No car tour -"free carbone"

About

Explore the emblematic valleys of Ardèche, Doux, and Eyrieux by combining train travel with cycling. Choose an authentic cycling getaway in the heart of Ardèche and experience unforgettable holidays.

A Scenic Loop Through the Ardèche – 100% Car-Free

An elegant circular route crossing volcanic plateaus, Ardèche valleys and the Rhône, cleverly combining soft mobility and tourist trains.

🚲 100% car-free

A gentle journey from Lyon

Train → Via Fluvia → Velay Express → Dolce Via → Ardèche Train → ViaRhôna

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 — Lyon → Lavoûte-sur-Loire
Gateway to Via Fluvia

Regional train from Lyon → Saint-Étienne or Le Puy-en-Velay, depending on the chosen route.

Remember to book a bicycle space on the train!

Objective: reach the itinerary directly and start the adventure.

Day 2 — Cycling the Via Fluvia

Immerse yourself immediately in a little-known greenway. Following a former railway line, the Via Fluvia offers open landscapes across the Velay and a wonderfully wild atmosphere over 40 to 60 km.

Day 3 — Railway adventure: Velay Express

In the morning, board the legendary Velay Express towards Saint-Agrève.

Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome at Brasserie L’Agrivoise!

🚂 Operating season: May to October
🚲 Bicycles accepted – advance booking strongly recommended

Day 4 — Dolce Via – the heart of the Ardèche

Known as one of the most beautiful greenways in France, the Dolce Via takes you through tunnels, across viaducts and along the river, with a gentle downhill gradient leading you towards Lamastre.

Enjoy a gourmet break near Saint-Prix at Dolce Burger, offering homemade, locally sourced cuisine.

🚲 40 to 50 km

Day 5 — Historic Ardèche Train

Enjoy an iconic journey aboard the Ardèche Train – Le Mastrou, travelling by steam train, or choose the alternative Cyclo Train pulled by a historic “Micheline” railcar.

Departure from Lamastre to Saint-Jean-de-Muzols.

🚂 Operating season: April to October
🚂 Several departures per day during the season

Remember to book your bicycle space!

Day 6 — ViaRhôna

Return to Lyon by regional train from Tain-l’Hermitage, after a short stop at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.

Alternatively, continue by bike along the ViaRhôna, a smooth and fast cycle route – an ideal way to gently round off your adventure.

🚲 50 to 80 km, depending on the train return option chosen.

EXPERT TIPS

🚲 Ideal bike: Gravel bike or hybrid/trekking bike

🎟️ Bookings: plan ahead for bicycle spaces on trains and accommodation along the route.

🌿 Best season: May to October
⭐ Ideal months: June or September

So… are you ready to take on the challenge?