Cycling route: The Rhône Loop
The Ronde du Rhône takes you on a circular cycle route through the Pays de Gex, linking Pougny, Collonges, Chevrier and Valleiry. A rolling route through forests and villages, ideal for cyclists looking for varied scenery.
Km 0 — Start in Pougny (383 m)
Head towards Collonges. A gentle descent towards the Rhône.
Km 0.7 — Turn left (333 m)
Turn left towards the plain, following the Rhône. The road descends.
Km 1.5 — Turn right (354 m)
Turn right, heading back up towards Pouny. Slight incline.
Km 2.1 — Turn right (358 m)
Stay on the main road, heading south towards Collonges.
Km 2.9 — Turn right (347 m)
Leave Collonges, head towards Valleiry. The road heads south.
Km 4.3 — Turn left (338 m)
Major junction — turn left. The road begins to climb towards the Moissey Forest.
Km 4.8 — Turn left (364 m)
Another junction, turn left. The climb becomes steeper.
Km 5.3 — Turn right (411 m)
Turn right, continuing the climb towards Valleiry. ⚠️ Steep gradient.
Km 6.3 — Turn left (427 m)
Turn left. The route runs along the heights with views over the Rhône plain.
Km 8.1 — Turn right (461 m)
Turn right towards Faramaz / Vovens. High point approaching.
Km 8.7 — Turn right (471 m)
Right-hand bend. Faramaz section; you reach the highest points of the route.
Km 10 to 12 — Faramaz / Vovens section (470–474 m)
Highest point of the route. Rolling terrain at altitude with beautiful views.
Km 11.2 — Turn right (474 m)
Right-hand bend, start of the gradual descent towards Chevrier.
Km 11.8 — Turn right (470 m)
Right-hand bend, descent towards the valley.
Km 13.8 — Turn left (412 m)
Left-hand bend towards Dingy-en-Vuache. Continuous descent.
Km 14.2 — Turn left (394 m)
Left-hand bend, passing through the Dingy-en-Vuache area.
Km 14.5 — Turn left (379 m)
Left-hand bend. The road descends towards the plain.
Km 15.1 — Turn right (352 m)
Turn right towards Valleiry. Flatter terrain.
Km 15.7 — Turn right (346 m)
Turn right, passing through Valleiry. Lowest point of this section.
Km 16.4 — Turn left (356 m)
Turn left, start of a new climb towards Colligny / Chez Gros.
Km 16.8 — Turn left (379 m)
Turn left. ⚠️ The climb becomes steep again.
Km 17.2 — Turn right (402 m)
Turn right, climb towards the highest points of the return leg.
Km 17.8 — Turn right (432 m)
Right-hand bend. The climb continues towards Collonges-sous-Salève.
Km 20.1 — Turn right (474 m)
Second highest point of the route. Right-hand bend, start of the long descent back towards Pougny.
Km 22 — Downhill section (431 m)
A lovely, gradual descent. Take care as the road is shared with motorists.
Km 23.1 — Turn right (416 m)
Turn right, approaching Pougny.
Km 23.9 — Turn left (392 m)
Left-hand bend, back towards Pougny.
Km 24.4 — Turn left (368 m)
Left-hand bend, final descent.
Km 24.9 — Turn left (345 m)
Last bend before the finish.
Km 25.8 — Arrival in Pougny (383 m) 🏁
Itinerary details
Alert
A road shared with motorists.
Description
This route takes you on a circular cycle ride in the Pays de Gex, linking Pougny, Collonges, Chevrier and Valleiry. A hilly route through forests and villages, ideal for cyclists looking for varied scenery.
This road cycling route is provided for guidance only and is intended exclusively for experienced cyclists.
▶▶ Important information before you set off:
This route is not signposted and requires the use of a GPS or navigation app. The route uses roads open to motor traffic: compliance with the Highway Code is mandatory. A good level of fitness and proficiency in road cycling are essential. Please also remember to check the weather conditions before setting off and to adapt your ride accordingly.