1. Welcome
  2. Enjoy
  3. Freewheeling
  4. La Dolce Via
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La Dolce Via

La Dolce Via is a 90 km-long greenway built on the former railway line connecting Lamastre to Le Cheylard, then to La Voulte-sur-Rhône in the south-east or Saint-Agrève in the north-west. A true paradise for cycle tourism and hiking, it offers total immersion in the landscapes of the Ardèche, between green valleys, majestic viaducts and renovated old railway stations.

LAMASTRE, ENTRANCE POINT TO THE DOLCE VIA

Start your adventure in Lamastre, one of the entry points to La Dolce Via. Explore this route on foot or by bike, whether you choose a mountain bike, a hybrid bike, or even an electric bike.

 

A SAFE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a well-equipped and safe route offering varied and sometimes breathtaking landscapes in the heart of the Ardèche. From the Doux Valley to the Eyrieux Valley, from the Rhône Valley to the Ardèche plateau, La Dolce Via promises striking views and countless opportunities to capture magical moments: a river swirling around a rock, a terraced field, an elegant viaduct, an old silk mill, a view of Mont-Gerbier-de-Jonc, a shrub braving the rock...

 

The surprises are endless! With a gentle slope (maximum 3.1%), this former railway line is accessible to all, ideal for family outings.

 

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ON A JOURNEY

Ardèche Train and ViaRhôna

When travelling, create your own route by combining La Dolce Via with La ViaRhôna and the Mastrou or Cyclo Train (Ardèche Train), transporting your bikes and luggage from Saint-Jean-de-Muzols to Lamastre, along the Gorges du Doux.

Tip: For an original getaway, opt for the ‘Blue - Green - Steam’ loop offered by the Compagnie des Canotiers : a weekend combining cycling, train and boat travel.

 

Velay Express and Via Fluvia

In Saint-Agrève, extend your adventure by taking the Velay Express train to Raucoules to join the Via Fluvia cycle route.

 

Les Balcons Ardéchois

The ‘Les Balcons Ardéchois’ loop takes you by bike through the charming villages near Lamastre: Désaignes, Chalencon and Boucieu-le-Roi, with part of the route passing through La Dolce Via.

 

FUN BREAK

Heritage interpretation panels line the route, offering insights into the railway's past. Geocaching enthusiasts can also take up the challenge with around 40 caches along La Dolce Via. Find the coordinates on geocaching.com (create an account, free version) or on the mobile app.

Transport

 

Autocars Palisse which specialises in transporting bicycles, offers a range of vehicles: luxury coaches, minibuses and trailers. Enjoy the descent by bike and the return journey in comfort.

 

Taxi Charel in Lamastre provides transport tailored to your needs. Bicycle transport available (up to 3 bikes).

 

Regional buses transport bikes from April to November (book 48 hours in advance on 04 80 00 70 00). The E05 line from Lamastre connects you to Saint-Agrève or Tournon-sur-Rhône. The line E12   connects Le Cheylard to Valence.

 

WHY CHOOSE LA DOLCE VIA?

✅ A safe, signposted route ✅ Suitable for families, with a gentle gradient ✅ Spectacular scenery at every turn ✅ Connections to other major cycling and hiking routes ✅ A wide range of practical services (accommodation, bike hire, adapted transport)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION