Ra2 viarhôna gb

FAMTRIP RENDEZ VOUS EN FRANCE March 27 – 30 2015

Cycle route from Lac Geneva to the Mediterranean SECTION Geneva - lyon

PROGRAM

ViaRhôna is the new cycle route project along the Rhône river from Lake Geneva to France’s Mediterranean beaches. Once finished, the cyclist can follow a route of 700 km linking the Mediterranean to northwest Europe that has been used by successive civilizations for over 2000 years. Wonderful landscapes, exceptional heritage, vineyards and gastronomy await you along this way.

On this famtrip you will discover some of the most interesting stages between Geneva and Lyon in the Rhône-Alpes region where already 305 from the 433 km will be realized 2015. You will cycle with E-Bikes on greenways reserved for non-motorized traffic and on cycle tracks on shared roads where motorized traffic is generally light. Possibility of less cycling if required.

FRIDAY MARCH 27: GENEVA – BELLEY 10 km cycling

Arrival in Geneva until 12 h.

Transfer to Seyssel, charming small town on the two Rhône river banks.

Lunch and wine tasting (Savoy an Bugey wines) at hotel restaurant Beau Séjour Stop in Chanaz, enchanting historical village beside the Canal de Savières, offering cruises to Lac de Bourget and tours of an historic walnut oil mill. Visit of Les Ilôts de Chanaz, a marina of 8 cottages on piles in contemporary style.

Cycling on ViaRhôna for 10 km.

Dinner and overnight in Belley, a charming historic town with Roman roots. It’s renowned as the birthplace of Brillat-Savarin, a ground-breaking writer on gastronomy who encouraged the area’s culinary traditions. www.sweethomehotel.fr

SATURDAY MARCH 28: BELLEY - VILLEBOIS 41 km cycling

Cycling on the ViaRhôna from Belley to St. Genix sur Guiers, 20 km This ViaRhôna stage meanders through the beautiful Bugey area, between the majestic Rhône and the Lavours Marshes, below the imposing Grand Colombier Mountain. To the south, enjoy the Haut-Rhône plain, the mountains and the vineyards, arriving at the Pays de Lhuis and Izieu through magnificently varied countryside.

Discovering tour of Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers The hide-out of a famous bandit, Mandrin, his connection with the cave system here brought out on a dramatic son-et-lumière tour.

Lunch and tasting of the local specialty.

In the afternoon cycling on ViaRhôna from St. Genix sur Guiers to Groslée, 21 km Discovering the waterfall of Glandieu and La Vallée Bleue: a big outdoor sports and recreation center Dinner and overnight in Villebois, Domaine des Cèdres www.domainedescedres.com

SUNDAY MARCH 29 VILLEBOIS - LYON 40 km cycling

Cycling on ViaRhôna from Villebois to La Balme les Grottes passing by the medieval village of Saint Sorlin en Bugey, 7 km Visit of the Grottes de la Balmes, impressive natural caverns, concealing stalagmites and stalgatites as well as natural bassins of water Transfer by car from La Balme les Grottes to Jons Cycling on ViaRhôna from Jons to Lyon, 29 km This ViaRhôna stage cleverly links the parks and lakes of Greater Lyon, including the Grand Parc of Miribel-Jonage. A greenway is leading directly into the heart of Lyon along the Rhône’s banks.

Gastronomic dinner and overnight in Lyon, Best Western Hotel du Pont Wilson

MONDAY MARCH 30 LYON - PARIS 12 km cycling

Discovering tour of the city center by bike.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site districts Presqu’Ile (the peninsula between Rhône an Saône rivers) and the historic Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance quarter as well as the new quarter at the confluence of Rhône and Saône where a visit of the new Confluences museum is a must. www.museedesconfluences.fr 13h

TGV transfer from Lyon to Paris Gare de Lyon

15h Arrival in Paris

This program is submitted to be changed.

Please take comfortable leisure clothes and windcheater for cycling.

Contacts RHONE-ALPES TOURISME Mrs Julia Grunert Promotion ViaRhôna T:+33 (0)4.73.31.85 - C. +33 (0)6.29.58.26.44 Email: Julia.grunert@rhonealpes-tourisme.com www.viarhona.com www.viarhona.tv