ViaRhôna à vélo : a complete guide to cycling in Provence
Ready for an unforgettable adventure along the river? Adventure awaits you along the King’s River!
Our La Simioune campsite in Bollène welcomes cycling enthusiasts on the ViaRhôna, with services tailored to the needs of touring cyclists. This legendary 815 km route links the peaks of Switzerland to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Our Vaucluse campsite is a strategic stop-off point for discovering the treasures of Provence Occitane!
Practical information: what you need to know before you leave
Have you already prepared your mount for adventure? The success of your itinerary depends on rigorous organization! Here are the key data to validate your project.
| Themes | Details and key data |
| Ideal season | May, June and September for mild weather in Provence |
| Difficulty | Easy level with a generally downhill gradient to the south |
| Lodging | Camping la Simioune in Bollène (shaded pitches). |
| Train + Bike | Lyon-Avignon-Marseille TER line with free bicycle access |
| User profile | Families, beginners or sport cyclists (VTC or Gravel recommended). |
| Services | Specialized cyclist welcome, water points and Wi-Fi at the campsite! |
The wild Rhône: between mysterious biodiversity and the heritage of sailors
Do you know the secrets behind the meandering river-king? An adventure awaits you, between remarkable biodiversity and testimonies of the past!
Exceptional flora and fauna
The river is home to a unique ecosystem for “slow tourism” enthusiasts. Between Bollène and Avignon, the lônes are precious reservoirs of life!
- The European beaver: keep an eye out for this builder, whose teeth leave marks on the willows of the riparian zone.
- Apron du Rhône: this small endemic fish, nicknamed “the sorcerer”, has eyes that glow in the light at night.
- L’île de l’Oiselay: cross this exceptional Natura 2000 area to multiply your chances of making those stealthy sightings.
In the footsteps of the old bargemen
Human history also marks every kilometer of this journey! Before steam, horses pulled the boats from the banks.
- Towpaths: the paths used by your itinerary today are the old animal-drawn passages.
- Bargemen’s crosses: these sculptures symbolized the protection of crews from the river’s upheavals.
Our tips : take the time to decipher the river’s omnipresent past to enrich your journey through Provence on the ViaRhôna by bike !
Technical guide: from Lapalud to the Cité des Papes
Departure: from Lapalud to the shady paths
Ready to start your journey under the southern sun? The Vaucluse route starts in Lapalud with stage 17. This 29 km segment crosses a fertile plain via safe greenways.
The Girardes lake and the Île Vieille site in Mondragon offer refreshing nature breaks! EuroVelo 17 signposting guides hikers along shady paths. Our campsite ‘s proximity to the ViaRhôna makes it easy to organize your departure.
Historic stopover in Caderousse
Do you know the village nicknamed “the green island”? The arrival to Caderousse marks a major point of interest! The village is protected by a monumental dike built in the XIXᵉ century.
The cycle path passes directly over this structure! It offers an original view of the rooftops and the river. The historic center and the Revestidou lake embody the tranquil spirit of Provence!
Roman hook to Orange
Want to combine sport and ancient culture? There’s a 10 km link to Orange from Caderousse! The Théâtre Antique and the Arc de Triomphe, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bear witness to the city’s past greatness.
The city offers a wide range of services adapted to cyclists. The return journey takes you along the Via Venaissia. This rehabilitated former railroad line guarantees a comfortable ride, ideal for a trip back in time!
Between vineyards and wilderness
Would you like to cycle through some of the most famous crus? Stage 18 runs from Caderousse to Avignon over a 36 km route. The passage through Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a highlight, between pebble terraces and world-famous vineyards.
The remains of the papal fortress require some effort, but the view of Mont Ventoux rewards the brave! The route then crosses the Ile de l’Oiselay, a Natura 2000 area rich in biodiversity!
The triumphant arrival in the City of the Popes
Can’t wait to see the famous Pont d’Avignon? The final approach crosses theBarthelasse island, one of the largest river islands in Europe! It offers a pastoral setting of orchards and market gardens.
The entrance via the Pont Daladier is an impressive sight against the medieval ramparts! Avignon has a full range of facilities for travelers, including a TER (regional train) station for an easy return journey. Completing this journey on the ViaRhôna by bike will leave you with lasting memories!
A rest stop at La Simioune campsite
Ready to recharge your batteries in the heart of a 5-hectare pine forest? Our ViaRhôna campsite in Bollène guarantees optimal recuperation in a quiet, secure setting!
Highlights of your stage :
- Total relaxation: enjoy the aquatic area with its “Zen” pool heated to 28°C, ideal for soothing your muscles after exercise!
- Convenient services: snack bar, fresh bread and free Wi-Fi make it easy to stay independent without having to return to the bike in the evening.
- Comfort and nature: spacious, shaded pitches welcome families and hikers in a friendly atmosphere.
- Bicycle logistics: take advantage of our special “Bicycle pitch” package (including one person, one tent and one bicycle without electricity).
A stopover at La Simioune means renewed energy as you continue your journey along the ViaRhôna by bike!
Summary table of the Vaucluse route
Would you like to see your progress at a glance? Here are the details of your stages so you don’t miss a thing of Provence Occitane!
| Stage | Route | Distance | Facilities | Highlights |
| 17 | Lapalud > Caderousse | about 29 km | Greenway (52%), shared road | Mornas fortress, Girardes lake |
| 18 | Caderousse > Avignon | about 36 km | Greenways, farm tracks | Oiselay Island, Palace of the Popes |
| Link | Caderousse > Orange | about 10 km | Signposted shared road | Théâtre Antique, Arc de Triomphe |
| Services | La Simioune (Bollène) | – | Swimming pools, snack bar, nature | Cycling pitches, personalized welcome |
Hiker’s checklist: preparing your ViaRhôna
Have you already packed your panniers for the big departure? Reliable equipment is the key to successful touring! Here’s the list of essentials to pack for your ViaRhôna bike trip!
- Mechanical: pump, spare tubes and multi-tool.
- Luggage: opt for waterproof panniers on a luggage rack rather than a backpack!
- Health: sun cream, sunglasses and mosquito repellent for evenings on the banks of the Rhône.
- Navigation: smartphone with GPX tracks, external battery and spare paper map.
- Hydration: two 750-ml water bottles per person, as water sources are rarer on the dikes!
FAQ : Your questions about the ViaRhôna in Vaucluse
Is the route suitable for children?
Absolutely! The flat terrain between Lapalud and Avignon limits the effort required. The many greenways guarantee total safety away from cars. And lakes like Les Girardes provide much-appreciated swimming breaks!
What's the best time of year for this trip?
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, with mild temperatures. In summer, however, the heat rises quickly on the dykes, so set off early in the morning to enjoy the coolness of the river!
Are the markers easy to follow?
Yes, EuroVelo 17 signage is clear and consistent. Signs indicate directions and distances at every major intersection. Tourist offices also provide detailed paper maps for each stage!
How do you get back to where you started?
The TER Lyon-Avignon-Marseille line transports your bike for free! The stations at Bollène, Orange and Sorgues make it easy to return. Please note: in summer, free reservations are sometimes required at weekends!