Rhône Valley Gourmet Cycling Tour

Overview

This self-guided cycle tour combines scenic rides with some of the best food and wine experiences in France, following the Rhône south from Vienne into a landscape of vineyards, orchards, and sunlit hills. Pedal through celebrated wine regions like Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage, with opportunities for wine tastings. Off the bike, focus on gourmet experiences including Michelin-starred dining and chocolate tastings. Evenings are spent in carefully selected accommodations, from château estates to elegant boutique hotels. The scenery and flavors shift from northern Rhône cuisine towards the Mediterranean influences of Provence. Day 1 starts in Vienne, a historic Roman city with landmarks like the Temple of Augustus and an ancient theater. The hotel is a 4-star Relais & Châteaux with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Dinner is served in the hotel's bistronomic restaurant. An optional additional night in Lyon can be arranged to explore its food scene. Day 2 rides along the Rhône River through the Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph wine regions, known for elegant Syrah wines. The terrain is gentle with vineyard views. The accommodation is a 17th-century château in Beausemblant, with dinner featuring regional cuisine. Day 3 follows quiet roads through orchards and vineyards in the Crozes-Hermitage wine region, with opportunities for wine tastings. The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona offers interactive exhibits and tastings. The hotel is in the Drôme region, with dinner at a refined bistronomic restaurant, offering an optional gastronomic dinner upgrade. Day 4 rides south towards Valence, a meeting point of northern and southern Rhône cuisine. Valence offers a covered market (Les Halles) with local produce. The route climbs gently into rolling hills with views across the Rhône plain. The accommodation is an 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards, with an optional wine tasting and seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Day 5 sees a change in scenery towards a Provençal feel, with cypress trees and olive groves. The route crosses the Rochemaure footbridge. Accommodation is a 14th-century Provençal bastide in Malataverne, a five-star property with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Dinner is served in the hotel’s bistronomic restaurant, focusing on fresh vegetables and regional ingredients. The wine cellar is also notable. The tour includes 5 nights' accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels and high-end guesthouses, daily breakfast, and bistronomic dinners on Days 1, 2, 3, and 5 (drinks not included), with an option to upgrade to gourmet dining. A standard touring bike, luggage transfers (1 bag per person), and a return transfer to Vienne are included. Digital travel documents are provided. The daily distances range from approximately 23–35 miles (37 to 57 km), requiring 2.5 to 4 hours of riding at a relaxed pace. The terrain is generally gentle with only small amounts of uphill riding, suitable for riders with basic fitness. Routes use dedicated cycle paths and quiet secondary roads. The nearest airport is Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Travel to Vienne is approximately 30 minutes south of Lyon by train or private transfer. A private transfer from the final hotel back to Vienne is provided.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included