Séjour sans voiture: Itinérance à vélo entre ViaRhôna et vallée de la Nègue en Ardèche (Itinérance à vélo 3 jours / 2 nuits)
This cycling itinerary is an 84 km loop. It can be done from Viviers or nearby train stations. It passes through 6 beautiful villages in the Gorges de l'Ardèche, including Saint-Montan, a village full of character, and offers a variety of landscapes.
Between vineyards and lavender fields, clear river waters and wooded slopes, this break, ideal for electric bikes or "regular" cyclists (1000 m difference in altitude), can be lengthened or shortened as you wish.
This trip is part of our “car-free” approach.
Day 1: Gentle start around Viviers and Saint-Montan
Departure from Viviers, a small town on the banks of the Rhône, classified as an outstanding heritage site for its wealth of medieval and Renaissance monuments, including the cathedral and the episcopal palace. Download the route from Viviers to see the 2nd-century Roman bridge. Then take a very small road that climbs steadily through the vegetation, then descends to Saint-Montan: a village of character whose narrow streets climb up to the medieval castle. From Saint-Montan, the loop is signposted for 53 km.
Saint-Montan offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can also decide to take the route des Gorges de la Sainte Beaume and stay in Larnas, 3 km away. Book 2 nights: the next stage will take you back to your accommodation.
Day 2: in the heart of the Nègue valley, between vineyards and valleys
In Larnas, visit the beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church, then drive through the lavender fields that display their most beautiful colors from June to July. Then descend into the Nègue valley, where you can admire fields of iris in bloom in May. A short drive takes you to Saint-Thomé, a pretty medieval village on a rocky outcrop.
The route then takes you to Valvignères: a typical Provencal village with its square and plane trees. Its name comes from the Latin Vallis Vinaria: the valley of wine. And this heritage is still evident in the landscapes you’re about to explore. From here, head for the characterful village of Alba-la-Romaine, with its medieval castle and nearby hamlet of La Roche. Explore as far as the ancient site and its museum.
On the way to Gras, stop off at Mas d’Intras, where an organic winemaker offers an oenological Escape game and tasting session. The small road passes the Col de la Fare on a gentle slope, then descends a bucolic valley before climbing back up to Gras: a beautiful stone village. Don’t miss the cemetery chapel, a timeless site offering peace and quiet and beautiful views.
Return to your accommodation in Larnas or Saint-Montan.
Day 3: Back on the ViaRhôna, river and heritage
From Larnas or Saint-Montan, a route takes you back to the ViaRhôna via small roads through landscapes shaped by viticulture. The ViaRhôna runs as far as Viviers. You can also leave it at the Pont du Robinet to go to the Donzère train station.
You can also take the ViaRhôna down to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, a small town with a rich heritage ranging from Antiquity to the Renaissance: the former Palais des Evêques, the mansions of the merchants of this ancient port along the Rhône, and the vineyards nearby. From Bourg-Saint-Andéol, you can easily cycle to the train stations at Pierrelatte or Donzère.
Getting to Viviers without a car?
There are several advantages to going car-free: you get rid of the stress of driving, traffic jams and parking problems, and you contribute to preserving the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
So don’t hesitate: book your train ticket on the SNCF Connect website, direction Montélimar.
Then take the bus, line E19 Montélimar – Saint-Thomé: 1 bus around midday and one around 6pm (no bus on Sundays and public holidays).
If you’re traveling with your bike, take the train to Donzère (TER) and join Viviers on the ViaRhôna.
This trip is part of our “car-free” approach.
Day 1: Gentle start around Viviers and Saint-Montan
Departure from Viviers, a small town on the banks of the Rhône, classified as an outstanding heritage site for its wealth of medieval and Renaissance monuments, including the cathedral and the episcopal palace. Download the route from Viviers to see the 2nd-century Roman bridge. Then take a very small road that climbs steadily through the vegetation, then descends to Saint-Montan: a village of character whose narrow streets climb up to the medieval castle. From Saint-Montan, the loop is signposted for 53 km.
Saint-Montan offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can also decide to take the route des Gorges de la Sainte Beaume and stay in Larnas, 3 km away. Book 2 nights: the next stage will take you back to your accommodation.
Day 2: in the heart of the Nègue valley, between vineyards and valleys
In Larnas, visit the beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church, then drive through the lavender fields that display their most beautiful colors from June to July. Then descend into the Nègue valley, where you can admire fields of iris in bloom in May. A short drive takes you to Saint-Thomé, a pretty medieval village on a rocky outcrop.
The route then takes you to Valvignères: a typical Provencal village with its square and plane trees. Its name comes from the Latin Vallis Vinaria: the valley of wine. And this heritage is still evident in the landscapes you’re about to explore. From here, head for the characterful village of Alba-la-Romaine, with its medieval castle and nearby hamlet of La Roche. Explore as far as the ancient site and its museum.
On the way to Gras, stop off at Mas d’Intras, where an organic winemaker offers an oenological Escape game and tasting session. The small road passes the Col de la Fare on a gentle slope, then descends a bucolic valley before climbing back up to Gras: a beautiful stone village. Don’t miss the cemetery chapel, a timeless site offering peace and quiet and beautiful views.
Return to your accommodation in Larnas or Saint-Montan.
Day 3: Back on the ViaRhôna, river and heritage
From Larnas or Saint-Montan, a route takes you back to the ViaRhôna via small roads through landscapes shaped by viticulture. The ViaRhôna runs as far as Viviers. You can also leave it at the Pont du Robinet to go to the Donzère train station.
You can also take the ViaRhôna down to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, a small town with a rich heritage ranging from Antiquity to the Renaissance: the former Palais des Evêques, the mansions of the merchants of this ancient port along the Rhône, and the vineyards nearby. From Bourg-Saint-Andéol, you can easily cycle to the train stations at Pierrelatte or Donzère.
Getting to Viviers without a car?
There are several advantages to going car-free: you get rid of the stress of driving, traffic jams and parking problems, and you contribute to preserving the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
So don’t hesitate: book your train ticket on the SNCF Connect website, direction Montélimar.
Then take the bus, line E19 Montélimar – Saint-Thomé: 1 bus around midday and one around 6pm (no bus on Sundays and public holidays).
If you’re traveling with your bike, take the train to Donzère (TER) and join Viviers on the ViaRhôna.
Opening / Rates
Opening
From 01/01 to 31/12/2024.
