Would you like a circuit that takes you to the foot of the Bugey mountains, along the Rhône via the Via Rhôna? Feedback from an ideal route for a quiet ride, alone, with friends or family.
This afternoon, the golden and comforting rays of the sun invited us to go out to enjoy their benefits. We wanted from a quiet, beautiful, zen place close to home. A great opportunity for a ride with our cushy (the now famous Patrol). Wishing to change the route, the fine team and myself, left towards the greenway between Lagnieu and St-Sorlin in Bugey. A circuit that follows a beautiful section of the Viarhôna cycle path, on the banks of the Rhône.
Former tram line dedicated to cycling: the ViaRhôna
I don't have any affinity with cycling, let's be honest, but I still like going along the Viarhona on a walk. I take advantage of the lapping of the wavelets of the Rhône and the tranquility of its banks.
Our starting point was the landscape park of Lagnieu. The many parking lots mean you don't waste time looking for a place. No, it's not Lyon here, that's a good point for the campaign!
In order to join the greenway, we first took the path of the rocks. No climbing here but simply a few hundred meters to go before turning right onto the green corridor. Then we let our imagination carry us along with the road signs discovered here and there.
A walk away from the daily grind
What could this "PN 10 to 200m”? Picnic ? Small ship? Black track? National redneck? North Pole ?
Saperlipopette! Wouldn't it Railroad Crossing ?
Why on earth would a level crossing be on a bike path?
Well, simply because less than a century ago, the tram passed by.
The rails have been erased by the bitumen of the green flow. But the memory of passenger wagons along the Rhone remains. This was called the Haut Rhône tramway.
From Bregnier-Cordon to Balme Caves, the tram allowed residents to cover the distance quickly. With a top speed that would ruffle a porcupine: to 25km / h ! Suffice to say that we had time to look at the grandiose landscapes from the windows of the compartments.
Departing from Lagnieu station, the pioneer travelers were amazed. Villebois quarries, meanders of the Rhone in Serrières-de Briord, nature in all its forms. They then passed under the Bugey vineyards, clinging to the side of the rock. Then short stopover by the pretty village of Lhuis. A beautiful trip! To reproduce today on the two wheels of his bicycle or scooter, in sports adventurer mode!
St-Sorlin-en Bugey, the beautiful stage
Our steps lead us gently to Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, this pretty wine-growing town. When you arrive, the vines are revealed, just before the Rocher de la Pouponne takes shape. I am thinking of the superb wine tasting at Domain of the Pouponne a few months earlier. With a desire to return once the harvest is over!
The view of the town is new to me! It's a nice surprise to see the profile of the church which dominates the medieval houses. I feel like an explorer clearing a new path! I appreciate the architecture in a different way, which mixes very harmoniously with the generous green nature.
A sign tells us that we only have 721km to get to Rome! Perfect, I feel on my feet today!
I think of the brave walkers en route on the road to Assisi, one of the stages of which is the village.
Between Pérouges and Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, the paths are not yet steep, even if it is not a healthy walk. Fortunately, they will be able to pass the fresco of St Christopher, the protector of travellers, to give yourself a boost! The latter also overlooks walkers and boats on the Viarhôna.
The Viarhôna greenway: on foot or by bike
We leave the village along the very beautiful castle 18th century Durandière. We now reach the Viarhona for the last piece of the ride. There, a superb view of the castles of Vertrieu, on the other side of the Rhône, invites us to stop for a snack. (Purchased at the artisan bakery in St Sorlin, a treat!)
It is full of energy and fat on the fingers, that we set off again on the path bringing us back to Lagnieu.
The wind makes the reeds bend, with a light rustle. I close my eyes for a moment to take in the scent of the air, as Patrouille does so well.
Snout in the wind, I inhale the aquatic scents of mud, mixed with those of land dried up by a long summer. The sun is gentle. The birds are still chirping with their delicate and happy song. Everything invites inner peace.
I take advantage of these moments of calm, prolonged in the heart of the shaded paths of the landscaped park. There, the stream flows quietly, carrying families of ducks on its back. Here the coypu walk around the edges of the pond, admiring the fishermen out of the corner of their eyes.
We have not looked at the watch, because time no longer exists when you spend such beautiful moments. It's total well-being!
Take it easy and go green
Once the circle is complete, we share a thought: no need to go far to be disoriented. All it takes is an old tram line, to the east of Lyon, between two places rich in history. A beautiful day, a good company and here is a beneficial break, a breath in our daily life. And enjoy the Viarhôna cycle path in stroll mode, as a green flow is appreciable.
Shrill whistle of the tram: tchouuuu tchouuuuuuu
Lagnieu, here Lagnieu, all the travelers get out of the car. End of our walk with your feet on the greenway and your head in the stars.
Lagnieu and St-Sorlin, the enemy cousins have reconciled so that you can take care of yourself for a walk!
Looking for the right little address?
Lagnieu conceals hidden treasures for prolong the good times. Depending on the season you can:
- Refresh your throat with a good homemade fruity ice cream from Sebastian Gohier.
- Drink a freshly roasted coffee at My Gourmet Coffee.
- Take a break on the terrace the beer barn.
- Picnic under the shade of the trees in the landscaped park, departing from the Viarhôna.
Other ideas and unusual tips in the area
- Jo' gives you an appointment for a visit to Lagnieu in 1982 ! Mimi mimimiiii… Warm up your vocal cords, take out your best flared pants. Singing and dancing to the hits of the time between two stories will be encouraged!
- Introduction to oenology with the Cellar of friends or wine tasting at Domaine Pellerin Or that of the doll. Still confidential, Bugey wines will surprise you (in a good way).
- Benoitte Rousset, resident of St-Sorlin in the 18th century has many things to tell. Between her life as a woman and the history of the village, she gives you an appointment during the tasting visits “In wine visits”.
