French Alps and Rhone Valley cycling vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Human-powered transport
Cycling is at the heart of this five-day journey from Annecy to Valence. Travelers cover approximately 225 km by bike, following the Belle Via through the Alpine landscapes of Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and the Rhône Valley. The itinerary has been designed as a continuous cycling route, allowing travelers to move between each overnight stop without relying on motorised transport.

Reducing transport emissions
The point-to-point itinerary allows travelers to complete the journey entirely by bicycle between Annecy and Valence. Both the start and end points are accessible by rail, making it possible to combine the cycling vacation with train travel rather than relying on a private car for the journey to and from the route.

RESPONSIBLE ACCOMODATION
We favour small-scale and locally operated accommodation along the route and encourage environmental practices such as reducing water and energy consumption, limiting single-use plastics, recycling waste, reducing unnecessary laundry and using environmentally responsible cleaning products. Where information is available, environmental practices are taken into account when selecting accommodation partners.

Vegetarian and vegan options and local food
Vegetarian vegan options are available throughout the journey. The route passes through several areas with strong regional food traditions, including the Alpine regions around Annecy and Albertville, the vineyards of Savoie and the walnut-growing areas of Isère. Travelers are encouraged to discover regional products directly from local producers, markets and independent restaurants.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Low-impact travel through sensitive landscapes

The itinerary follows established cycling routes, including sections of the Belle Via and greenways along the Isère, rather than creating new paths through natural areas. The journey crosses particularly rich landscapes, from Lake Annecy and the Alpine valleys to the Bauges, Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors massifs before reaching the Rhône Valley.

By keeping travelers on designated cycling routes, the trip helps limit disturbance to surrounding habitats and avoids unnecessary pressure on natural areas.

Raising traveler awareness

We encourage travelers to remain on marked routes, avoid disturbing wildlife, keep noise to a minimum, never leave waste behind and avoid picking plants or feeding animals.

Travelers are also encouraged to carry reusable water bottles and bags, sort waste whenever facilities are available and favour local and seasonal products during their journey.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This journey has been designed to ensure that travelers contribute to the economies of the towns and rural communities they pass through. Overnight stays take place in Albertville, Saint-Hélène-du-Lac, Grenoble, Saint-Marcellin and Valence, rather than concentrating the entire stay in major tourist centers.

We prioritise independent hotels, guesthouses and other locally operated accommodation wherever possible. This helps ensure that a greater proportion of tourism revenue remains within the destinations visited.

The itinerary also creates opportunities for travelers to spend directly with local businesses throughout the journey. Stops in Savoyard villages, local vineyards and towns along the Isère Valley allow travelers to discover regional products and gastronomy. Recommendations in the our roadbook favour independent restaurants, cafés, markets and local producers, including opportunities to discover Savoy wines and cheeses and regional products around Saint-Marcellin and the Rhône Valley.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We work primarily with local and France-based partners for the operation of this journey, including accommodation providers and other tourism businesses along the route. This supports local employment and helps keep the economic benefits of the trip within the regions visited.

We are expected to comply with French employment legislation, including applicable minimum-wage requirements and legal working conditions.

The trip is open and welcoming to travelers regardless of nationality, gender, sexual orientation or background. Travelers can also choose between conventional bicycles and e-bikes, making the itinerary accessible to a broader range of cycling abilities.