about 4h by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Geneva airport: join the Geneva train station and head to Annecy.
  • From Roissy - Paris Charles de Gaulle airport: join the Paris Gare de Lyon train station and head to Annecy.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com/

Coming back:

You can return to Annecy by taking the train from Lyon (about 2h) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Group size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

Depending on the meals included in your chosen tour:

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Please check the "Dates & Prices" section for meal plan details.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Your equipment

Equipment provided by France Bike Trips on guided tours:
  • A group first-aid kit
  • A bike repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Baggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack/pannier and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack or pannier

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, etc.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

Please note: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg.

List of equipment to pack in your bag the day of departure:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A bike helmet
For your upper body
  • Two base layers (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit
For your feet
  • Comfortable sports shoes 
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not obligatory, but nice during breaks and in the evening...)
For your bike

If you rent a bike from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • 2 spare tubes and a puncture repair kit
  • Lubricant for chain and derailleur
  • A pump
Various
  • A pair of cycling gloves
  • A bike lock
  • Water bottles (or Camelbak)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

►See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Average tour rating:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.3/5 - 3 Reviews
Andreas B. | Participant rating:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"It was our first time and not being able to speak French sometimes proofed to be a problem. However we had a good experience and would definitely do it again"
Sarah B. | Participant rating:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"An excellent tour through a variety of French countenance from flat river, mountain lakes, fields of crop and old villages."
Tonya G. | Participant rating:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Loved it. Bikes were a bit clunky, gears were not well indexed. The tour and the accommodations were fantastic."

Subscribe

When you subscribe to the "Photos / Videos" section, you will receive an email whenever a new photo or video album is published.

I am interested in the following Photos / Videos albums types:

CNIL (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)

Search

Please type in your search terms.

You can prefix chosen words with the '+' sign to make them mandatory, or with the '-' sign to avoid results containing this word from appearing, e.g. west +nepal -canada

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

Contact us

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

Please type in your email address in order to access tour details and description

Your email will not be communicated to any third party or company outside France Bike Trips / Velorizons. You may receive occasional emails from France Bike Trips, with the possibility to unsubscribe at any time. CNIL (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)