The Saint-Romain-en-Gal / Vienne–Sablons stage of ViaRhôna covers 33 kilometres: 25 on cycle paths and eight on roads. It is therefore not a wholly traffic-free ride. The D4 road at Sablons calls for particular care.
Île du Beurre offers a stop to explore the river’s natural environment. Its nature observation centre also looks after nearby Île de la Chèvre and the Gerbey floodplain forest. Habitat restoration and monitoring wetland species, including the European beaver, are part of its work.
Allow time at the start for the museum and archaeological site at Saint-Romain-en-Gal. Across the Rhône from Vienne, the remains of a Roman residential district survive. Mosaics, frescoes and everyday objects bring its inhabitants’ lives into focus. Check visiting hours and current route notices before setting out.