Via Ardèche Bike Route
The Via Ardèche is a 53 km traffic-free cycle path built on former railway lines in southern Ardèche. The route runs from Lalevade-d'Ardèche to Grospierres through varied landscapes, with mostly smooth asphalt making it suitable for cyclists, roller skaters, and pedestrians.
The path follows two former railway lines in south Vivarais, including the old Le Teil to Alès line. From its highest point at 255m, the route descends to 112m at its lowest elevation.
Via Ardeche Bike Path. Photo by Kakoula10, CC BY-SA 4.0
The track is part of a broader cycling network in South Ardèche, developed after commercial rail service ended in the late 1980s. While a tourist train operated on portions of the route until 2011, financial difficulties led to its closure.
Cyclists on the Via Ardeche Bike Path.. Photo by Kakoula10, CC BY-SA 4.0
The pathway includes notable infrastructure like the Combasse stream viaduct at Balazuc, offering riders a combination of engineering features and natural scenery along the route.