Geneva to Marseilles by Bicycle
Route Details
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Note: In this table, actual distances and total climbs are shown. They are about 20% more than the planned values.
| # | From | To | Route | Dist. | Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geneva Airport | Inter Hotel Rey |  |
44Km (550m Climb) |
 |
| 2 | Inter Hotel Rey | Hotel & Spa Marina d’Adelphia | |
68Km (710m Climb) |
 |
| 3 | Hotel & Spa Marina d’Adelphia | Novotel Grenoble Nord Voreppe | |
67Km (830m Climb) |
 |
| 4 | Novotel Grenoble Nord Voreppe | Maison Bel Canto | |
53Km (340m Climb) |
 |
| 5 | Maison Bel Canto | ibis budget Loriol Le Pouzin | |
89Km (440m Climb) |
 |
| 6 | ibis budget Loriol Le Pouzin | Le Domaine des Oliviers | |
66Km (330m Climb) |
 |
| 7 | Le Domaine des Oliviers | Hotel Les Nevons | |
85Km (500m Climb) |
 |
| 8 | Hotel Les Nevons | Best Western Marseille Aeroport | |
76Km (590m Climb) |
 |
Riding Days: 8 (1 Rainy days)
Total Distance: Planned - 445 Km, Actual: 545 Km
Total Climb: Planned: 2326 m, Actual 4300 m
Bicycle Trip in France – Day by Day
Day 1 (June 1): Geneva to Inter Hotel Rey - a Warm Up Day
Planned Route
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Actual Route
We landed at Geneva Airport in the early hours of the afternoon. We were happy to see that our bicycles have arrived intact. Thierry, the station manager, has arranged a place to organize ourselves comfortably. We assembled our bikes and our equipment; this task took us around an hour and a half.
We've started riding: the extra 20 kilos that were loaded in the rear rack panniers made riding a bit unstable until we got used to it.
Following Thierry’s recommendation, we've decided to change today's route and instead of riding directly southwards, we've headed to Veyrier, a town located near the Telepherique du Saleve funicular lower station. The funicular can accommodate up to 6 bikes, and it took us to the Panorama sur le basin Genevois, which is exactly what it is – A panoramic view of the southern part of Lake Geneva. We've stopped there for a cold beer and some locally made Ginger tea.
Next, we've continued to ride up and down along the beautiful rustic countryside road. The view of the towering Alps (the famous Mont Blanc was hidden by clouds) to our left, and the west a lovely sight of the city of Geneva and its surroundings. Our trusted Thierry appears on his motorcycle in one of the road curves; he comes to check in on us, to say hello, to make sure we are doing well, and to further encourage us on our ride.
As we got near our hotel, we passed by the Domaine des Avenieres Castle, where we considered staying during our first night, but have decided to pass on it after agreeing unanimously that for staying in such a romantic accommodation we will wait for our next trip with the wives… And so, we spend our first night in the lovely Inter Hotel Rey and conclude our first day with a great French dinner in the nearby restaurant.
Day 2 (June 2): Inter Hotel Rey to Lac du Bourget
Planned Route
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Actual Route
On this day we visited two lakes: Lake Annecy and Lac du Bourget. After a typical local breakfast, consisting of many types of cheeses, cured meats, and croissants, we've headed towards the beautiful Annecy. The road winds between picturesque villages and the green color dominates the views.
After crossing a beautiful bridge we arrived at the turquoise-colored Lake Annecy. After a short ride along its northern shore, we stopped at a café in the Annecy main street, to fuel up on some calories and fluids.
Continue riding southwest, the road was getting steeper by the minute, and we searched for the side roads to avoid the busy roads. After riding in the beautiful countryside we returned to the main road that was leading us to Brison Saint Innocent, located on the eastern bank of Lac du Bourget. On our way to our hotel, we stopped at a Decathlon store to buy some additional equipment, and before we arrived at the Hotel & Spa Marina d’Adelphia we stopped for some ice cream on the lake.
In the evening, we discovered that on the lake shore next to our hotel there was a large gathering of 3-wheeled cyclists from all over France, and we joined the party. Another day full of wonderful sights and adventures came to an end.
Day 3 (June 3): Lac du Bourget to Novotel (North West of Grenoble)
Planned Route
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Actual Route
We began our third day with a 15-kilometer ride along the east bank of Lac du Bourget. We had a late breakfast on the outskirts of Chambery.
We've started a long and moderate climb southward, passing some charming villages. Gradually the sky had become gray, but the view was still magnificently green. About two hours before we arrived at the end of our trail, the rain started to fall and got heavier and heavier. We stopped riding and for the first (and last) time in our trip we put our raincoats and panniers rain covers. We continued riding on the long-rising road in the pouring rain. As always, every ride up must eventually come down. The final 10 Km were a long and steep downhill, and we glided downwards in the heavy rain towards our destination – Hotel Novotel Voreppe.
After dinner we gathered to watch the European championship cup game played between Real Madrid and Juventus. Real played a tough game, and scored several goals. Yet, one thought clouded my enjoyment – I knew that at this time my son Guy, a long-term Barcelona fan was sitting at home watching his favorite team’s ultimate rival win the championship.
Day 4 (June 4): Novotel near Grenoble to Maison Bel Canto
Planned Route
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Actual Route
After yesterday's tough ride, today's ride was relatively short and easy, although not less enjoyable. We left our hotel and rode along the L’Isere River. The trail was flat with only a few slopes here and there, and a few crossings of the river. After a short coffee break in one of the villages, we continued our ride along the winding L'Isere, where large boats are sailing from time to time.
Today's hotel was special: the owner of Maison Bel Canto greeted us warmly and invited us to join the village’s annual celebration, which luckily took place this evening. A feast of local foods was served and the villagers went on stage to sing French chansons. It was a unique and authentic experience, another proof that sometimes the best things in life are unplanned.
Day 5 (June 5): Maison Bel Canto - ibis budget Loriol Le Pouzin
Planned Route
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Actual Route
After a French typical breakfast that includes baguettes and croissants we headed to the Rhone Valley, riding along the southern bank of L’Isere in a well-marked and signed bicycle path towards the city Romans sur Isere.
After stopping for a short coffee and cake break at Romans sur Isere we continued riding along the river until the L’Isere met the Rhone River. On our way we passed a cherry orchard and were not able to resist their temptation, we stopped and joined the cherry-picking party.
Riding along Via Rhone, a well-made and beautiful way – one of the longest France national bike trails, the scenery changed and the Alps seemed distant, even though only yesterday we rode near them. We arrived in the lovely town of Valance, and after a short break there we continued riding along the ViaRohne until we reached our final stop for that day – the town of Pouzin
Day 6 (June 6): ibis budget Loriol Le Pouzin - Le Domaine des Oliviers, Near Montelimar
Planned Route
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Actual Route
The view is gradually changing, as its greenish color turns to yellow. We are approaching the Mediterranean Sea. In the first half of the day we still rode along the Via Rhone, but later we left this wonderful bikeway and started riding towards Le Domaine des Oliviers Hotel in Pierrelatte (which was the best hotel we stayed in throughout the entire trip). On our way, we stopped in the village of Vivarais and rode along the narrow streets of Pierelatte.
Day 7 (June 7): Le-Domaine-des-Oliviers, Near Montelimar to L'Isle sur la Sorgue
Planned Route
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Actual Route
We left Pierrelatte, and we are on our way to Provence! We rode along pastoral trails and by rustic country Mansions surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, bypassing the city of Orange (you can’t have it all). We stopped at the village of Uchaux to have some great coffee and cake, to take a photo with the lovely café owner, and to find out that Yalon can still speak Dutch!
We rode a few Kilometers along a unique bike trail built on top of an old railroad and arrived at the town of Carpentras. As usual, we stopped for lunch in the city center, followed by the most unique and delicious lavender ice cream. We found some time to visit the most ancient synagogue in France, located in the city center, and continued riding southwards to our final destination of the day: the magical town of L’Isle sur-la-Sorgue, where we spent our evening drinking a cool beer by the river, and a quality French dinner.
Day 8 (June 8): L'Isle sur la Sorgue to Marseilles - Our Final Riding Day
Planned Route
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Actual Route
Unbelievable! It’s our last riding day. Time flies by when you enjoy yourself. After a morning tour of the picturesque streets and market of L’isle sur la Sorgue, we continued riding out of town and the pastoral country view slowly changed into a more urban one.
On our way to the town of Coucoux, we pass through the towns Mallemort and Lambesc on a road that includes a long climb followed by a steep slope with an impressive view and eventually stop for some refreshments.
Onwards towards Marseille, we stop to make A courtesy visit to Tinabici bicycle shop, where we pick up the cardboard boxes that we’ll use in the evening to pack and send our bikes. From there we rode the short distance to our final destination: the Best Western Marseille Airport.
Useful Links
- Komoot - The Best bicycle trip planning and tracking tool
- Bicycle Route Planner
- Via Rhona
- France Velo Tourism
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The world owes you nothing. It was here first."
Mark Twain