Rhône Valley Gourmet Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Vienne

Arrive in Vienne, a lovely riverside town on the Rhône just south of Lyon. Once an important Roman city, it is home to landmarks such as the Temple of Augustus and a beautifully preserved ancient theater. Tonight, you’ll stay at a distinguished 4-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, home to a two-Michelin-starred restaurant available to book for those seeking a special dining experience. Your included dinner is served in the hotel’s wonderful bistronomic restaurant, where seasonal dishes showcase the flavors of the Rhône Valley. If you would like to arrive early, an additional night in Lyon can be arranged, an excellent way to begin the trip and explore the city’s food scene, from traditional bouchons to contemporary fine dining along the Saône River. (D)

Overnight in Vienne

Day 2: Vienne - Beausemblant
33 mi. / 53 km

Your ride begins along the Rhône River as you leave Vienne and enter one of France’s best-known wine regions. The route passes through Côte-Rôtie, known for its steep hillside vineyards and elegant Syrah wines. It then continues south into Saint-Joseph, another renowned Rhône wine area. The terrain is gentle, making this an enjoyable first day on the bike, with vineyard views and the river never far away. Tonight, you’ll stay in Beausemblant at a 17th-century château surrounded by parkland. Dinner features regional cuisine with ingredients inspired by the surrounding wine region. (B, D)

Overnight in Beausemblant

Day 3: Beausemblant - Pont de l’Isère
23 mi. / 37 km

Follow quiet roads along the Rhône through orchards and vineyards in the Crozes-Hermitage wine region, an area known for Syrah wines with notes of spice and red fruit. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at local wineries for tastings and to learn more about the area's winemaking traditions. You may also wish to visit the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, where one of the world’s leading chocolate makers offers interactive exhibits and tastings, with the option of a chocolate-inspired lunch. This evening, you’ll stay in the Drôme region. Dinner is included at the hotel’s refined bistronomic restaurant, where regional specialties such as truffles, goats cheese, and seasonal vegetables take center stage. For those looking for a more elevated dining experience, a gastronomic dinner may be arranged as an optional upgrade. (B, D)

Overnight in Pont de l’Isère

Day 4: Pont de l’Isère - Livron-sur-Drôme
29 mi. / 46 km

Ride south toward Valence along a dedicated cycling path. Often seen as the meeting point between northern and southern Rhône cuisine, Valence is where rich, butter-based cooking begins to give way to olive oil and lighter Mediterranean influences. If you choose to stop at the covered market – Les Halles – you’ll find local produce, cheeses, charcuterie, olives, herbs, and fruit from the Drôme Valley. Leaving the river behind, the route climbs gently into rolling hills with wide views across the Rhône plain. Tonight, you’ll stay at an 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards, where you may have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting and dine on cuisine prepared by a young chef whose menus highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. (B)

Overnight in Livron-sur-Drôme

Day 5: Livron-sur-Drôme - Malataverne
35 mi. / 57 km

Today’s ride brings a noticeable change in scenery as the Drôme River leads you back toward the Rhône. The landscape begins to take on a Provençal feel, with cypress trees, olive groves, and warmer southern light. Along the way, you’ll cross the Rochemaure footbridge, a suspension bridge with wide views over the Rhône Valley. In Malataverne, you’ll stay in a 14th-century Provençal bastide set within a peaceful park. This five-star property is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, available to book. Your included dinner is served in the hotel’s bistronomic restaurant, where dishes focus on fresh vegetables, herbs, and regional ingredients. The wine cellar is also well worth exploring, with selections from across the Rhône Valley and beyond. (B, D)

Overnight in Malataverne

Day 6: Departure from Malataverne

After breakfast, a private transfer returns you to Vienne. (B)