Self-Guided Geneva to Lyon ViaRhôna Bike Tour

This 6-day cycling journey follows the scenic ViaRhôna, linking Geneva with Lyon along one of Europe’s most enjoyable long-distance cycle routes. Designed for riders seeking a relaxed yet rewarding experience, the tour combines gentle daily distances with ever-changing landscapes, making it ideal for an easy to moderate cycling holiday.

Starting in Geneva, the route quickly leaves the city behind, following riverside paths through peaceful countryside, vineyards, and small French and Swiss villages. Each day offers manageable rides on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, allowing plenty of time to pause for café stops, local produce, and scenic viewpoints. Quiet backroads, well-maintained cycle paths, and traffic-free stretches ensure a smooth and comfortable ride throughout.

As you progress south, the scenery subtly shifts from alpine foothills to broader river valleys, with the Rhône as your constant companion. Historic towns, riverside promenades, and pastoral landscapes create a rhythm that encourages slow travel and deeper connection with the region.

The journey ends in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Celebrate the completion of your ride with exceptional food, rich culture, and vibrant city life—an unforgettable conclusion to a beautifully paced cycling adventure.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Geneva

Finish

Lyon

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

56 km / 35 mi

Cycling Days

4

Group size

Min. 4, Max. 12

Fly-In

Geneva Airport (GVA)

Fly-Out

Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)

Highlights

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Scenic ViaRhôna Cycling Route

Ride along one of Europe’s most beautiful long-distance cycle paths, following the Rhône River through peaceful countryside, vineyards, and riverside villages

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Charming Towns and Villages

Experience varied scenery as you leave Lake Geneva’s alpine backdrop, cycle through vineyards, quiet canals and small countryside towns, and follow peaceful riverbanks that showcase the natural beauty of eastern France

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Finish in Lyon

End your trip in Lyon, one of France’s top food and culture destinations. It’s the perfect place to celebrate your ride with great cuisine, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant riverfronts

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1GenevaHotel Jade
DAY 2SeysselAu Fil de L'eau B,D61 km / 38 micycling
DAY 3ChampagneuxHôtel Les BergeronnettesB,D53 km / 33 micycling
DAY 4PérougesHostellerie de PérougesB68 km / 42 micycling
DAY 5LyonHotel Bellambra Club VillemanzyB43 km / 27 micycling
DAY 6Departure B

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Geneva

Arrive in Geneva and transfer to your primary hotel, where you can settle in and begin exploring this beautiful lakeside city. Spend your time wandering through the city’s elegant botanical gardens, browsing for iconic Swiss watches, chocolates, and knives, or enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva.

This is also a good opportunity to prepare for the cycling days ahead.

Meals:
Accommodation: Hotel Jade
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Day 2: Seyssel

Today your cycling journey begins. Today's day is the most demanding of the journey, featuring a series of rolling climbs and the tour’s highest elevation gain—but the effort is rewarded with long, flowing descents totaling nearly 800 meters.

Riding southwest, the route crosses the Swiss border at Chancy and enters France’s Rhône-Alpes wine country, where you’ll spend the rest of the tour. Along the way, quiet roads reveal sweeping viewpoints, dramatic rock faces, and atmospheric ruins, offering plenty of tempting stops to pause, explore, and take in the scenery.

Elevation: 680m

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 61 km / 38 mi
Accommodation: Au Fil de L'eau
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Day 3: Champagneux

Today’s ride continues along the scenic Rhône corridor, with a pleasant mix of countryside views, farmland, and riverside scenery. The terrain remains mostly gentle, making for an enjoyable and steady day in the saddle. Along the way, you will have opportunities to stop in small villages and take in the relaxed pace of rural France.

By afternoon, you arrive in Champagneux, where you can unwind at your hotel and enjoy a included dinner. This is a great day to settle into the rhythm of the tour and fully enjoy the cycling experience.

Elevation: 340m

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 53 km / 33 mi
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Day 4: Pérouges

Guided by the gentle flow of the Rhône, today’s ride leads you through peaceful countryside and small, characterful villages. Navigation is effortless, with long stretches on a dedicated, traffic-free cycle path. Near Saint-Sorlin, you leave the ViaRhôna behind and continue along quiet backroads into the rural landscapes of the Bugey region. On this day, you have the option to choose a longer ride of 88km.

Before long, the silhouette of Pérouges appears ahead. Perched on a hilltop, this beautifully preserved medieval village marks the end of the day and your atmospheric overnight stay.

Elevation: 330m

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 68 km / 42 mi
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Day 5: Lyon

Your final cycling day leads you toward Lyon, transitioning from countryside riding to more urban greenways and riverside paths. Today gives you a choice of how to finish the ride. Those eager to soak up even more of rural France can take a longer, more scenic option (59km) that briefly leaves the Rhône corridor in favor of charming villages and rolling backroads—an easy trade-off for the added beauty.

If your focus is firmly on Lyon and its legendary food scene, the direct ViaRhôna route leads you smoothly into the city. Whichever option you choose, the day ends in the lively, hillside district of La Croix-Rousse, where you’ll settle in and enjoy your final evening.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 43 km / 27 mi
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Day 6: Departure

After breakfast, your tour officially comes to an end. You can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently. If you wish to spend more time discovering Lyon, extra nights can be arranged to allow for deeper exploration of its museums, historic neighborhoods, and famous food culture. This is a flexible departure day, allowing you to travel onward at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Jade

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Au Fil de L'eau

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Hôtel Les Bergeronnettes

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Hostellerie de Pérouges

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Hotel Bellambra Club Villemanzy

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $410

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $140



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Trek FX2 or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 or similar

gravel

Included in your trip price

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Trek Allant+ 5 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

ARRIVAL

Your tour starts in Geneva, Switzerland. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA). From the airport, you can take a taxi or public transport to reach your starting hotel in the city. Taxis are available outside the arrivals area and typically take 15 to 20 minutes to reach central Geneva, depending on traffic.

Trams and trains also connect the airport directly to Geneva city center and are a convenient and affordable option.

DEPARTURE

Your tour ends in Lyon, France. The nearest airport is Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). You can book a taxi or use public transport from your hotel in Lyon to the airport. Taxis are widely available and take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Lyon also has direct tram and train connections to the airport, making it easy to plan your departure.

Weather

The best time to cycle from Geneva to Lyon is May through September, when days are warm, dry, and ideal for long rides. Spring and early fall offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, while midsummer can be hot, especially in exposed sections of the route. Expect daytime highs of 18–24°C (64–75°F) in spring and fall, and 24–30°C (75–86°F) in peak summer.

July and August can feel quite hot, so early morning starts are recommended. Overall, late spring and early fall provide the most balanced mix of pleasant weather, good daylight, and comfortable cycling conditions.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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