Mountain bike or hybrid bike ride on the Camino de Santiago, from Geneva to Puy en Velay. 9 days of roaming from the Alps to the Massif Central. On an electrically assisted bike, this route is accessible to all!
Day 01: St Julien en Genevois – Geneva – St Julien en Genevois
The stay begins in Saint Julien en Genevois in France, not far from the border.
We have chosen not to spend the first night in Geneva for reasons of accommodation prices and parking spaces (but we still offer an option to depart from Geneva). Recommended departure time: 1:14 p.m.
This first stage is a loop starting from St Julien en Genevois. A route through the Geneva countryside allows you to reach the heart of the city of Geneva. After discovering the city and Lake Geneva, we recommend a visit to the St Pierre Cathedral and its towers (beautiful view of Geneva and the surrounding area). Return via the Camino de Santiago, this is the real start of your journey! You will find your accommodation in St Julien en Genevois.
Length: 26 km Elevation gain +/-: 225 m
Day 02: St Julien en Genevois – Frangy
The path gradually rises at the foot of Salève to reach Mont Sion. In the Pomier forest, a local artist has hidden several structures made of recycled metal. The pilgrim's is particularly nice. Mont Sion is an ancient moraine of the Rhône glacier, which then occupied the entire Genevois plain. The rest of the route takes place on this succession of bumps that offer a panoramic view of Mont Blanc to the Geneva water jet! Before arriving in Frangy, a short detour through the village of Chaumont is essential to explore the narrow streets in search of the ruins of the castle that dominates it.
Length: 37 km Elevation gain + 877 m / – 1 m
Day 03: Frangy – Chanaz
The Rhone is the common thread of the day. It can be seen around a hedge from the heights of Desingy. Just like the imposing Pelly castle with its colorful tiles. Before 1860, the river was the border between France and Savoy. In Seyssel, there are still two communes, one on each side, connected by a pretty bridge. On a pier of the bridge, a statue of the Virgin protects the boatmen of the Rhone. The cities of Lyon and Geneva were built with Seyssel stone, extracted nearby and transported by boat. The day continues along the river in the vast plain where one of the largest poplar groves in Europe is spread out: Chautagne.
Length: 35 km Elevation gain + 450 m / – 540 m
If you are on an electric bike it is possible to do days 02 and 03 together, but that makes for a long day: 72 km and + 1 m / – 327 m.
Day 04: Chanaz – Saint Genix sur Guiers
The village of Chanaz, on the banks of the Savièse canal linking the Rhône to Lake Aix les Bains, is touristy. The calm of the morning is ideal for a short visit! Then the path of St Jacques gains height. The river is still visible but from the hills of Jongieux, planted with vines. A tasting break in one of the estates is tempting, but be careful, the day is not over!
The afternoon is devoted to the ascent of Mont Tournier (880 m), a small limestone massif, and the descent into the Guiers valley. This evening the stage is in St Genix sur Guiers, famous for its brioche with whole red pralines!
Length: 41 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 141 m
Day 05: Saint Genix sur Guiers – La Côte Saint André
By crossing the bridge over the Guiers you leave Savoie to enter Dauphiné. One of the particularities of this region is the rammed earth houses, built in raw earth (clay type). The relief softens but the path is not flat for all that! A bocage landscape colonizes many valleys that must be crossed before discovering the lake of Paladru. The smallest of the Alpine lakes is home to two archaeological sites, witnesses of the Middle Ages, and several beaches!
A final climb to Soulier (702 m) and you dive onto the Bièvre plain with your back to the Chartreuse. This vast plain has inspired several artists: Lamartine who stayed in Grand Lemps and wrote his poem "Le Vallon" there, and Hector Berlioz born in Côte St André who pays tribute to it every year at the end of August during a music festival.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 190 m
Day 06: The Côte Saint André – The Roches de Condrieu
The Bièvre is decorated with hills that seem to spring from the plain like a string of islets above a calm sea. The summits of these hills are covered with forests, but the southern flank is a veritable balcony over the plain and the Vercors massif in the distance. It is on these hills that the path continues its progression towards the west. Between two hills it descends into the plain and winds between fields of corn or sunflowers. In Faramans a pond surrounded by trees offers a refreshing break! Several religious buildings punctuate the path, from the simple calvary to the monastery. On this stage you will discover the chapel of Salette and the Carmel Notre Dame de Surieu. The center of the village of Revel Tourdan is also remarkable.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 800 m / – 1 m
Day 07: The Rocks of Condrieu – Bourg Argental
Change of scenery! Here is one of the famous vineyards of France: the Condrieu. The hillsides planted with vines dominate the Rhône, which the path follows to Chavanay. Then it is the beginning of the long climb towards the Velay. It starts strong, to leave Chavanay the slope is steep! Fortunately the view of the Rhône valley is pretty and offers excuses to take breaks! Quickly the relief becomes more pleasant, the path continues in the middle of the orchards at the foot of the Pilat massif (1432 m). This allows to regain strength before the ascent of the Croix de Sainte Blandine, from where the panorama extends to the Alps. Then the valley narrows and the fir trees appear on the slopes, here is Bourg Argental.
Length: 36 km Elevation gain + 950 m / – 582 m
Day 08: Bourg Argental – Montfaucon
It's not just the landscape that changes now that you're on the granite of the Massif Central, the path is sandier and when there are stones they are more square! The morning begins on an old railway line with a panoramic view of the Deûme valley. The route continues through a large fir forest and crosses the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Then the highest point of this stage at 1215 m, just before Les Sietoux. A few more valleys to cross where vegetation characteristic of granite flourishes: firs, broom and heather, then you reach the Velay plateau. In Montfaucon, the Chapelle ND houses a collection of 12 XNUMXth century paintings, unless you prefer a barefoot visit to the Mirandou garden!
Length: 35 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 105 m
Day 09: Montfaucon – Le Puy en Velay
This last stage is more rolling than the two previous ones. So even if it may seem more difficult on paper it is easy to do. And then it's the end of the trip, you're in good shape!
The path crosses the volcanic landscapes of Velay: the mountains have the shape of sugar loaves often covered with forest, but sometimes they reveal magnificent basalt organs. This is the case in Queyrières, a superb village with stone houses entwined around an ancient volcanic peak. The arrival at Le Puy is on a pleasant walk along the Loire, then the Borne to the foot of Rocher St Michel.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 290 m
In July and August every evening at 21:30 p.m. several “sound and light” shows are projected onto the main historic buildings of the old town of Le Puy.
Day 10: Le Puy en Velay
End of our services after breakfast.
Take advantage of the morning to visit this beautiful city with its pedestrian streets, the Saint Michel rock, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The stay begins in Saint Julien en Genevois in France, not far from the border.
We have chosen not to spend the first night in Geneva for reasons of accommodation prices and parking spaces (but we still offer an option to depart from Geneva). Recommended departure time: 1:14 p.m.
This first stage is a loop starting from St Julien en Genevois. A route through the Geneva countryside allows you to reach the heart of the city of Geneva. After discovering the city and Lake Geneva, we recommend a visit to the St Pierre Cathedral and its towers (beautiful view of Geneva and the surrounding area). Return via the Camino de Santiago, this is the real start of your journey! You will find your accommodation in St Julien en Genevois.
Length: 26 km Elevation gain +/-: 225 m
Day 02: St Julien en Genevois – Frangy
The path gradually rises at the foot of Salève to reach Mont Sion. In the Pomier forest, a local artist has hidden several structures made of recycled metal. The pilgrim's is particularly nice. Mont Sion is an ancient moraine of the Rhône glacier, which then occupied the entire Genevois plain. The rest of the route takes place on this succession of bumps that offer a panoramic view of Mont Blanc to the Geneva water jet! Before arriving in Frangy, a short detour through the village of Chaumont is essential to explore the narrow streets in search of the ruins of the castle that dominates it.
Length: 37 km Elevation gain + 877 m / – 1 m
Day 03: Frangy – Chanaz
The Rhone is the common thread of the day. It can be seen around a hedge from the heights of Desingy. Just like the imposing Pelly castle with its colorful tiles. Before 1860, the river was the border between France and Savoy. In Seyssel, there are still two communes, one on each side, connected by a pretty bridge. On a pier of the bridge, a statue of the Virgin protects the boatmen of the Rhone. The cities of Lyon and Geneva were built with Seyssel stone, extracted nearby and transported by boat. The day continues along the river in the vast plain where one of the largest poplar groves in Europe is spread out: Chautagne.
Length: 35 km Elevation gain + 450 m / – 540 m
If you are on an electric bike it is possible to do days 02 and 03 together, but that makes for a long day: 72 km and + 1 m / – 327 m.
Day 04: Chanaz – Saint Genix sur Guiers
The village of Chanaz, on the banks of the Savièse canal linking the Rhône to Lake Aix les Bains, is touristy. The calm of the morning is ideal for a short visit! Then the path of St Jacques gains height. The river is still visible but from the hills of Jongieux, planted with vines. A tasting break in one of the estates is tempting, but be careful, the day is not over!
The afternoon is devoted to the ascent of Mont Tournier (880 m), a small limestone massif, and the descent into the Guiers valley. This evening the stage is in St Genix sur Guiers, famous for its brioche with whole red pralines!
Length: 41 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 141 m
Day 05: Saint Genix sur Guiers – La Côte Saint André
By crossing the bridge over the Guiers you leave Savoie to enter Dauphiné. One of the particularities of this region is the rammed earth houses, built in raw earth (clay type). The relief softens but the path is not flat for all that! A bocage landscape colonizes many valleys that must be crossed before discovering the lake of Paladru. The smallest of the Alpine lakes is home to two archaeological sites, witnesses of the Middle Ages, and several beaches!
A final climb to Soulier (702 m) and you dive onto the Bièvre plain with your back to the Chartreuse. This vast plain has inspired several artists: Lamartine who stayed in Grand Lemps and wrote his poem "Le Vallon" there, and Hector Berlioz born in Côte St André who pays tribute to it every year at the end of August during a music festival.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 190 m
Day 06: The Côte Saint André – The Roches de Condrieu
The Bièvre is decorated with hills that seem to spring from the plain like a string of islets above a calm sea. The summits of these hills are covered with forests, but the southern flank is a veritable balcony over the plain and the Vercors massif in the distance. It is on these hills that the path continues its progression towards the west. Between two hills it descends into the plain and winds between fields of corn or sunflowers. In Faramans a pond surrounded by trees offers a refreshing break! Several religious buildings punctuate the path, from the simple calvary to the monastery. On this stage you will discover the chapel of Salette and the Carmel Notre Dame de Surieu. The center of the village of Revel Tourdan is also remarkable.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 800 m / – 1 m
Day 07: The Rocks of Condrieu – Bourg Argental
Change of scenery! Here is one of the famous vineyards of France: the Condrieu. The hillsides planted with vines dominate the Rhône, which the path follows to Chavanay. Then it is the beginning of the long climb towards the Velay. It starts strong, to leave Chavanay the slope is steep! Fortunately the view of the Rhône valley is pretty and offers excuses to take breaks! Quickly the relief becomes more pleasant, the path continues in the middle of the orchards at the foot of the Pilat massif (1432 m). This allows to regain strength before the ascent of the Croix de Sainte Blandine, from where the panorama extends to the Alps. Then the valley narrows and the fir trees appear on the slopes, here is Bourg Argental.
Length: 36 km Elevation gain + 950 m / – 582 m
Day 08: Bourg Argental – Montfaucon
It's not just the landscape that changes now that you're on the granite of the Massif Central, the path is sandier and when there are stones they are more square! The morning begins on an old railway line with a panoramic view of the Deûme valley. The route continues through a large fir forest and crosses the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Then the highest point of this stage at 1215 m, just before Les Sietoux. A few more valleys to cross where vegetation characteristic of granite flourishes: firs, broom and heather, then you reach the Velay plateau. In Montfaucon, the Chapelle ND houses a collection of 12 XNUMXth century paintings, unless you prefer a barefoot visit to the Mirandou garden!
Length: 35 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 105 m
Day 09: Montfaucon – Le Puy en Velay
This last stage is more rolling than the two previous ones. So even if it may seem more difficult on paper it is easy to do. And then it's the end of the trip, you're in good shape!
The path crosses the volcanic landscapes of Velay: the mountains have the shape of sugar loaves often covered with forest, but sometimes they reveal magnificent basalt organs. This is the case in Queyrières, a superb village with stone houses entwined around an ancient volcanic peak. The arrival at Le Puy is on a pleasant walk along the Loire, then the Borne to the foot of Rocher St Michel.
Length: 60 km Elevation gain + 1 m / – 290 m
In July and August every evening at 21:30 p.m. several “sound and light” shows are projected onto the main historic buildings of the old town of Le Puy.
Day 10: Le Puy en Velay
End of our services after breakfast.
Take advantage of the morning to visit this beautiful city with its pedestrian streets, the Saint Michel rock, the historic district and the cathedral, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Admission fees
Adult: from €835 to €1 (255 people: €2/person
3 people: €1/person
4 people: €1/person
5 people and more: 965 € / person
Without luggage transport: €890/person).
Return shuttle Le Puy – Saint Julien en Genevois: €570 (1 to 4 people with bikes)
Without the last night in Le Puy: – €55/person
Single room: + €300
Single participant supplement (in addition to single room): + €280 (on 2 person rate – does not apply if you have chosen the option without luggage transfer)
Additional night in St Julien with breakfast in a double room: + €75/person.
Additional night in St Julien with breakfast in single room: + €110/person.
Additional night in Le Puy with breakfast in a double room: + €75/person.
Additional night in Le Puy with breakfast in a single room: + €100/person.
> Prices with departure and return to St Julien en Genevois based on 2 bikes rented.
including delivery on day 01 and collection on day 09 in Puy en Velay:
– All-terrain bike (VTC): + €160/person
– Electrically Assisted VTC (VTCAE): + €295/person
– All-terrain bike (MTB): + €180/person
– Electrically Assisted Mountain Bike (E-MTB): + €295/person
Please note, if you wish to include bike rental in your stay, the return shuttle to St Julien en Genevois is mandatory to bring the bike back to the rental company.
Reservation modification :
ATTENTION ! A handling fee (€50) may be charged for any change to the reservation already made (room type, departure date, number of people, etc.).
Once you have started your hike, for obvious organizational reasons, you must follow the program as confirmed to you. It will then no longer be possible to modify your dates and places of accommodation.
3 people: €1/person
4 people: €1/person
5 people and more: 965 € / person
Without luggage transport: €890/person).
Return shuttle Le Puy – Saint Julien en Genevois: €570 (1 to 4 people with bikes)
Without the last night in Le Puy: – €55/person
Single room: + €300
Single participant supplement (in addition to single room): + €280 (on 2 person rate – does not apply if you have chosen the option without luggage transfer)
Additional night in St Julien with breakfast in a double room: + €75/person.
Additional night in St Julien with breakfast in single room: + €110/person.
Additional night in Le Puy with breakfast in a double room: + €75/person.
Additional night in Le Puy with breakfast in a single room: + €100/person.
> Prices with departure and return to St Julien en Genevois based on 2 bikes rented.
including delivery on day 01 and collection on day 09 in Puy en Velay:
– All-terrain bike (VTC): + €160/person
– Electrically Assisted VTC (VTCAE): + €295/person
– All-terrain bike (MTB): + €180/person
– Electrically Assisted Mountain Bike (E-MTB): + €295/person
Please note, if you wish to include bike rental in your stay, the return shuttle to St Julien en Genevois is mandatory to bring the bike back to the rental company.
Reservation modification :
ATTENTION ! A handling fee (€50) may be charged for any change to the reservation already made (room type, departure date, number of people, etc.).
Once you have started your hike, for obvious organizational reasons, you must follow the program as confirmed to you. It will then no longer be possible to modify your dates and places of accommodation.
What is included
The price includes
– Organization costs.
– Half-board food and accommodation (except days 01 and 09 in B&B).
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
– Half-board food and accommodation (except days 01 and 09 in B&B).
– Provision of a complete hiking file.
– Transport of luggage at each stage.
The price does not include
– Midday meals
– Evening meals on days 01 and 09
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Individual equipment as well as bike rental.
– Shuttles or taxis to pick up your car or to shorten certain stages.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– Cancellation insurance – assistance – repatriation – interruption of stay.
– Evening meals on days 01 and 09
– Drinks and personal expenses.
– Individual equipment as well as bike rental.
– Shuttles or taxis to pick up your car or to shorten certain stages.
– Travel to and from the reception area.
– Cancellation insurance – assistance – repatriation – interruption of stay.
Pratical information
Accommodation in ** hotels, * hotels, hostels and guest houses. In a room for 2, on a half-board basis (except days 1 and 2).
It is generally possible to book your lunch baskets with hotels: inquire directly with them.
For dinners on days 01 and 09: numerous possibilities in the restaurants of the village or the stopover town.
It is generally possible to book your lunch baskets with hotels: inquire directly with them.
For dinners on days 01 and 09: numerous possibilities in the restaurants of the village or the stopover town.
- Cyclists
- Pilgrims
- hikers
- Mountain bikers
- Groups welcome
Book
The agency is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 17 p.m.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email [email protected].
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
You can contact us by telephone 04 50 31 03 65 or by email [email protected].
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Opening period
From 13/04 to 27/10/2024.
Departure possible every day of the week from April 13 to October 27, 2024, depending on the availability of accommodation.
Departure possible every day of the week from April 13 to October 27, 2024, depending on the availability of accommodation.
Traveler reviews