ViaRhôna from Lyon to Valence: a guide to the stages, the best spots and keeping your bike safe
The ViaRhôna is a dream for bike-touring fans, and to get off to a good start, few sections compare with the one linking Lyon to Valence. Accessible, dotted with train stations, punctuated by Roman towns and great vineyards, it can be ridden in two to three days and makes an ideal gateway into bike touring. Here’s everything you need to know to plan it, including the question every bike tourer ends up asking: where can you leave your bike safely at each stop?
The ViaRhôna in a nutshell
The ViaRhôna is a major cycle route of about 815 km linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, following the Rhône. It is the French section of EuroVelo 17 and crosses 3 regions and 12 départements. The route alternates between safe greenways, towpaths and quiet shared roads with little traffic, with very little elevation gain: it’s one of the most accessible routes in France, suitable for families and experienced cyclists alike. The whole route is divided into around twenty main stages, generally 27 to 40 km long.
The Lyon → Valence section: around a hundred kilometers to get started
Between Lyon and Valence, allow around a hundred kilometers (about 110 to 130 km depending on the variants and detours to the sights). It’s a particularly convenient section for a first bike tour: it’s served by TER regional trains all along the way (Lyon, Vienne, Saint-Vallier, Tain-l’Hermitage, Valence), with bike spaces, which makes the return trip very simple. So you can ride it one way and come back by train, with no complicated logistics.
An insider tip: leaving Lyon, the section to Givors uses busier roads in places and is still partly temporary. Many travelers choose to take the TER from Lyon to Givors (or Vienne) to start off gently on the most pleasant part.
Key stages not to miss
Lyon: The big departure. Former capital of the Gauls and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the easiest meeting point to reach (the Paris–Lyon line now accepts bikes).
Vienne: The first major heritage stage. A remarkable Gallo-Roman town (ancient theater, Temple of Augustus and Livia), Vienne is a natural stop for a lunch break or a visit. Nearby, the Île du Beurre nature reserve offers a glimpse of the wild Rhône.
Condrieu: You enter the realm of terraced vineyards, with the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation and the first orchards of the Rhône Valley.
Serrières / Sablons: The halfway point, ideal for catching your breath, with its distinctive suspension bridges over the Rhône.
Saint-Vallier: A small stop with a TER station, handy for breaking up the route.
Tournon-sur-Rhône / Tain-l’Hermitage: The foodie duo of the section: facing each other on either side of the river, they bring together the Hermitage vineyard and the famous Cité du Chocolat Valrhona. An almost mandatory stop.
Valence: The end of this section. A City of Art and History that “opens the gates to the Midi”, perfect for wrapping up the trip and a chance to taste a local specialty, the “suisse”, a small brioche flavored with orange peel.
Practical tips to plan your trip
When to go? The good season runs from April to October. June and July offer a bonus: the first lavender fields start to scent the valley as you head south.
Plan for detours. Allow 15 to 20% extra kilometers: most of the sights are 1 or 2 km from the route, and it quickly adds up over a day.
The Accueil Vélo label. The ViaRhôna has nearly 400 Accueil Vélo-certified accommodations, which guarantee services suited to cyclists (secure storage, repair kit, etc.). The ones to go for on your overnight stops.
On an e-bike? The route is perfectly doable on an e-bike, and it’s even very comfortable. Just keep your range and charging in mind: plan the places where you can plug in your battery during a break or overnight, as some accommodations and hosts offer it.
The real headache: where to leave your bike safely?
It’s the question that comes up at every stop. You want to visit Vienne, go wine tasting in Tain-l’Hermitage or wander around Valence… but leaving a bike, often an e-bike worth several thousand euros, locked up in the street is anything but reassuring. Bike theft remains one of bike tourers’ biggest fears, and not every town has secure bike storage.
Several solutions exist: Accueil Vélo accommodations generally offer a locked room for the night, and some hotels have a secure garage. For daytime stops, on the other hand, options are scarcer.
This is precisely the gap filled by SafeKeeper, an app that connects cyclists with “Bikesitters”, shopkeepers or private individuals who keep your bike safe for the length of a visit or a night, in exchange for a small fee. Both parties’ identities are verified, payment is secure, and some hosts even offer e-bike charging. SafeKeeper is rolling out its network along this very corridor, starting with Lyon and Vienne, so you can leave your bike with peace of mind and make the most of every stage.
ViaRhôna Lyon → Valence FAQ
How many days does it take to ride Lyon–Valence? Allow 2 to 3 days for around a hundred kilometers, taking time for the visits. In one long day, it’s possible for a trained cyclist, but it would be a shame to miss Vienne and Tain-l’Hermitage.
Can you ride the ViaRhôna on an e-bike? Yes, with no difficulty: the elevation gain is low and the route rides smoothly. Just plan your charging points between stages.
How do you get back after the stage? The section runs alongside the TER line, with bike spaces (often free). You can get back from Valence to Lyon by train in under an hour and a half.
Is the ViaRhôna suitable for beginners and families? Yes. It’s one of the most accessible routes in France: little elevation gain, good signage and plenty of services. The way out of Lyon towards Givors is the only slightly less comfortable section — hence the TER tip to skip it.
Where can you leave your bike during a visit or overnight? Go for Accueil Vélo-certified accommodations for the night. For a daytime stop, an app like SafeKeeper lets you leave your bike with a trusted guardian near the place you’re visiting.
Heading out on the ViaRhôna soon? Download SafeKeeper to find a secure bike-minding spot on your stage.