Playful survey on foot: the spell of the Via Fluvia
Riotord
Via Fluvia, the cycling route
The Via Fluvia is an essential 96km route that aims to connect two major rivers that never actually meet: the impetuous Rhône and the wild Loire . The Via Fluvia in the Ardèche region covers about fifteen kilometers and is still under construction to reach Serrières, where it will connect with the Via Rhôna.
Eventually, the total route will reach 120km. This cycle route/greenway makes you discover three departments: the Loire, the Haute-Loire and the Ardèche of course! A roaming to test without further delay, by bike, on foot, by scooter or stroller.
The creation of this route is not due to chance. On the one hand, it uses old railway lines, on the other hand it allows crossing several departments and easily joining other major routes : the Via Rhôna and the Dolce Via.
The Via Fluvia offers a diverse range of atmospheres and incredible discoveries! With a simple pedal stroke, you can go from verdant landscapes to narrow streets in the heart of villages. Whether on a single stage or a multi-day journey, on flat terrain or uphill, athletes and families alike will find something to enjoy.
The Pebble with the Owls
The Pebble with the Owls
Les Petits DrômeThe Via Fluvia in Ardèche
From Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay to Annonay: an inventive step
On the Via Fluvia side in Ardèche, you can reach Annonay from the village of Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay, on the edge of the Loire department. Ideal for families, it is a fairly flat and very pleasant route. An inventive world then opens its doors to you.
To reach the town of Annonay, follow the Deûme river. It is she who will be your traveling companion during these ten kilometres. She will guide you through the medieval village of Boulieu-lès-Annonay which conceals many treasures.
Follow the old railway line to the entrance of Annonay, and you'll be walking in the footsteps of the Montgolfier brothers and their former factory, now the home of the Montgolfier and Canson paper mills . The history of paper and the Canson brothers' inventions will hold no more secrets for you. This museum is also the only one in the world to showcase a working paper machine!
Once you arrive in the heart of Annonay, enjoy a visit focused on heritage by following a route to discover the famous personalities who have contributed to the city's renown.
The first hot air balloon flight took place in the Place des Cordeliers in 1783. And yes! The Montgolfier brothers were not only renowned papermakers but also inventors who were at the origin of the conquest of the air.
For those who wish to take a relaxing break, enjoy the sunny terraces to have a drink and why not, taste the local specialty : the Pink Pantin of Annonay! In the shape of little men, animals or even hot air balloons, you will fall for this Ardèche delicacy and can even take some sweets home as souvenirs.
J. Damase
Renaud Vezin
From Annonay to Lac de Vert: a natural destination
JP GirardContinuing along the old railway lines from Rue Pierre de Coubertin, extend this leg of the journey to Lac de Vert. The gentle path and surrounding green landscapes are perfect for relaxation. Five kilometers further on , you'll discover Lac de Vert . Popular with anglers, it's a pleasant natural spot for a stroll in the cool shade and to unwind under a tree. However, swimming is prohibited.
Join the Via Rhôna from the Via Fluvia
While awaiting the completion of the Via Fluvia, you have two options for reaching the Via Rhôna. In both cases, please be careful , as the alternative routes are used by motorized vehicles!
Renaud VezinAlternative 1: Annonay-Sarras
From the Tourist Office in Annonay town center, take Rue Greffier Chomel (Voie de Deûme) and continue straight ahead. At the second roundabout, take the second exit (Route de la Roche Péréandre). One kilometer further on, turn right onto the D270 towards the Cance Valley . From there, 15 kilometers of a relatively quiet departmental road await you. Admire this steep-sided and wild valley, and stop to photograph Roche Péréandre, the monolithic rock standing in the middle of the Cance River. Then, carefully take the D86 towards Sarras (on your right, heading south). Once in Sarras, cross the bridge to reach Saint-Vallier and the Via Rhôna. The total distance for this route is approximately 20 kilometers, or about an hour of brisk cycling.
Alternative 2: Vernosc-Sarras
From Midon train station (Vernosc-lès-Annonay), follow the Route de la Gare towards the village of Vernosc-lès-Annonay. After one kilometer, turn left onto Chemin de Chal. At the end of the road, turn right to stay on Chemin de Chal, then left onto Route de Vert. A few meters further on, turn right onto Route de Tourtel. The descent and winding paths now lead to the Cance Valley, a quiet departmental road. Continue carefully along the D86 departmental road towards Sarras (on your right, heading south). Once in Sarras, cross the bridge to reach Saint-Vallier and the Via Rhôna. The total distance for this route is approximately ten kilometers, or forty minutes of brisk cycling.
The (almost) complete itinerary
There are still sections of the route that are not yet complete. For information on these sections, please visit the Via Fluvia website.
Via Fluvia – Bourg-Argental – Annonay
Annonay
Via Fluvia – Yssingeaux – Raucoules
Yssingeaux
Via Fluvia – Annonay – Lac de Vert
Annonay
Via Fluvia – Raucoules – Riotord
hoarse
Via Fluvia – Serrières
Serrieres
Via Fluvia – Lavoûte-sur-Loire – Yssingeaux
Lavoute-sur-Loire
Via Fluvia by bike – Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue – Bourg-Argental
Bourg-argental
Play on the Via Fluvia in Ardèche
The Annonay and Serrières activity booklets are now available at the Annonay Tourist Office! These puzzle trails, for walking or cycling, are suitable for the whole family . Lasting 2 to 3 hours, they're a great way to motivate everyone for a Sunday outing!
The goal is to find the ingredients for a magic potion.
Four other booklets are available in Bourg-Argental, Yssingeaux, Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Dunières.
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Via Fluvia Foot Investigation No. 4: The Enchanted Spell
Annonay
DR/RandolandPlayful investigation by bike – The Spell of the Via Fluvia
Yssingeaux
Dimitri SANIALFun bike investigation No. 6: The spell of the Via Fluvia and the banks of the Rhône
Champagne
DR/Via FluviaPlayful investigation on foot – The spell of the Via Fluvia
Grazac
Pixabay and Dimitri SANIALFun investigation on foot No. 6: The spell of the Via Fluvia and the banks of the Rhône
Champagne
Renaud VezinVia Fluvia Bike Survey No. 4: The Enchanted Spell
Annonay
Villecourt-ViaFluviaPlayful investigation by bike: the spell of the Via Fluvia
dunieres
Benjamin BeckerVia Fluvia Investigation No. 5: The Enchanted Spell
Bourg-argental
Preparing for your arrival
Via FluviaWe take you…
There's nothing like an immersive video or podcast experience to discover the Via Fluvia in Ardèche and plan your next outing!
I have lots of questions!
There aren't any! It's up to you to choose according to your stages, your desires, the weather or simply the proximity to your departure point!
Three days is the average to take your time and give yourself the opportunity to make detours or visits.
No, not yet. We still need to cross Annonay, the junction between Vernosc-lès-Annonay and Serrières and the Col du Tracol in Saint-Sauveur en Rue.
96 kilometers have already been completed! Great sensations and discoveries are already waiting for you.
The Via Fluvia is comprised of both a greenway and a cycle route. A greenway is exclusively for non-motorized users (pedestrians, cyclists), while the cycle route is shared with motorized vehicles. Rest assured, however, that measures are in place to ensure the safety of non-motorized users.
Please note that, as the route is not yet completely finished, there are alternative routes that take roads where motor vehicles circulate. Caution is advised!
The vast majority of the route is on hard surface. The sandy surfaces are indicated on the map (between Saint-Julien-du-Pinet and Beaulieu) and we recommend a mountain bike or hybrid bike for these.
Yes, drop off your car in the upper levels of the Valette car park in Annonay, located a few meters from the Via Fluvia. It is a car park with no time limit and free of charge.
Those located near Annonay can be found on this page.
To find them all along the route (as well as the repairers), go to the Via Fluvia website.
In the tourist offices of Annonay or Serrières of course! Labeled Accueil Vélo, we have everything you need to make your trip easier (repair kit, list of bike-friendly accommodation, etc.)!
Yes! The Via Fluvia is open to all. Cyclists, pedestrians, rollerbladers, scooter riders, strollers… respect everyone’s practices!
There is the Maile postale service for transporting bicycles, luggage or people.
More information is available on the Via Fluvia website.
By train :
The nearest train station is Péage-de-Roussillon in Isère. From this station, you can take the X75 regional bus (Lyon-Annonay).
Please note that bicycles are taken care of on board coaches, by reservation for each journey, except Sundays and public holidays, 48 hours in advance at 04 8000 7000 Maximum: 2 bicycles in the hold. Electric bicycles, even folding ones, are not accepted on board.
By bus:
The Ardèche intercity bus network can be found on the Oura website.
Regional bus lines E3 and E3+ Annonay / Tournon / Valence
Regional bus line E4 – Annonay / Roussillon toll
Regional bus line E7 – Annonay / Lamastre
Regional bus line E8 – Annonay / Lalouvesc
Regional bus line L17 – Annonay / Saint-Etienne
Regional bus line X75 – Annonay / Lyon via the Roussillon toll plaza
We can recharge it at the Tourist Office in Annonay or Serrières during our opening hours. Otherwise, there are two terminals along the route: one in Bourg-Argental, the other in Yssingeaux (details on the map).