ViaRhôna: Saint-Vallier to Valence Loop

The route primarily follows dedicated paved paths, known as 'voies vertes' or greenways, especially between Sarras and Valence. While much of the ViaRhôna is flat, this specific loop includes varied terrain. You'll find smoother asphalt on the Drôme side and some gravel surfaces, particularly on the Ardèche side of the Rhône. There are also segments on quieter secondary roads shared with motorists, and a short but steep climb near Arras-sur-Rhône.

This 77.6-kilometer loop is rated as moderate and typically takes about 4 hours and 43 minutes to complete for touring cyclists. This duration assumes a reasonable level of fitness.

You'll experience stunning natural beauty along the Rhône River, passing through vineyards and orchards. Highlights include the ViaRhôna: Riverside Path Between Orchards and Vineyards, the Passerelle Marc-Seguin, and the historic Tournon-sur-Rhône Castle and Museum. As you approach Valence, you'll get views of the Ardèche hills and the distant Vercors mountains.

While the general ViaRhôna is largely accessible and family-friendly with minimal inclines, this specific 77.6-kilometer loop from Saint-Vallier-sur-Rhône to Valence is rated 'moderate'. It requires good fitness due to its length and approximately 220 meters of elevation gain, including a short but steep climb near Arras-sur-Rhône. It's best suited for cyclists with some experience.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this section of the ViaRhôna or access the cycle paths.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant with vineyards and orchards. Summer can be enjoyable but may involve hotter temperatures, especially in July and August.

While specific parking locations are not detailed, both Saint-Vallier-sur-Rhône and Valence are towns with various parking options. You can typically find public parking near the riverbanks or town centers, which would provide convenient access to the ViaRhôna. We recommend checking local tourism websites like valence-romans-tourisme.com for up-to-date parking information.

Generally, dogs are allowed on the ViaRhôna cycle paths, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. However, always be mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians, especially in busier sections or shared road segments.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other official trails. You'll find it overlaps with parts of EuroVélo 17 - 23: Tournon-sur-Rhône – Valence, EuroVélo 17 - 22: Sablons – Tournon-sur-Rhône, and the Voie Bleue, among others.

Yes, for a unique experience or to shorten your cycling distance, you can combine cycling with a boat trip. From nearby Tournon-sur-Rhône, it's possible to take a boat with your bike to Valence or Saint-Vallier and cycle back, or vice-versa. This offers flexibility and can reduce the overall physical demand of the loop.

Given the varied terrain, which includes paved cycle paths, some gravel sections, and quiet secondary roads, a touring bicycle or a hybrid bike is ideal. These bikes offer a good balance of comfort and durability for the different surfaces you'll encounter.