La Belle Via, cycling along the mountain waterways
La Belle Via, the scenic sister route to ViaRhôna, takes cyclists on an extraordinary 364-km adventure through four French départements: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and Drôme.
This picturesque, traffic-free greenway winds through spectacular mountain scenery, showcasing breathtaking views and diverse terrains.
Leaving from the heart of Chambéry
Your journey begins in Chambéry, the historic capital of Savoie, known as the ‘City of the Dukes.’ Encircled by the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges, this city acts as a gateway to the Alps, marking the start of your route along the Isère River.
As you cycle towards Chapareillan on the Savoie border, you’ll enter the Grésivaudan Valley. Here, the majestic Chartreuse massif rises on one side and the Belledonne massif on the other – their peaks often adorned with snow well into summer, creating a striking contrast with the lush valley below.
La Belle Via in numbers
Distance:
- 364 km comprising 168 km of dedicated cycle paths
- 163 km in Isère
Altitude difference:
- 885 m descent
- 543 m ascent
La Belle Via with the family
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.
Pedalling through paradise
The route follows the Isère River along quiet shared roads, offering ever-changing vistas between two magnificent mountain ranges: the majestic Belledonne and Chartreuse massifs. These showcase their unique peaks, each with a distinctive landmark, from the proud Chamechaude, the highest summit in the Chartreuse massif, to the distinctive Dent de Crolles.
Cultural heritage along the way
Your journey winds past centuries of history, from the atmospheric ruins of Château de la Buissière, a medieval fortress turned residence, to graceful period houses.
Take a break and explore the historic Saint-Jacques hospital or the elegant Château du Touvet, renowned for its 18th-century French gardens and cascading Italian-style water staircase.
Grenoble, a city for bikes
The peaceful riverside cycle path then leads you directly into Grenoble’s city centre, where the skyline is dominated by the three tower blocks of Île Verte: 100-metre-high buildings that rise from wooded parkland.
While Grenoble is recognised for its significant modernist architectural development between 1950 and 1970, the former capital of the Dauphiné has numerous other treasures waiting to be discovered. Notable attractions include the ascent to the Bastille via the ‘Les Bulles’ (bubbles) cable car, the Saint-Laurent Archaeological Museum, historic private mansions and the charming Faubourg district.
In the land of the walnut
Leaving the urban energy behind, La Belle Via guides you back to the tranquil banks of the Isère, guiding you towards Valence in the Drôme region. The landscape transforms into a picturesque paradise, with rolling hills and valleys replacing the dramatic mountains, all set against the constant backdrop of the Vercors massif.
The route meanders through the region’s walnut tree groves, weaving in and out of the river’s path as it passes notable landmarks like the historic Sône bridge and the fascinating limestone Garden of Petrifying Fountains.
Stages through Isère
La Belle Via offers a leisurely cycling experience through Isère, a significant 163 km of its scenic 364-km journey from Haute-Savoie to Drôme.
This route is divided into stages with manageable distances and climbs, allowing cyclists to explore local heritage, enjoy regional cuisine and discover hidden gems along the way.
Key Stages in Isère
Stage 5
32.12 km scenic ride through marshlands offering beautiful mountain vistas.
Stage 6
39.28 km along the Isère River with views of the Vercors cliffs through walnut country.
Stage 7
48.94 km through Saint-Marcellin known for its cheese, past landscapes and cultural sites.
