The ViaRhôna in Bourg-Saint-Andéol: the great Léman-to-Mediterranean cycle route runs through our doorstep

If you love cycling, here is a chance many destinations envy: the ViaRhôna, one of France’s greatest cycle routes, runs directly through Bourg-Saint-Andéol — a few minutes from Mas Saint Antoine. This iconic route links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean following the Rhône, and it offers, right on our doorstep, magnificent stages along the river. Here is its history, and our tips for enjoying it during your stay.

What is the ViaRhôna?

The ViaRhôna is an 815-kilometre cycle route linking Lake Geneva (on the Swiss border) to the Mediterranean Sea, following the course of the Rhône. It crosses landscapes of great variety: Alpine mountains, hillside vineyards, agricultural plains, historic towns and nature parks, all the way to the southern beaches and the Camargue.

It is the French part of EuroVelo 17 (“the river route”), a great European cycle itinerary which, including the Swiss section, totals about 1,100 km from Geneva. A great cycling adventure, to be ridden in full over several days… or savoured stage by stage, at your own pace.

A little history

The ViaRhôna project began in 2005, led by the local authorities of the Rhône valley with the ambition of creating a great north-south cycling axis along the river. It was built progressively, section by section: from around a hundred kilometres laid out by the end of 2008, the route grew to more than 500 km in the mid-2010s, reaching today almost its entire length. In 2016, the ViaRhôna and its Swiss extension were officially labelled EuroVelo 17, placing it in the network of great European cycle routes. It is today one of the best-known and most appreciated cycle routes in France.

The luck of having it in Bourg-Saint-Andéol

And this is our privilege: the ViaRhôna runs through Bourg-Saint-Andéol. The crossing follows the Rhône, largely on a shaded greenway and quiet small roads — an ideal setting to ride as a family or a couple. Along the way, the river, its wildlife and the rich heritage of the riverside towns (including the legendary bas-relief of the god Mithras in Bourg-Saint-Andéol) make each stage a real discovery.

In total, the ViaRhôna offers about 93 km in the Ardèche, allowing many day rides or touring trips, depending on your wishes.

The stages around Mas

From Bourg-Saint-Andéol, two directions are open to you:

• Northward — Viviers → Bourg-Saint-Andéol: a stage of about 16 km between nature and heritage, along the Rhône, in the shade. Viviers and its medieval soul, then the return towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol: a route with a strong heritage accent, perfect for a half-day outing.
• Southward — Bourg-Saint-Andéol → Pont-Saint-Esprit / Lapalud: you head towards Provence, between agricultural plain and the banks of the Rhône, towards the Vaucluse (cicadas and lavender are not far now!).

The route is rideable all year (weather permitting), and is waymarked with the ViaRhôna logo accompanied by the EuroVelo 17 identifier. The profile is generally flat and easy, ideal for starting cycle touring or riding with children (an electric-assist bike can help on the longer distances).

Planning your route

To choose your stage, consult the detailed maps, the difficulty levels and the nearby “Accueil Vélo” services, it is best to rely on the official websites:

• The official ViaRhôna site (viarhona.com) offers the complete itinerary stage by stage, with maps and points of interest.
• The Gorges de l’Ardèche – Pont d’Arc Tourist Office details the Viviers – Bourg-Saint-Andéol stage and the Ardèche greenways.
• France Vélo Tourisme lists the routes, labelled accommodations and practical advice.

Good to know: many “Accueil Vélo” accommodations are within 5 km of the route and offer suitable services (secure bike storage, etc.).

Cycling from Mas Saint Antoine

Staying at Mas means having this great cycle route almost within a wheel’s reach. You can plan a day ride on the ViaRhôna, then come back to enjoy the calm and the pool at the estate. And if you are looking for flat ground to ride as a family on a closed loop, the nearby Lake Pignedoré is an excellent complement. Find all our activity ideas in Le Mag du Mas, and our accommodations on the our cottages in the Ardèche page.

In conclusion

1. The ViaRhôna is an 815 km cycle route linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean along the Rhône (the French part of EuroVelo 17).
2. Launched in 2005 and labelled EuroVelo 17 in 2016, it is one of the best-known cycle routes in France.
3. It runs through Bourg-Saint-Andéol: ~93 km in the Ardèche, on a shaded greenway and small roads, with a flat, easy profile.
4. Two lovely stages around Mas: Viviers – Bourg-Saint-Andéol (~16 km) to the north, and towards Pont-Saint-Esprit / Provence to the south.
5. Plan your route via viarhona.com, the tourist office and France Vélo Tourisme; complete it with Lake Pignedoré.

A great European cycle route running right past our doorstep: the ViaRhôna is an invitation to explore the Rhône valley by bike, from Mas, for a single stage or a grand adventure.

✍️ Article written by Bernard Favre, owner of Mas Saint Antoine.