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.
These road bike itineraries are for guidance only, and are aimed exclusively at experienced cyclists.
Important information before you set off:
▶These routes are not marked on the ground and require the use of a GPS or navigation app.
▶The routes use roads open to motorized traffic. Compliance with the Highway Code is mandatory.
▶These routes are recommended for experienced cyclists in good physical condition who have mastered the art of road biking.
▶We advise you to check weather conditions before setting off and adapt your outing accordingly.
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.