- Brief description
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On the south bank of Lake Geneva, straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the town of Saint-Gingolph stands at the start of the ViaRhôna cycle route through southeast France.
West along the lake, backed by mountains, the thermal spa resorts of Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are highlights, great for stays and lake views. Note that the stretch from Saint-Gingolph to Evian is only suitable for experienced cyclists.
We strongly recommend that families with children start the route from Evian or Thonon. - Difficulty
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medium
- Rating
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- Starting point
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Saint-Gingolph
- Route
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Saint-Gingolph0.1 kmSéchaud1.5 kmBret2.9 kmLocum3.9 kmMeillerie7.1 kmLugrin11.0 kmLes Reflets du Lac11.9 kmGrande Rive14.9 kmÉvian-les-Bains16.8 kmAmphion-les-Bains20.6 kmTraiteur Restaurant Zig-Zag24.5 kmAu Pied de Cochon24.6 kmPont de Dranse24.8 kmÉglise Notre-Dame du Léman24.8 kmHôtel A La Tasse à Moustache24.8 kmChapelle Saint-François-de-Sales25.0 kmChapelle Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul28.2 kmTonone28.2 kmPort de Rives28.2 km
- Best season
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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Description
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Don’t miss Evian-les-Bains: the thermal spa town; the marina, gardens and lake-side promenades; the Palais Lumière, a major venue for exhibitions and events Thonon-les-Bains: historic capital of the mountainous Chablais area; the thermal spa town; the clifftop gardens; the marina and great walks and viewing points over Lake Geneva Cruises on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) Réserve naturelle du Delta de la Dranse (Dranse Delta Nature Reserve) Château de Ripaille, its grounds and vineyard: a former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, with tours possible of the castle’s interiors, the grounds and the vineyard
- Directions
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As the first stretch from Saint-Gingolph to Evian runs along a very busy county road, the D1005, it is only suitable for experienced cyclists. Just after the village of Meillerie, there is an alternative stretch, with steep slopes, going via Lugrin and Maxilly-sur-Léman to Evian.Note that there is no signposting as you cycle through the town of Evian at time of writing.
We strongly recommend that families with children embarking on this cycle route, or inexperienced cyclists, only start either at Evian-les-Bains or Thonon-les-Bains. There are stations at both Evian and Thonon, as well as boat links with the Swiss town of Lausanne (for those doing the Tour du Léman).
- Highest point
- 425 m
- Endpoint
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Thonon-les-Bains
- Height profile
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© outdooractive.com - Equipment
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Before you leave:
Make sure that the bike is in perfect mechanical condition, not to mention the tires and brakes
Make sure that the bike is correctly adjusted to your body shape
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended
Take a repair kit with you
Remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies to cyclists in all circumstances
Never drive more than two lanes at a time and pull into a single lane when traffic conditions require.
Respect other users as you would like them to respect you
Choose a route adapted to your physical abilities
Inform your family and friends of your itinerary
Find out about the weather conditions
A first aid kit is not essential, but can be very useful
Be informed and keep the emergency numbers.
Respect the environment by not throwing your food packaging on the side of the road
If you have to return at nightfall, make sure you see and also be seen - Safety instructions
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Emergency number: 112
- Additional information
- Public transportation
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AuthorThe tour ViaRhôna : Saint-Gingolph / Thonon / Evian is used by outdooractive.com provided.
