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Seyssel / Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu P'tites Routes du Soleil Gravel
50,26 Km
3 h 30 min
Difficult
50,26 km cycling route from Seyssel to Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu
Departing from Seyssel, the route never really strays far from the Rhône, where it offers stunning views. It crosses the Chautagne region, making a detour to Lac du Bourget, the largest (on the French side) and one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes. It then reaches the village of Chanaz, nicknamed the "Little Savoyard Venice" due to its location on the Savière canal, which links the Rhône to Lac du Bourget.
Between Seyssel and Chanaz, first take the ViaRhôna, then leave it to reach Lac du Bourget, crossing the Chautagne plain, a protected wetland and natural area. From Chanaz, the road gradually diverges from the Rhône and ViaRhôna to reach Jongieux. This is the route of the Chemins du Soleil, the great mountain bike crossing of the Pre-Alps. The route leaves Jongieux, amidst vineyards and on the slopes of Mont du Chat, and descends to St Jean-de-Chevelu. Here we enter the Savoyard Avant-Pays, once known as the Savoyard Petit-Bugey.
It's a great day for sightseeing, because after Lac du Bourget and Chanaz, Jongieux, on the Compostelle trail and self-defined as an oenocyclo-tourist village, is well worth an extended stop.
Between Seyssel and Chanaz, first take the ViaRhôna, then leave it to reach Lac du Bourget, crossing the Chautagne plain, a protected wetland and natural area. From Chanaz, the road gradually diverges from the Rhône and ViaRhôna to reach Jongieux. This is the route of the Chemins du Soleil, the great mountain bike crossing of the Pre-Alps. The route leaves Jongieux, amidst vineyards and on the slopes of Mont du Chat, and descends to St Jean-de-Chevelu. Here we enter the Savoyard Avant-Pays, once known as the Savoyard Petit-Bugey.
It's a great day for sightseeing, because after Lac du Bourget and Chanaz, Jongieux, on the Compostelle trail and self-defined as an oenocyclo-tourist village, is well worth an extended stop.
Elevation of the stage
471 m 547 m
589 m ↘ 503 m
Don't miss
- Le Lac du Bourget: the largest natural lake entirely located in France, it is also the wildest. Poets, Lamartine in particular, and the presence of Hautecombe Abbey, necropolis of the House of Savoy, have forged a solid reputation for romanticism. It's impossible to pass through here without contemplating it and taking a dip.
- Chanaz : a beautiful village, labelled "Petite Cité de caractère", on the Savière canal, between the Rhône and Lac du Bourget. Mill, fortified house, Gallo-Roman museum, arts, crafts and local produce stalls, lose yourself for a few moments in its narrow streets!
- Jongieux : we've fallen in love with this wine-growing village in the Savoyard foreland and its hillsides. Stop off in this land of good living, good eating... and good drinking.
Travellers’ reviews