Are you interested in cycling the Rhone EuroVelo route in Switzerland?
I was looking for a reasonably flat route exploring Switzerland, so with 2 friends, we rode the route. My helpful guide along this EuroVelo route, also known as the Swiss Cycling National Route 1, can assist with your planning.
The Rhone cycling route is the most popular of the Swiss Cycling National Routes and is over a 320 km (200 miles) distance crossing parts of both the French and German parts of the country, so you get to see a lot. Only about 26 km are unpaved, and I had no issues with my road bicycle. It is part of EuroVelo 17, created by the European Cyclists Federation.
This easy 320 km (200 miles) route is flat and mostly paved, with a short section with a gravel surface.
Cycling From Geneva to Lausanne
There is a connection here with the Via Rhona cycle route, which heads in the opposite direction for 815 km, passing lavender and sunflower fields to the coastal delights of Southern France and the Mediterranean Sea.
You will be following the Swiss Cycling National Route 1 for the Rhone Route signs and the shores of Lake Geneva as you depart the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. The Rhone Valley route in this section runs along paved parks, quiet roads, and promenades that never go too far from Lake Geneva with its palm trees and flower gardens.
My starting point is Geneva, with the first destination being Lausanne, where we spent the night. I passed the world headquarters of the Olympic Organizing Committee, right along the route, and you may wish to visit their museum, although I did not. In Lausanne, from the promenade known as Ouchy heading into the heart of the city is uphill but worth the effort. I loved the Musee De L’Art Brut, featuring eccentric artists or people from mental asylums offers some very striking art.
In Lausanne, we stayed at the Hotel du Marché. After checking in, we went for a walk around the Old Town and lakeside promenade in Ouchy, stopping for the cheese fondue along the way.
Cycling from Lausanne to Montreux
My Swiss bicycle touring continues to Montreux with this section mainly on bike lanes along one side of the busy road, with vineyards stretching up the hillside on the other side. I found there were a lot of turns, and it does get confusing in this section.
The vineyard terraces around Lavaux, which you pass on your bicycle, are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, dating back to the 11th century.
The town of Vevey is the heart of the Swiss wine industry and is also the world headquarters for the Nestlé company. You are in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and can expect excellent wine and food.
Although only a short ride from Lausanne, it is worth spending at least a night in Montreux; we stopped for several nights. It can be difficult to find accommodation, but VRBO has a selection of apartments and homes available.
In Montreux (which you are going to love), stop on the waterfront and admire the statue of the late Freddy Mercury, of Queen, who lived here. Another must-see is the medieval Castle Chillon, located steps from the Rhone Bike route.
Side trips are also available to Gruyere in the mountains by train or cycling up steep mountains to sample the cheese and chocolate. In Gruyere, besides visiting the impressive castle and walking the cobblestone streets, I had to try the thick cream with fresh strawberries, absolutely delicious.
Accommodation en route can be expensive, especially in Montreux, so we were lucky to find a B&B close to the center of town.
Cycling from Montreux to Sion
Leaving Montreux on my Swiss cycling journey, I soon passed the Castle Chillon, and the Rhone Valley Bike route soon turned into a paved riverside bike path going through a forested nature reserve. In the distance, I could see the Swiss Alps.
A surprise along this section of the Rhone River is the World Cycling Centre, a velodrome located right beside the bike path where we stopped for coffee and to watch the cyclists. The valley is mostly charming villages and fruit farms along the Rhone River with steep mountain slopes on both sides, as we continued to the city of Sion, a trendy wine center.
In Sion, I stayed at the Hotel Elite close to the center of town.
Cycling from Sion to Brig
I continued the Swiss cycling along the Rhone Valley to Brig, passing through several of the most beautiful villages. I was now in the German part of Switzerland, with the most significant difference found on restaurant menus.
Suggested side trip: If you wish to go hiking or sightseeing, take the mountain train to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn, which is what we did for the dramatic mountain vistas. No cars are permitted in this town, but you will see a lot of cyclists and hikers.
Cycling from Brig to Andermatt
As I continued on my last stage along the River Rhone cycle route, it was a gentle uphill as I headed to Andermatt. From here, you can take a train a few kilometers through the mountains to reach the beginning of the Rhine Valley route, which continues to the Netherlands.
FAQs: Rhone Bicycle Path
How long is the Rhone Bicycle Path
Also known as the Swiss National Cycling Route 1, it goes from Geneva to Andermatt for 320 km. It is also part of the EuroVelo 17 long-distance route of 1,250 km, which continues to the Mediterranean.
What is the best time to cycle the Rhone Cycle Route?
May/June or September, when the weather is good, but not as crowded.
Bicycle Rentals
We rented in advance and picked up at one railway station and dropped off in Brig. This bike rental program is available at most railway stations in Switzerland with a wide assortment of bikes.
Also consider travel insurance while cycling in Switzerland.
Rhone Cycle Path Map
Final Thoughts: Rhone Cycling Route
This 300 km bicycle ride along the Rhone offers a tremendous variety, covering French and German parts of Switzerland with lots of vineyards, castles, museums, lakefront promenades, and shopping, and you ride along a gently rolling route.
Click on the link for other European cycling route ideas. Finally, I must say that the Swiss are the most polite people toward cyclists I have met anywhere in the world. The Swiss National Bureau provides a summary of cycling routes. Enjoy!
Although the route is signed in some sections between Lausanne and Montreux, there are many turns and local cycle routes, which can be confusing, which is why I recommend the Cicerone Cycling Guide of Switzerland, which covers all nine national routes.
