La Belle Via with the family: 7 days by bike
A gentle and accessible adventure, ideal for those new to cycling, this 217 km route takes you and your family from Aix-les-Bains to Valence, following the River Isère through lakes, mountains and historic sites.
Enjoy a safe, scenic ride built for fun – one that invites you to take your time, linger in the countryside, explore charming villages and share a sense of togetherness as you pedal side by side.
A gentle ride for everyone
Imagine a journey where every turn of the pedals brings you closer to nature’s beauty, endless horizons and moments your family will never forget. Welcome to La Belle Via, a peaceful and spectacular cycle route that takes you from Aix-les-Bains to Valence, passing sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and welcoming villages.
Start on the shores of France’s largest natural lake in Aix-les-Bains, then ride through the Bauges, Chartreuse and Belledonne mountain ranges towards the Vercors. By the end of the journey, you’ll reach the Provençal scenery of the Drôme near Valence.
Much of the route follows an easy, dedicated cycle path, so you can enjoy mountain views without climbing any high passes – the vistas are guaranteed. It’s the perfect trip for a relaxed family getaway, with plenty of stops and short excursions along the way.
In numbers
La Belle Via with the family
- Duration: 7 days
- Distance: 217 km
- Ascent: +930 m / descent: -1,060 m
- For families and beginner cyclists
Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
From Aix-les-Bains to Chambéry: your first ride between the lake and historic sites
The journey begins on the shores of Lake Bourget, a vast expanse of water surrounded by mountains.
After a swim, a boat trip or a visit to Hautecombe Abbey, you follow La Belle Via along the peaceful shores of the lake. The route takes you to Chambéry, the former capital of Savoy with its old-world charm, where strolling through the medieval streets is a pleasure in itself.
- 2 hrs 5 mins
- 24.8 km
- + 100 m ascent
Day 2
From Chambéry to Le Touvet: vineyards, fortresses and panoramic views
The path winds its way through vineyards and mountains. You pass through the Cœur de Savoie vineyards, stop at Lake Saint-André and admire Fort Barraux standing proud over the valley. In the background: the Belledonne and Chartreuse mountain ranges. The stage ends in Le Touvet, a peaceful village nestled between heritage and nature.
- 2 hrs 40 mins
- 31.8 km
- + 200 m of ascent
Day 3
From Le Touvet to Grenoble: unspoilt countryside and a vibrant city
Bathed in greenery and light, the Montfort Marshes offer a moment of tranquillity among dragonflies, orchids and tall grasses. When you arrive in Grenoble, you’ll discover a city with a deep connection to both nature and culture — an ideal place for families. Ride the cable car up to the Bastille or visit one of the many free museums, perfect for children and curious parents alike.
- 2 hrs 52 mins
- 36.3 km
- + 60 m of ascent
Day 4
From Grenoble to Poliénas: between wooded embankments and wildlife
We leave the town behind to rediscover the tranquillity of the banks of the Isère. A cycle path takes you through alluvial forests where birds rest on the small islands.
In the distance, the mountains stand watch in silence. The day ends in Poliénas, a little haven of peace by the water’s edge.
- 2 hrs 30 mins
- 31.5 km
- + 50 m of ascent
Day 5
From Poliénas to La Sône: heading for walnut country
Welcome to a land of culinary delights and traditional craftsmanship. In Vinay, the Grand Séchoir museum tells the story of the Grenoble walnut. A little further on, the medieval village of Beauvoir-en-Royans is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Arriving in La Sône, with its garden of petrifying fountains, is a botanical delight.
- 2 hrs 50 mins
- 33.4 km
- + 240 m of ascent
Day 6
From La Sône to Romans-sur-Isère: between the canal and heritage
You enter the Drôme region as you follow the Canal de la Bourne. The atmosphere changes, taking on a more southern feel.
In Romans-sur-Isère, the city of footwear, narrow medieval lanes still carry the memory of a unique leather and craft tradition, blending luxury craftsmanship with medieval heritage.
- 2 hrs 25 mins
- 28.5 km
- + 160 m of ascent
Day 7
From Romans to Valence: Provence at the finish line
The final day, the final leg. The landscape opens up, revealing molasse cliffs and troglodytic caves. Then Valence appears — its markets, sun-warmed squares and southern scents drawing you in. A gentle journey along the Rhône, and one not easily forgotten.
- 2 hrs 35 mins
- 30.4 km
- + 140 m of ascent