No car tour -"free carbone"
Explore the emblematic valleys of Ardèche, Doux, and Eyrieux by combining train travel with cycling. Choose an authentic cycling getaway in the heart of Ardèche and experience unforgettable holidays.
A Scenic Loop Through the Ardèche – 100% Car-Free
An elegant circular route crossing volcanic plateaus, Ardèche valleys and the Rhône, cleverly combining soft mobility and tourist trains.
🚲 100% car-free
A gentle journey from Lyon
Train → Via Fluvia → Velay Express → Dolce Via → Ardèche Train → ViaRhôna
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 — Lyon → Lavoûte-sur-Loire
Gateway to Via Fluvia
Regional train from Lyon → Saint-Étienne or Le Puy-en-Velay, depending on the chosen route.
Remember to book a bicycle space on the train!
Objective: reach the itinerary directly and start the adventure.
Day 2 — Cycling the Via Fluvia
Immerse yourself immediately in a little-known greenway. Following a former railway line, the Via Fluvia offers open landscapes across the Velay and a wonderfully wild atmosphere over 40 to 60 km.
Day 3 — Railway adventure: Velay Express
In the morning, board the legendary Velay Express towards Saint-Agrève.
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome at Brasserie L’Agrivoise!
🚂 Operating season: May to October
🚲 Bicycles accepted – advance booking strongly recommended
Day 4 — Dolce Via – the heart of the Ardèche
Known as one of the most beautiful greenways in France, the Dolce Via takes you through tunnels, across viaducts and along the river, with a gentle downhill gradient leading you towards Lamastre.
Enjoy a gourmet break near Saint-Prix at Dolce Burger, offering homemade, locally sourced cuisine.
🚲 40 to 50 km
Day 5 — Historic Ardèche Train
Enjoy an iconic journey aboard the Ardèche Train – Le Mastrou, travelling by steam train, or choose the alternative Cyclo Train pulled by a historic “Micheline” railcar.
Departure from Lamastre to Saint-Jean-de-Muzols.
🚂 Operating season: April to October
🚂 Several departures per day during the season
Remember to book your bicycle space!
Day 6 — ViaRhôna
Return to Lyon by regional train from Tain-l’Hermitage, after a short stop at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.
Alternatively, continue by bike along the ViaRhôna, a smooth and fast cycle route – an ideal way to gently round off your adventure.
🚲 50 to 80 km, depending on the train return option chosen.
EXPERT TIPS
🚲 Ideal bike: Gravel bike or hybrid/trekking bike
🎟️ Bookings: plan ahead for bicycle spaces on trains and accommodation along the route.
🌿 Best season: May to October
⭐ Ideal months: June or September
So… are you ready to take on the challenge?
- Pets allowed
Opening / Rates
From 01/04 to 31/10 daily.
