The best cycling routes in Rhône

The Rhône region offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 1700 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including nearly 200 easy routes, over 500 moderate routes, and more than 900 challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

Yes, the Rhône region has several easy and family-friendly options. The Bully, Saint Germain Nuelles et Glay - Loop through the villages of Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées is an easy 11.7 km route, perfect for a relaxed ride through picturesque villages. The ViaRhôna, a major cycle route tracing the Rhône River, also offers many flat and well-maintained sections ideal for families and beginners.

Touring cyclists in Rhône will experience a diverse range of landscapes. You'll ride through the expansive Rhône River Valley, extensive vineyards of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône, and rolling hills like those in the Monts du Lyonnais. Towards the south, you might even encounter lavender fields. The region also features natural reserves, lakes such as Lac des Sapins, and distant mountain views.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Rhône are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Beaujolais Greenway and Mont Brouilly Loop is a moderate 38.4 km circular route through vineyards. Another option is the Lac des Sapins Loop, a more challenging 36.6 km ride around the lake.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Rhône offers routes with significant elevation gains. The Col de la Casse Froide Loop is a difficult 49.3 km route with substantial climbing. Another demanding option is the Beaujolais Vert Loop from Tarare, a 53.4 km difficult route that takes you through the greener, more rugged parts of Beaujolais.

The Rhône region is rich in history and culture. Cyclists can visit historic cities like Lyon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, or Avignon with its Palace of the Popes. The region also features Roman heritage sites, charming villages, and impressive fortresses. You might encounter mountain passes like Col de la Luère, offering scenic views and a sense of history.

The touring cycling routes in Rhône are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 1800 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse scenery, from riverside paths to vineyard-lined roads, and the well-maintained cycling infrastructure, especially along sections of the ViaRhôna.

Absolutely. The Beaujolais region is a highlight for touring cyclists. The Beaujolais Greenway and Mont Brouilly Loop is a prime example, winding directly through the renowned vineyards and offering views of Mont Brouilly. Another route, In the wake of the joyous Gamay – La Vélœno71, also explores the heart of the Beaujolais wine country.

Yes, the Rhône River is a central feature of the region's cycling network. The most prominent route is the ViaRhôna, which traces the river's course. A popular section is ViaRhôna : de Jons à Lyon, a moderate 32.7 km route that offers a scenic ride along the river.

The Rhône region is generally pleasant for touring cycling from spring to autumn. Spring offers blooming landscapes and milder temperatures, while autumn provides beautiful fall foliage, especially in the vineyard areas, and comfortable riding conditions. Summers can be warm, particularly in the southern parts of the region, so early mornings or late afternoons are often preferred during peak summer months.

Yes, the Monts du Lyonnais offer picturesque routes with rolling hills and charming villages. The Green way of the Tacot and Signal of Saint André - Loop in the Monts du Lyonnais is a moderate 24.7 km route that takes you through this scenic area. For a more challenging experience, consider the Villages of the Monts du Lyonnais - Loop around Mont Arjoux.

For additional information about cycling opportunities and tourism in the Rhône region, you can visit the official tourism websites. Rhône Tourisme and France.fr provide useful resources and insights into the region's offerings for cyclists.