Cycling the River Rhone Cycle Route From the Alps to the Mediterranean

by Wells, Mike

• ISBN13: 9781852847555
• ISBN10: 1852847557
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2016-12-31
• Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited

Summary

Guide to The River Rhone Cycle Route, an 895km bicycle ride starting high in the Alps of central Switzerland and finishing at the Mediterranean Sea, near Marseille. The route - which is mostly downhill - is divided into 20 stages (averaging 45km per stage) and can be completed by most cyclists in 12-14 days. The described route uses two waymarked national cycle trails: the Swiss R1 Rhone Route and the French ViaRhôna, which together have been adopted by the ECF (European Cyclists' Federation) as EuroVélo route EV17. 

The guide provides detailed route descriptions and 1:150,000 mapping for each stage, together with plenty of practical advice such as preparing for the journey, transport options there and back, what to take, accommodation en route and more. A Swiss/French glossary is also included.

Taking in dramatic mountain vistas, Lake Geneva's enchanting beauty and the coastal delights of southern France, the route showcases some of the region's most spectacular scenery, making it a veritable gem for any tour cyclist looking to stretch their legs in stunning surrounds. If a visual feast is not enough, cyclists can indulge in the gastronomic wonders of the region. And need we mention the fact that the Rhone flows through some of the greatest wine producing regions of both Switzerland and France?

Author Biography

Mike Wells has been walking long-distance footpaths for 25 years, and a keen cyclist for 20. He has walked the major British paths, the GR5 from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, and explored the Dolomites Alta Via routes in Italy. He has also walked in Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Norway and Chilean Patagonia. Starting with UK cycling routes, he soon moved on to long-distance routes in the rest of Europe and beyond, including a circumnavigation of Iceland and a ride across Cuba.

Table of Contents

Map key

Overview map

Introduction

Background

The Rhone Cycle Route

Natural environment

Preparation

Getting there and back

Navigation

Accommodation

Food and drink

Amenities and services

What to take

Safety and emergencies

About this guide

The route

Switzerland

Stage 1 Furkapass to Brig

Stage 2 Brig to Sierre

Stage 3 Sierre to Martigny

Stage 4 Martigny to Montreux

Stage 5 Montreux to Morges

Stage 6 Morges to Geneva

Stage 5A Le Bouveret to Thonon-les-Bains

Stage 6A Thonon-les-Bains to Geneva

Stage 7 Geneva to Seyssel

France

Stage 8 Seyssel to Champagneux dam

Stage 9 Champagneux dam to Lagnieu

Stage 10 Lagnieu to Lyon

Stage 11 Lyon to Vienne

Stage 12 Vienne to Sablons

Stage 13 Sablons to Tournon-sur-Rhône

Stage 14 Tournon-sur-Rhône to Valence

Stage 15 Valence to Le Pouzin

Stage 16 Le Pouzin to Montélimar

Stage 17 Montélimar to Pont-St Esprit

Stage 18 Pont-St Esprit to Avignon

Stage 19 Avignon to Arles

Stage 20 Arles to Port-St Louis-du-Rhône

Appendix A Stage summary table

Appendix B Facilities summary table

Appendix C Twelve-day schedule

Appendix D Tourist information offices

Appendix E Youth hostels and gîtes d’étape

Appendix F Useful contacts

Appendix G Language glossary