Français
English
NederlandsLa Dolce Via, cycling path in Ardèche
La Dolce Via, promoted "best european bike road 2020" is following an old railway at the heart of Ardeche. A gentle slope accessible for everyone with a combined surface of tarmac and gravel. A 90km soft track in the center of the Eyrieu valley. A nice cycling path, where we can pedal safely, with children for a family trip. Below, enjoy the river and a fresh break ! An ideal trip in a protected environment, to fully disconnect from technology and reconnect to nature.
Your Dolce Via itinerary in Ardèche combining boat, Dolce Via and Train !
Departures from Tournon sur Rhone
Boat-Bike-Train Route: Departures take place every Saturday morning at 8:30 AM from the Quai Farconnet in Tournon-sur-Rhône. You will begin your Dolce Via itinerary on the water aboard the Canotiers boat for a pleasant cruise down the Rhône river. Upon arriving in La Voulte-sur-Rhône, it’s time to hop on your bike and head onto the Dolce Via. This section features a gentle upward slope that is accessible to everyone. The journey through the Eyrieux Valley is delightful, surrounded by nature and running right along the riverbank. On Sunday, you will reach Lamastre to board the Train de l’Ardèche with your bicycles. This is your chance to enjoy the wild landscapes of the Doux Gorges at the nostalgic pace of a steam train.
Departures: Le Cheylard – La Voulte
You can depart from the town of Le Cheylard to enjoy a full Bike-Boat-Train loop. Departures from Le Cheylard take place every Sunday morning. Start your day with a pleasant 40 km ride along the Dolce Via cycle route, which connects Le Cheylard to La Voulte. By 1:00 PM, head to the river stop to board the Canotiers boat. At 1:15 PM, you will set sail to admire our beautiful region from the water, passing through the locks of Beauchastel and Bourg-lès-Valence. Arrival in Tournon-sur-Rhône is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
The Cyclo-Train at the Train de l’Ardèche
From May 1st to October 31st, board the diesel train every morning at 9:00 AM from T. Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station toward Lamastre. You can bring your bicycle on board, with 75 spaces available. You will arrive in Lamastre at 10:20 AM, where you can explore the local market every Tuesday. On Saturday mornings, you will also have the chance to discover a traditional farmers' market (marché du terroir). This new offering is the perfect way to combine a cycling adventure with stunning scenery and gourmet delights. Please note that this train service operates one-way only.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Lamastre at 11:40 AM, arriving at T. Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station around 1:30 PM.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the train's departure. Bicycle transport is an additional fee and must be booked alongside your train ticket.
The Viarhona instead of the boat from Tournon sur Rhone
If the boat departure dates do not match with your Dolce Via trip, you can bike instead ! Join Tournon sur Rhone through the Viarhona at the end of your bike trip on La Dolce Via (La Voulte sur Rhone). La Viarhona is a cycling path following the Rhone River from Geneva to the Mediterranean sea.
It is possible to leave Tournon by bike on the Viarhona to join La Dolce Via, and then come back to Tournon with the steam train. You can also do it the other way by starting your trip with the train, then La Dolce Via, and finally la Viarhona.
Bike Rentals and Dolce Via Shuttle
Looking to rent a bike on the Dolce Via? Discover Eyrieux Sport rentals in Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux!
Do you need a shuttle to transport you and your bikes from Tournon-sur-Rhône to the Dolce Via? Look no further than Autocars Palisse!
Prepare your Dolce Via itinerary
For a perfect stay, prepare your coming on the Dolce Via : bike, stay, restaurant, and booking of the train and the boat.
The Train de L’Ardèche
One of the must-go of Ardèche. Also named "Mastrou", the steam train of Ardèche offers you a unique experience. The steam, the handwork of the railway workers, the steam train will take you on a unique tour at the heart of the Doux Valley. Departure from the station of Saint Jean de Muzols. The ride lasts 1:30 hour to reach Lamastre, where La Dolce Via starts. All along the ride, landscapes are amazing, a magical experience for both childrens and adults.
For your excursion on La Dolce Via, you have to book the train to Lamastre, and don’t forget to book a spot for your bike too! However if you start your tour with the boat part, you will have to book the train from Lamastre to Tournon.
Cruises on the Rhone : Campagnie des Canotiers
A light breeze blowing, the water sounds: cruising on the Rhone is calming and relaxing. All along the tour, you can listen to the explanations of Bernard and Véronique, “les canotiers”. Enjoy the trip and the lock passage in Bourg les Valence, a unique adventure!
To enjoy this nice boat tour, book your single ticket between La Voulte and Tournon. If you start your Dolce Via itinerary by the boat part, take your ticket the other way around ( Tournon sur Rhone and La Voulte).
Restaurants and stays on your Dolce Via itinerary
It is highly recommended to enjoy a good resting night after your effort. Savour a local meal and meet the bed and breakfast hosts or camping neighbors. The Ardèche values and specialties make the Dolce Via travel an anthentic experience.
Go with a quiet mind by downloading the Dolce Via itinerary!
We are ready to welcome you at the Tourist office of Tournon, Tain l'Hermitage, Saint Félicien and Saint Donat sur l'Herbasse to help you prepare your adventure. See you soon in Ardèche Hermitage !
