Rhone Trail – Swiss Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in Switzerland | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

The alternative title for this route could easily be the 'Swiss Wine Trail' as it passes through the best wine growing areas and vineyards in the country. Starting at about 4500 feet above sea level you are immediately in an alpine landscape of snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys and weather darkened chalets. The route descends eventually to Lake Geneva, but you are in wine country long before then. In fact, soon after passing Brig you will see the vineyards of Switzerland's most famous winemakers.

Grade: Always heading generally downhill, this route is ideal for anyone who is reasonably fit.

Getting there: Fly to Zurich or Geneva then travel by train to Oberwald. Fly back from Geneva.

Day 1 Arrive Oberwald.

Day 2 Oberwald to Brig.
This is a dramatic start to your Swiss cycling experience. Descending the Goms Valley, the Rhone Valley is born and the trail passes through typical alpine meadows where traditional agriculture and pasturage are still practiced and where the fields are full of wildflowers in spring and early summer. In Brig, the old town is dominated by the three domed towers of the Stockalper castle. ~ 27 miles

Day 3 Brig to Sion.
In the village of Mund crocus are cultivated to produce saffron. At nearby Visperterminen you will find the highest vineyard in Europe. Here the wild Rhone constantly changes its course and the huge pine forest thrives in the dry climate of the valley. Before reaching Sion you can visit the subterranean lake at St Leonard. Sion itself is a town full of history where the fortress/church of Notre Dame de Valere has dominated the valley for a thousand years. ~ 36 miles

Day 4 Sion to Aigle.
Mountains still tower above the valley sides, but the plain is getting wider as the trail approaches Lake Geneva, which you can soon see in the distance. There is much wine and fruit growing in this very fertile region. In Aigle the chateau and museum are worth a visit. ~ 40 miles

Day 5 Aigle to Lausanne.
As soon as you reach the lakeside you are in a nature reserve full of wildlife. Passing through (or lingering in ) Montreux you are soon in the charming lakeside resort of Vevey. The ride alongside Lake Geneva gives lovely views across the lake to the mountains in the south including Mont Blanc in the distance. There is plenty to see and do in Lausanne, home of the modern Olympic Games, from museums to shopping and lakeside cafes. ~ 27 miles

Day 6 Lausanne to Nyon.
A short ride takes you along the lakeshore, first to Morges, a smaller and quieter resort than Lausanne, then on to the lovely village of St Prex and finally to Nyon with its small fishing port and many restaurants. ~ 30 miles

Day 7 Nyon to Geneva.
On this final day of cycling as well as accompanying the lake, the trail also leads you inland amongst the vineyards with lovely views down to the lake and of approaching Geneva and its famous fountain. ~ 16 miles

Day 8 Departure.