From Geneva to Évian via the ViaRhôna and the Sud-Léman route

Geneva – Eaux-Vives

The route starts on the shores of Lake Geneva, near La Grange Park and Genève-Plage.

From here, you can quickly reach the left bank of the lake heading towards Cologny.

Places of interest: the Jet d’Eau, La Grange Park, Eaux-Vives beach and views over Geneva harbour.

2. Cologny

A gradual climb above the lake along urban and residential roads.

This section offers beautiful panoramic views of Geneva, the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva.

Places of interest: viewpoints over the harbour and the surrounding mountains.

3. Vésenaz

Ride through a more urban area before continuing towards Collonge-Bellerive and Corsier.

Keep an eye out for junctions and changes in cycle paths.

Highlights: the proximity to the lake and the villages on Geneva’s left bank.

4. Anières

A quiet village surrounded by vineyards, situated just before Hermance.

The route gradually becomes more rural and less busy.

Things to see: Geneva’s vineyards and views of Lake Geneva.

5. Hermance

The last Swiss village before the French border.

A very pretty historic centre with narrow streets, old houses and a small harbour.

You can stop for a break by the lake before continuing on to Chens-sur-Léman.

Must-sees: the old town, Hermance Tower, the beach and the harbour.

6. French-Swiss border

Crossing from Switzerland into France between Hermance and Chens-sur-Léman.

The border is generally unobtrusive and can be crossed easily by bike.

Make sure you have your ID with you.

7. Chens-sur-Léman

The first French village on the route.

The route continues along secondary roads towards Messery and Nernier.

Signposting may be sporadic: follow the GPX track carefully.

Places of interest: the Bas-Chablais countryside and occasional views of the lake.

8. Messery

A residential and rural village situated between Chens-sur-Léman and Nernier.

The area is generally quiet, with a few gentle ascents and descents.

Places of interest: the village church and the rural landscapes of southern Lake Léman.

9. Nernier

A small medieval village on the shores of Lake Léman, known for its flower-lined streets and harbour.

The centre may have cobbled streets and be busy with pedestrians.

It is sometimes best to get off your bike.

Not to be missed: Nernier harbour, medieval streets and stone houses.

10. Yvoire

One of the main highlights of the route.

A very popular medieval village with a castle, harbour, ramparts and numerous restaurants.

The old town centre is largely pedestrianised and often very busy.

Plan to stop for a break, but avoid leaving your bikes unattended.

Must-sees: Yvoire Castle, the Jardin des Cinq Sens, the harbour and the old town.

11. Excenevex

The route takes you to the Excenevex area, known for its natural sandy beach.

There may be heavier traffic in summer around the beach and campsites.

Places to visit: Excenevex beach and panoramic views of the Alps.

12. Sciez-sur-Léman

The route passes through the town of Sciez and its harbour area.

The cycle route may be less straightforward in some places.

Follow the route towards Anthy-sur-Léman and Thonon.

Places to see: Sciez harbour, the beach and Coudrée Castle.

13. Anthy-sur-Léman

Transition zone between Sciez and Thonon-les-Bains.

The route alternates between local roads, cycle paths and more urban sections.

Places of interest: views of the lake and small beaches along the shore.

14. Thonon-les-Bains – Port de Rives

Finish on the quays of Thonon and at Port de Rives.

This section makes for a good place to take a break before the final few kilometres to Évian.

Restaurants, drinking fountains and shops nearby.

Must-sees: Port de Rives, the Thonon funicular and Sonnaz Castle.

15. Château de Ripaille

The route continues eastwards, passing close to the Ripaille estate.

This area is pleasant and greener than the centre of Thonon.

Places to visit: Ripaille Castle, the vineyard and the wooded park.

16. Saint-Disdille

The route passes near the beach and the harbour at Saint-Disdille.

The route stays close to the lake and heads towards the Dranse delta.

Places to see: Saint-Disdille beach and views of Lake Geneva.

17. Dranse Delta

Cross or go round the nature reserve at the mouth of the Dranse.

Stay on paths authorised for cyclists and do not use footpaths reserved for pedestrians.

The area may be frequented by walkers.

Not to be missed: nature reserve, riverside scenery and birdwatching.

18. Amphion-les-Bains – Maxima Park

Entry into the commune of Publier via the Amphion area.

Maxima Park offers a pleasant setting for a short break.

Highlights: lakeside park and green spaces.

19. Port d’Amphion

A small harbour situated on the final stretch of the route before Évian.

From here, it’s only a few kilometres to the hotel.

Things to see: the harbour, the beach and views of the Swiss shore of Lake Geneva.

20. Hilton Évian-les-Bains

The finish line is situated at the western entrance to Évian-les-Bains, facing the lake.

The hotel is easily accessible from the route coming from Amphion.

• Route suitable for road bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes.
• The surface is mainly tarmac.
• A few short sections may be cobbled, uneven or slightly gravelly, particularly around the villages along the lake shore.
• The ViaRhôna signposting is not entirely continuous along the entire southern shore of Lake Geneva.
• It is advisable to keep the GPX track active throughout the journey.
• Take care on sections shared with cars, particularly between certain French villages and as you approach Thonon and Évian.
• The historic centre of Yvoire is very busy and partly pedestrianised. You may need to walk alongside your bike for a few minutes.
• There are several places to stock up on supplies in Hermance, Yvoire, Sciez, Thonon and Amphion.
• Make sure you have water, a spare inner tube, a pump and a light rain jacket.
• Check for any temporary diversions or roadworks before setting off.

The most interesting stops for a break or a visit are:

• Les Eaux-Vives and La Grange Park;
• the village and harbour of Hermance;
• the medieval village of Nernier;
• the old town and the harbour at Yvoire;
• Excenevex beach;
• the harbour at Sciez;
• the harbour at Rives in Thonon;
• the Ripaille estate;
• the Dranse delta;
• Amphion Harbour;
• the lakeside promenade in Évian.

For a day trip with a scheduled arrival time, the best places for short stops are Hermance, Yvoire and the port of Rives in Thonon.