- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- Green trilogy, bike tour on the Via Fluvia, ViaRhôna and Dolce Via
From €885 / pers.
Green Trilogy, a combination of the Via Fluvia, Via Rhôna, and Dolce Via
An incredible discovery along three prestigious greenways that invite you to explore varied landscapes. First in Haute-Loire on the Via Fluvia, where from Lavoûte-sur-Loire, you’ll discover the Corboeuf ravines, the Lignon River, and the tall forests of Dunières-Riotord before crossing into the Loire department and then the Ardèche, traversing the verdant Cance Valley. Soon, you’ll change scenery as you follow the flow of the Rhône on the Via Rhôna, which will take you to Tournon-sur-Rhône, Tain l’Hermitage, and then Valence. Soon, you’ll find the magnificent greenway, the Dolce Via, where you’ll be able to ride, returning to Ardèche. You’ll then gain altitude to reach the Vivarais highlands. Although the greenway ends in Saint-Agrève, we’ve put together a beautiful itinerary combining small roads and accessible paths to reach Le Puy-en-Velay. If you love greenways and are undecided between the Via Fluvia, Via Rhôna, and the Dolce Via, don’t hesitate—this trip is for you!
To plan your stay, check out our tips!
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The advantages of your bike tour:
- You travel independently and follow a specially adapted route.
- EXTRA : You can also choose from modern electric bikes for comfort and convenience.
- Your stops are organized in guest rooms or hotels offering comfort, discovery, authenticity and a change of scenery.
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Half-board accommodation except the Annonay and Valence stages
- Easy to navigate, you have access to a digital guidance app.
- Your luggage is delivered at each stop (one bag max. 13kg/person).
- For this trip, the bikes provided by the agency include the guarantee Sereine mind. For more information, see the Insurance section.
- Our travel bikes for this trip
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Please note: stay with luggage transport available for groups of 2 or more (2 pieces of luggage transported)
Your route:
- Elevation gain 3,935 m – Country roads and trails
- Self-guided cycling tour, you choose your departure
- Easy difficulty – cycle path
- Family: Children aged 14 and over
- Accommodation: In a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or alternative accommodations)
- IMPORTANT: Cycling touring requires good self-management skills: Knowing how to change an inner tube, repositioning a derailed chain, and also good bike handling skills.
- What climate? See our Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that every stopover is given as an indication and may be modified according to the availability of accommodation
A day exploring the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
An opportunity to discover the Velay city! You'll stroll through the secret streets of the upper town and discover the Cathedral, the starting point of the Way of Saint James.
Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister, the starting point of the Way of Saint James
> Notre-Dame de France
> The Saint-Michel Chapel
> Crozatier Museum
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> The Polignac Fortress
> Monument passes on sale at the Tourist Office or at the monument ticket offices.
> Bobbin Lacemaking Training Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
You'll leave Le Puy to reach the cool Borne Valley, then climb higher to reach the Polignac Fortress. Small roads will take you through the landscapes of Haute-Loire and magnificent little villages before descending towards the Loire Gorges, the starting point of the Via Fluvia greenway. The Via Fluvia is a greenway that follows the route of the Galoche railway line. A route that winds through the heart of a wild landscape. Half-board accommodation
Discover:
• Les Estreys
> Magnificent riverside village (Borne)
• Polignac
> Visit the fortress
• Lavoûte-sur-Loire
> Lavoûte-Polignac Castle, built on a rocky spur above a bend in the Loire
> Aquapassion Center
> The ponds along the Loire River in Saint-Vincent
• Beaulieu
> Notre-Dame Church (12th century)
> Adiac Castle
> The target shooting center
You'll continue along the old railway line that once housed a steam train connecting Lavoûte-sur-Loire to La Voûlte-sur-Rhône. This route will invite you to discover the Ravins de Corboeuf (a canyon of multicolored clays), the Moulin du Pinard (an interpretation of the Vivarais railway lines and water features), and many other curiosities. A true pleasure to ride safely and surrounded by nature! Soon you'll reach Lapte and its imposing bell tower, before heading to Montfaucon, a village home to 12 paintings from the Flemish school. Half-board accommodation
Discover:
• Rosières
> The Ravins de Corboeuf and its multicolored clays
> The Moulin du Pinard - Old locomotives and water features
• Yssingeaux
> Saint-Pierre Church and its remarkable paintings
> The Saint-Roch Museum
• Grazac
> The Priory - a Cluniac site to visit
> La Chapelette
> The Pont de la Sainte
• Lapte
> The Church and its tall bell tower
• Raucoules
> The Velay Express, a steam train ride
• Montfaucon
> Notre-Dame Church, which houses 12 Flemish paintings
A beautiful day of cycling! You'll continue your journey to Dunières, then further on to Riotord, where you'll reach the Col du Tracol, which offers a splendid view of the Pilat Regional Park and the Rhône Valley. A beautiful descent awaits you, first on the road, before reaching the cycle route and then some pretty paths. You'll soon be in Annonay. Overnight stay & breakfast
Discover:
• Dunières
> Vélorail du Velay
> 12th-century Romanesque church
• Riotord
> Fishing pond - Educational trail
> Cistercian site of Clavas and its medieval-inspired garden
• Le Tracol
> A pass at an altitude of 1,000 meters between the Loire and Haute-Loire
• Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue
> Saint-Blaise Church
• Bourg-Argental
> The ruins of the castle in Argental
> The Maison du Châtelet
> Saint-André Church (from the 8th century)
• Annonay
> The Parchment Museum
> The Martyrs' Tower (11th century)
> The site of the Montgolfier brothers' first hot-air balloon flight
> The Vagelas Bridge
> The historic center
> Mignot Park
> The Bardon Gardens in Davézieux
You'll continue your descent toward the Rhône, riding along beautiful little roads, including this balcony road above La Cance, which is simply magnificent. Soon you'll reach the Rhône Valley. A new experience, riding alongside the river, barges, vineyards that herald the South, and orchards. You'll follow the river and soon reach the confluence of the Rhône and Isère rivers. Valence awaits you! Overnight stay & breakfast
Discover:
• Vernosc-lès-Annonay
> The Seguin Suspension Bridge
> The Cance Valley and Roche Pérénadre
• Sarras
> Château
> The Rhône, a long sheet of water flowing through the heart of the valley
> A change of scenery: Vineyards, orchards
• Arras-sur-Rhône
> Remains of the Château and the legend of the Black Rider
> The Rhône, a long sheet of water flowing through the heart of the valley
> A change of scenery: Vineyards, orchards
• Vion
> Saint-Martin Church (12th century)
• Tournon-sur-Rhône
> Château
> The Rhône, a long sheet of water flowing through the heart of the valley
> A change of scenery: Vineyards, orchard
• Tain l'Hermitage
> Seguin footbridge spanning the Rhône
> Valrhôna's chocolate city
> Tain vineyards
• Valence
> Valence Museum - Art & Archaeology
> The facade of the Maison des Têtes
> The Peynet Kiosk, listed as a historic monument
> The Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center
> The historic center
> Triniatires and Jouvet parks
> Saint-Appolinaire Cathedral, consecrated by Pope Urban II
> Try the ravioles from Romans
> Taste the Swiss cheeses from Maison Nivon
After the Drôme, you'll change banks to join the Dolce Via, which follows the very "natural" Eyrieux Valley. You'll cycle peacefully, passing through charming villages. The Eyrieux River will accompany you, alternating between tarmac and sandy trails... a real change of scenery. At first, you'll feel the route climbing imperceptibly, then it will steepen again, and the break at Le Cheylard is welcome. Half-board accommodation
Discover:
• Soyons
> Nero's Cave
> The Ardèche Train Garden
• Charmes-sur-Rhône
> The Plant Maze
> Crussol Castle
> The Bell Tower
• Welcome to the Dolce Via
> Heritage interpretation panels
> The various facilities
> The path along the Eyrieux
• Le Cheylard
> Chèze Castle (Protestant stronghold)
> The Arch of Trades
> The old town
It'll take courage to get back to the highlands! No problem, the route winds and goes through tunnels to find the gentlest route... Of course, you'll have to pedal, but the scenery is truly worth it. You'll reach Saint-Agrève, where you'll leave the Dolce Via to cycle along small roads and accessible paths (Chemin de Saint-Régis) to reach Fay-sur-Lignon, located in the heart of the Mézenc highlands.
Half-board accommodation
Discover:
• Saint-Agrève
> Mont-Chiniac
> The Dolce Via (Ardèche gentle route)
> The miraculous fountain
• Fay-sur-Lignon:
> The Saint Régis fountain
> Place du Foiral
> Various producers & artisans: honey, trout, jams
Return to Le Puy, driving through the heart of this intense, powerful, wild, rugged, yet welcoming natural environment. You'll discover Saint-Front, its volcanic lake, and its 12th-century church. You'll ride along a small road that takes you across valleys to reach Saint-Julien-Chapteuil. A few laps on the Camino de Santiago - Geneva route - for a gentle return to "civilization." Half-board accommodation
End of your tour with baggage collection from 5 p.m. at our partner (if your baggage is transported) or optionally with an additional night in Puy-en-Velay (overnight stay & breakfast with baggage delivery to the hotel)
Discover:
• Saint-Front
> The typical highland village – Saint-Front
> The 12th-century Romanesque church – Saint Front
> The volcanic lake
> The thatched village and the Bigorre Ecomuseum
• Montusclat
> Magnificent stone villages
• Saint-Julien-Chapteuil
> Romanesque church
> The Mills of Neyzac
• Saint-Germain-Laprade
> Bourg Castle
> Remains of the former Doue Abbey
• Brives-Charensac
> The bridges spanning the Loire
The 13th-century Chartreuse Bridge, the 12th-century Old Bridge in the center of Brives-Charensac
End of our services after breakfast
Prices include:
- Accommodation in a double, twin, or multiple-occupancy (6 stages with half-board: Le Puy-en-Velay, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Montfaucon, Le Cheylard, Fay-sur-Lignon, and 2 stages with B&B basis: in Annonay, Valence)
- Tourist taxes,
- Luggage transfer at the stopover (one bag, max. 13kg/person) according your choice
- Access to the guidance app and travel diary,
- Telephone assistance.
Extras
- Electric bike rental or a non-electric bike rental, two rear panniers, a helmet, a light repair kit,
- Multrisks and cancellation insurance
- Single supplement
- No luggage transportation
- Additional night in Le Puy at the end of your tour
This price does not include
- Transportation and transfers to the starting point Meals other than those listed in the description
- Multirisks and annulation insurance
- Parking Bike rental
- GPX tracks (we do not provide GPX tracks for our routes – guidance via the app)
- Drinks, spending money, any visits or activities
- Generally, anything not listed in the “This price includes” section
Administration fees
- €12/person if ordered online
- €15/person via quote
You want to rent a bike
- Electric-assisted hybrid bike rental with two panniers: +€245/bike
- Non-electric hybrid bike rental with two panniers: +€170/bike
If you plan to travel with your bike, please ensure certain points: If it is an electric-assisted bike, the battery must have a minimum power of 400 or even 500 watts. Please note: the battery must be removable; if not, please contact us to check availability. It is imperative that your bike is in perfect working order before departure. Remember to have it serviced. Please bring a suitable repair kit and a smartphone mount for the handlebars. Our routes combine small roads and trails; your bike must be a hybrid, mountain bike, or gravel bike with suitable tires. City and road bikes are therefore prohibited. Our trips are more or less sporty, and a basket on the handlebars is to be avoided, as are large city bags. You’ll be riding on trails, and this type of equipment risks destabilizing the bike’s balance and making it difficult to transfer bikes (similarly, front mudguards make it difficult to load bikes onto trailers, so avoid them).
Any doubts? Contact us.
No luggage transportation
You have the option of not having your luggage transported at each stopover. Note: This option is not available for mixed use; it can be selected only if all travelers opt for this option. We offer the option of renting a 70-liter trailer to supplement the capacity of your panniers.
Add a final night in Le Puy-en-Velay
Enjoy one last night in Le Puy-en-Velay at the end of your tour. We’ll take care of booking your overnight stay and breakfast at a 3-star hotel in the city center, and your luggage will be delivered directly to reception.
L’Autre Chemin has developed numerous partnerships with guesthouses and small traditional hotels to offer you the best of Haute-Loire and to ensure that each stopover is an opportunity to discover the architecture, the art of living, the gastronomy, but also a moment of exchange and meeting.
By Train
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay has a train station that takes you right to the city center, close to your first hotel and all the sights and shops. In short, it’s very pleasant to take the train from home to begin your cycling trip to Le Puy. Psst, even if the journey may seem long, when you arrive via Saint-Etienne, the tracks run alongside the wild Loire Valley, a very pleasant sight.
By Car
Le Puy is accessible by road, notably via two main roads: the RN88 from Saint-Etienne/Lyon or Aubenas/Mende, or via the RN102 (Clermont-Ferrand). There are suitable parking lots on site, but we’ll explain everything in your travel guide!
- Paris: 515km
- Lyon: 134km
- Marseille: 300km
- Toulouse: 350km
- Montpellier: 250km
Where to park in Le Puy?
- Breuil underground car park – Place du Breuil (near Ibis Styles and Ibis Centre) – Closed Sundays and public holidays – 7 days: €60 & 14 days: €100/14 days – Reservations: +33 4 71 02 03 54
Le Puy above-ground car parks – Rates: €10/week and €20/month. Subscriptions must be reserved and paid in advance at the Mobilité-en-Velay commercial center. Tel. +33 4 71 02 60 11 (open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) – Height limit 2.20 m & length 5.50 m maximum. These car parks are served by a free shuttle or the urban transport network.
- Bertrand de Doue Parking: Parking without video (near train station, Ibis Styles & Budget)
- Estrouilhas Parking: Parking without video (near Ibis Centre)
- Quincieu Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video (near Ibis Centre)
- Montredon Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video (free bus service to the city center)
- Dunant Parking (free bus service to the city center)
- Train Station Parking: Video-monitored parking – €6 / 24 hours (near Ibis Styles & Budget)
- Carmes Parking: Video-monitored parking – €30 / week – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81 (near Ibis Styles & Budget)
- Foch Parking – 6 avenue du Maréchal Foch – Video surveillance – (near Ibis Styles & Budget) – 7 days: €30 & 14 days: €60 – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81
- Saint-Jacques Parking (Center served by bus) – 13 bis de Roderie – Aiguilhe – Video surveillance – Reservation: +33 4 44 43 97 43 – 7 days: €29 & 14 days: €55 (near Ibis Center)
- La Malle Postale – Parking at 7km from Le Puy – Drop-off and pick-up guaranteed – 7 days / 7– 7 days: €30 & 15 days: €50 – Reservation: 04 71 04 21 79 Prices given for information purposes only, subject to change without notice
Whether you’re looking to book your cycling trip along the Via Fluvia or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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