La Belle Via: from Annecy to Valence by bike

🌟 Start your adventure on the Belle Via with a 45 km ride from Annecy to Albertville, along Lake Annecy and through the Savoy alpine valleys.


🥞 Before you set off, fuel up with a brunch at Punch, a must-visit spot in Annecy to kickstart your cycling day. The establishment offers generous and delicious meal options in a warm atmosphere, perfect for stocking up on energy before the effort.


🏰 Begin your journey with a tour of Lake Annecy, known as the "purest lake in Europe," with its turquoise waters and surrounding mountains. Follow the lakeside bike path, one of the most beautiful alpine cycling routes, offering exceptional views of the peaks and lakeside villages. Take a moment to admire this postcard scenery before heading towards the Alps.


🌲 Cross the Val d'Arly valley, with its lush alpine landscapes and authentic Savoyard villages. Along the way, stop at the Fort de Tamié, a historic site nestled in the mountains, known for its abbey and artisanal cheeses. A perfect stop for a gourmet and cultural break.


🌿 Approach Albertville while crossing spectacular mountainous landscapes. Discover the Medieval City of Conflans, perched high above Albertville, with its ramparts and cobbled streets offering breathtaking views of the valley.


🚴‍♀️ You will arrive in Albertville, the Olympic city of the 1992 Winter Games, where you can explore the sporting heritage and enjoy the unique alpine atmosphere of this historic town.


🏨 Spend the night at the Olympic Experience - 1992 Games, a themed accommodation paying tribute to the Olympic Games, offering cyclist-friendly services in a sporty and friendly atmosphere.


© Itinera-Magica

🚴‍♂️ This second stage of 39 km takes you from Albertville to Saint-Hélène-du-Lac, through the Heart of Savoie, a preserved territory where vineyards, mountains, and authentic villages blend together. An adventure to experience with DolceVia. 🌄 From the start in Albertville, the Isère Valley opens up before you. The cycling routes follow the contours of the alpine massifs, offering a gentle and pleasant progression. This shorter stage is ideal for taking the time to soak in the Savoie atmosphere and discover the hidden treasures of the region. 🏘️ Along the way, the Savoie villages succeed one another with their typical architectures: warm-toned facades, flowered balconies, and baroque churches. The Bauges and Belledonne massifs stand proudly on either side, creating a grand natural amphitheater. 🍇 The route runs alongside the prestigious Savoie vineyards. This high-altitude land produces remarkable wines such as Roussette or Jacquère. A tasting break at a local winery is a must to savor these mountain nectars! 🌿 Saint-Hélène-du-Lac welcomes you at the end of the day. This quiet village, nestled against the alpine foothills, embodies the sweetness of Savoie living. The perfect place to unwind after this beautiful day of cycling. 🏡 For the night, head to the Ferme Auberge du Bessard in Allevard. This renovated former farm offers an exceptional view of the surrounding peaks. You will enjoy the local cuisine at the restaurant, secure parking for your bikes, and the warm welcome typically found in Savoie. © tourisme.coeurdesavoie

Day 3: From Saint-Hélène-du-Lac to Grenoble, crossing to the capital of the Alps
🏔️ Set off on a major stage of 46 km between Saint-Hélène-du-Lac and Grenoble, the capital of the Alps nestled at the confluence of the Drac and Isère rivers. This route follows the Isère valley, a secure and spectacular path.
🚴 Leave the tranquility of Saint-Hélène-du-Lac to join La Belle Via, this large cycling route that connects the most beautiful alpine lakes. The trail winds along the Isère, offering a gradual descent surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. The dedicated cycling paths make this stage enjoyable and accessible.
⛰️ As you approach Grenoble, the urban landscape gradually emerges, framed by three legendary massifs: the Vercors, the Chartreuse, and Belledonne. Grenoble appears as a unique city, truly "a mountain in the city."
🎨 Once you arrive, explore the historic heart of Grenoble. Stroll through Grenette Square, an old grain hall that has become the lively epicenter of the city, then wander along Grand Rue and Saint-André Square with its statue of the knight Bayard. Don’t miss the Museum of Grenoble, one of the most prestigious art museums in France.
🚡 A must-see during your visit: take the famous bubbles of the cable car to the Fort de la Bastille. Perched at 476 meters above sea level, this site offers a breathtaking 360° panorama of Grenoble and the three surrounding massifs. On-site, visit the Mountain Troops Museum or the Bastille Art Center for a cultural interlude.
🏠 Settle in for the night at the Maison Barbillon Grenoble - Centre Gare, ideally located in the city center. This modern and welcoming establishment offers all the necessary comfort after a day of cycling, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions in the alpine capital.
© generationvoyage

🌄 Embark on 50 km of pure cycling bliss as you leave Grenoble to reach Saint-Marcellin, the gateway to the Vercors. This route follows La Belle Via along the Isère, in an exceptional setting where nature and gastronomy intertwine. 🚴‍♀️ Right from the exit of Grenoble, the greenway gently takes you along the Isère. The flat and secure route crosses through walnut groves and orchards, offering a peaceful progression with the first foothills of the Vercors Regional Natural Park in the background. The atmosphere gradually changes, giving way to a more rural and authentic ambiance. 🏞️ Along the way, admire the typical landscapes of Dauphiné: the limestone cliffs of the Vercors rising majestically, villages with round-tiled roofs, and small country roads. The Chartreuse massif remains visible to the north, creating a continuous mountain panorama that accompanies your pedaling. 🧀 Arriving in Saint-Marcellin, the capital of the famous IGP cheese of the same name! This charming provincial town in Dauphiné is worth exploring. Stroll through the city center, discover local producers, and of course, taste the authentic Saint-Marcellin, perfectly aged in its wooden box. It is here that this gastronomic treasure reveals all its aromas. 🏰 In the surrounding area, don't miss the picturesque villages like Pont-en-Royans with its houses hanging over the Bourne, or Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The region is full of heritage treasures waiting to be discovered. 🏨 Spend the night at the HYP'Hotel, a modern and comfortable establishment at the gates of the Vercors. This hotel offers services tailored for cyclists, secure parking, and excellent value for money to rest before continuing the adventure southward. © tourisme.saintmarcellin-vercors-isere

Day 5: From Saint-Marcellin to Valence, descending towards the Rhône Valley by bike
🌊 Cycle 45 km between Saint-Marcellin and Valence, following the end of La Belle Via. This transition marks your entry into the Rhône Valley, where the climate becomes more Mediterranean and the landscapes sunnier.
🚴 The route gradually descends along the Isère River until its confluence with the Rhône at Pont-d'Isère. The path alternates between greenways and quiet little roads, crossing orchards and cultivated fields typical of the Drôme des collines. The mountains gently recede, giving way to a wider and brighter valley.
🌳 As you approach Valence, you follow the majestic Rhône on perfectly designed bike paths. The river becomes your travel companion, powerful and impressive. The atmosphere changes radically: cypress trees, Roman tiles, and plane trees already signal the gates of the South.
🏛️ In Valence, discover the historic center with its cobbled streets and remarkable heritage. Don’t miss the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, an 11th-century Romanesque building and starting point of the Camino de Santiago. Admire the famous Maison des Têtes, a Renaissance masterpiece with its sculpted facades, then stroll through the lively streets to Place Saint-Jean.
🌅 Take a walk in the Jouvet Park, a beautiful terraced garden overlooking the Rhône, offering a panoramic view of the river and the Ardèche hills. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing break after your day of cycling.
Option: Spend the night at Évasion Romantique sur le Rhône, a charming accommodation by the river. This cozy establishment offers an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for savoring your arrival in the south of France after several days of alpine cycling. 🚴 Want to extend the adventure? From Valence, you can continue south by taking the ViaRhôna to Nîmes, an exceptional cycling route that follows the Rhône through Provence and the Camargue. Also discover our complete itinerary Annecy - Nîmes by bike, which combines La Belle Via and the ViaRhôna for an unforgettable crossing from the Alps to the Mediterranean.
© paris-jetequitte.com