Rhône-Alpes refers here to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The ViaRhôna turns a cycling route into a thread connecting landscapes and history. Stretching 815 kilometres, it links Lake Geneva with the Mediterranean; along the way, it passes through Alpine panoramas, Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards and the southern Provence. Its route alternates between protected greenways and roads shared with other traffic. At the same time, the route showcases more than 2,000 years of history and heritage. ViaRhôna maps show connected greenways, themed cycling tours for different ability levels, and cultural, natural and protected areas. For cycling travellers, the route’s length goes hand in hand with a variety of landscapes and heritage themes.
Routes and regional contrasts
The Grand Tour offers a different scale: this road trip covers 3,000 kilometres, passes through twelve départements, is divided into 28 stages and includes 43 remarkable sites. Comparing it with the 815-kilometre ViaRhôna brings a practical planning choice into focus: a cycling trip or a road trip—and therefore two markedly different route formats.
As a collection of distinct travel areas, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes brings together Lyon, the Alps and Mont Blanc, Drôme and Ardèche, and the volcanoes of Auvergne. The region also includes ten regional nature parks. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, climbing, via ferrata and adventure courses. Alongside long routes, there are also many different ways to experience the landscape actively.
An overview updated in 2026 lists 39,950 kilometres of marked hiking trails in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, including 17,840 kilometres of GR/GRP routes and 22,110 kilometres of PR routes. The totals may be revised. In addition, an inventory updated in 2026 for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes lists 270 permanent orienteering courses designed for competition and leisure; this figure may also change.
For cycling and mountain biking in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, inventories updated in 2026 list 17 cycling routes and greenways included in the national listings, covering a total of 2,625 kilometres, as well as 102 signposted areas. Totals and designations may change. Activities also vary: equestrian tourism includes trail rides, training, holidays, leisure activities, horse-riding routes and accommodation. Canyoning combines hiking, climbing, caving and swimming in white water.
Urban history and heritage
The UNESCO-listed historic site in Lyon preserves more than two millennia of urban development: from Roman Lugdunum and the medieval streets of Fourvière to Renaissance-era Vieux Lyon and the Canuts’ residential districts on the Croix-Rousse. Lyon’s historic character is also linked to the confluence of the Saône and Rhône, its three hills and its position at a crossroads of northern and southern European influences. The sequence of neighbourhoods brings different periods of the city’s history to life.
In Savoie and Haute-Savoie, guided visits cover 103 heritage sites, with 127 accredited tour guides and five guide trainees. Heritage visits in Savoie range from medieval and spa towns, traditional villages, castles and fortifications to abbeys, mines, museums, churches, chapels, farms and crafts. Urban history, guided visits and different forms of regional heritage thus each offer distinct interests to explore.
Regional products
Agricultural products highlighted by the region include Nyons olive oil, Bresse poultry, green Puy lentils and Ardèche chestnuts. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes accounts for 46 percent of French AOC cheese production and is also home to 44 wines, including Côtes-du-Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage, Beaujolais and Brouilly. These examples range from regional produce to wine appellations, adding a culinary perspective to the area’s landscape and cultural contrasts.
Discover more destinations
Haute-Savoie, Isere, Savoie, Ain, Ardèche, Drôme, Loire, Rhône
For the main travel overview: France.
