Start: Lyon

Your Itinerary


Lyon to Orange Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided | Individual | 8 days | 7 nights | From £829 per person
Full holiday prices by date are shown on the ‘Book Now’ tab.

Book the Lyon to Orange cycling holiday here >>

Tour Highlights
• Start in Lyon and head down the Rhone Cycle Path.
• Cycle to Tournon with a picturesque historic old city and palace.
• See the northern gate of the Provence and Cathedral St. Apollinaris.
• We will help get you from your start to finish points cheaply and easily.

Route features
The terrain is mostly flat and easy to cycle on. The Rhône cycle path is overall well-constructed and a perfect example for signposting and routing.

The approximate difficulty level for this tour

Difficulty Scale

Day 1: Arrival in Lyon

Since 1998 Lyon’s old part of town is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Mighty churches, about 30 museums and an excellent food serving industry guarantee a delightful stay. One overnight in Lyon.

Day 2: Lyon – Serrieres approx. 69 km

Already after just a few kilometres the futuristic museum ‚des Confluences’ appears with its spectacular location on an island at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. There is a lot of of traffic in the cities as well as Lyon.

We recommend to go by train to Givor (not incl.)You follow the course of your companion’, the river Rhône and soon you reach Vienne where you will stay tonight with its many remains of an ancient Roman colony. You will be impressed by the temple of Augustus and Livia and by the biggest Roman theatre in Gaul. One overnight in Serrieres.

Day 3: Serrières – Valence approx. 60 km

The beautifully designed cycle path takes you South again, directly along the Rhône riverbank. World renowned grapes are grown in the surroundings of Tournon sur Rhône. We recommend you have your lunch break in one of the charming villages with their medieval village centres and sample at least one glass of the famous ‚Hermitage’.

After that you will soon reach the main town of the Drôme-region called Valence. Also called the ‚Northern Gate to Provence’, it will amaze you with its vibrant town centre full of cafés and restaurants. One overnight in Valence.

Day 4: Valence – Montélimar approx. 65 km

Effortlessly you cycle through the fertile Rhône-valley. The temptation for ‚petty larceny of food’ is especially high today, since there are peaches, apples and kiwis growing directly along the route.

Nevertheless, make sure you also look up and do not miss high up a once proud castle which has sadly crumbled and turned into a ruin, but still keeps a watchful eye over the valley. In today’s Day Finish Montélimar it is all about ‚nougat’, which is produced here in special quality. Temptations from dawn to dusk… One overnight in Montélimar.

Day 5 Roundtrip Montélimar, approx. 65 km

Today you explore the region Drôme provencal. Enjoy small romantic towns, called “Villages perchés” and old romanic churches with the background of the mountains Drôme. And often you cycle along the wonderful lavender fields. Further overnight in Montélimar.

Day 6: Montélimar – Bourg St. Andéol approx. 30 km

Today’s stage is very short and hence leaves you with lots of time to just enjoy! Several times you switch from one side of the river Rhône to the other side via impressive suspension bridges. Then onwards along the cycle path to the former diocesan town of Viviers. Behind the cathedral dating back to the 12th century you have an amazing view across the Rhône valley.

Then it becomes very quiet in the alluvial forests except for the buzzing noise of your spokes. Vibrancy is back after that in Bourg St. Andéol. The old part of town is characterised by picturesque houses dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th century, situated directly on the river Rhône. One overnight in Bourg-St. Andéol.

Day 7: Bourg St. Andéol – Orange approx. 50 km

On your final stage you casually cycle through glowing yellow sunflower fields, apple orchards and peach plantations, past tomato- and basil fields. En route, you come across the little town of Pont St. Esprit, known for its 600-year old bridge, whose 25 arches stretch impressively across the river Rhône.

You will be staying in the town of Orange with its well-known Roman theatre and the city founding arch, both part of the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage. One overnight in Orange.

Day 8: Departure or extension

The tour ends after breakfast. Individual return journey.

Map & Route Information

Route Profile
Easy tour, also for beginners with only some slightly grades. You cycle on small roads and asphalted paths with less traffic.

Where is the starting point of the holiday?


View Larger Map

Tour Route Map

Tour Information

Holiday Information

The Lyon to Orange tour stays in 3* Hotels, 1 × 2* hotel next to the river Rhone carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route.

Your stay includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and permanent assistance in case of problems.

The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
Lyon to Orange Sample Hotel List  
Lyon Hotel Axotel Lyon Perrache  
Vienne Hotel Ibis Vienne Saint Louis  
Serrieres Monhotel  
Valence Hotel Atrium  
Montelimar Hotel Kyriad Montelimar  
Bourg Saint Andeol Hotel Restaurant Le Prieure  
Orange Hotel Le Louvre  

Included services

- Accommodation as already mentioned
– Breakfast buffet or extensive breakfast
– Welcome briefing
– Luggage transfer between the hotels
– Detailed travel documents (route maps, route description, local attractions, important telephone numbers)
– GPS-data is available
– Rental bike insurance

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Rental Bike Information

Quality, comfortable and sturdy bikes

We understand that well made bikes are essential for an enjoyable cycling holiday. All bikes are based on technology from leading Austrian bike manufacturer ‘KTM’ and serviced by an expert mechanic.

The bikes use good quality components to give you confidence in the bike on your holiday and comfortable riding on varied cycle paths and roads.

About the bikes

You will be given an easily identifiable, solid and sturdy aluminum trekking bike with V-brakes, solid wheels, almost puncture resistant tyres. Each bike has been built through continuous development and feedback from customers.

Each bike is also fitted with a dynamo lighting system for ease, handlebar bag, pannier, mudguards and comfortable saddle made by Selle Royal.

You can also bring your own saddle and adapter with you (diameter of seat post from 27, 2 to 31, 4 mm). We help you with the fitting of saddles and SPD shoes should you require assistance.

Gear systems

7-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano NEXUS gear hub. Gears can be changed anytime even whilst stationary.

21-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano ALIVIO derailleur. The ALIVIO system is robust and easy to use.

Frame sizes

The following frame sizes are available on tours with the bikes shown in the picture:

Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm
Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedal brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm

Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with freewheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping crossbar” cm
(Must be reserved in advance!)

We will request your heights at the time of booking to ensure correct bike sizing.

Accessories

We high-quality accessories for your holiday from well-known manufacturers:

• Waterproof rear pannier
• Waterproof handlebar bag
• Service-Set with tools and extra bicycle tube
• Bike pump
• Combination lock

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Unisex

Men’s Bike (Colour may vary)

Men's Bike

Electric Bike (Colour may vary)

E-Bike

Rental Bike PLUS

E-Bike

For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men’s bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gears

7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping” cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)?

Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.

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Your Prices

Lyon to Orange, 8 days, 7 nights
Prices are per person and include bike hire.

Cycling Holiday Prices:

Prices are based on seasonal date bands
Season 1: April – May | September – October
Arrival Thursdays and Saturdays
Season 2: May – June | September – September
Arrival Thursdays and Saturdays
Season 3: June – September
Arrival Thursdays and Saturdays

Category Information

Category A: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From £829 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £889 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £949 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £299
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £109

Calculate the cost of your cycling holiday







Hotel Category Descriptions
Category A: 3* hotels, 1 × 2* hotel located directly on the river Rhone.

Extra nights are available to book on this tour!
Prices are per person per night and based on two sharing. Single supplements apply.

For extra nights, you will stay in the same hotel. Please let us know if you wish to book extra nights at the start or at the end of the tour when completing your ‘Booking Request’.

Any local tourist taxes are not included in the holiday price and are payable at the hotel.

For help and queries regarding this tour…
Contact us | F.A.Qs

Holiday Price: From £829
Single Supplement: From £299

Click here to book now
Call: 01706 618155

Wheel2Wheel Holidays is part of KE Adventure Travel Ltd.

Central Car Park Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DF

Registered Address: Fifth Floor, 27 Greville Street, London, United Kingdom EC1N 8SU

Registered in England: 1911512