Greenways near Annemasse
04-08-2026
Genève, at the heart of both paths, © Thomas Garcia
Geneva Cyling proudly presents the region's two flagship long-distance, mostly car-free routes that are good for families, e-bikes, or anyone wanting flatter, easier roads:
- - The ViaRhôna (Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean)
- - Voie Verte Léman–Mont-Blanc (Chamonix to Annemasse/Geneva)
Both connect to Geneva, a multicultural, central point for many International exchanges and travels.
The ViaRhôna (Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean)
The ViaRhôna is an ambitious and breathtaking 815 km route that follows the wild Rhône River from its source near Lake Geneva all the way to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
History & Culture:
For over 2,000 years, the Rhône has served as one of the primary trade artery of the Roman empire, ancient Kingdoms and Europe, bridging the Mediterranean to the north. By following this path, you are effectively riding along an ancient highway of Roman engineers, medieval traders, and historical travelers. The path you will ride on that is close to the Rhône mainly used to be a towing path for boats going up on the Rhone since the Middle ages or even before.
You will pass through cities that have shaped European history, from the center of diplomacy in Geneva to the papal influence of Avignon and the industrial heritage of Lyon.
Chanaz © Thomas Garcia
Landscapes:
This route offers one of the most dramatic transitions in landscape in Europe. You begin in the high-altitude, alpine environment of the Alps and lake Geneva. As you descend, the geography opens up into the vineyards of the French countryside and lavender fields of Provence.
Eventually, the path enters the broad Rhône Valley, before reaching the end of the ViaRhona when reaching the mouth of the river.
Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, © T. Garcia
Cities & Stops:
The journey is punctuated by many historical urban centers. It begins in the international hub of Geneva. Then, it heads down to Seyssel, a famous wine making city, at the border between Haute-Savoie and Ain. Next is the town of Chanaz, a river crossing city charged with antique history. As you head south, a few kilometers before Lyon is the park of Miribel-Jonage, with its lake where swimming is allowed and filled with locals on weekends or after their workday.
Then you’ll reach Lyon, a UNESCO-listed city situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, famed for its “traboules” (hidden passageways), gastronomy and formerly its silk industry in “La croix Rousse” neighborhood.
Further downstream, Valence offers the charm of colorful markets, while Avignon provides a look into the past with its Palais des Papes, which replaced the Vatican during the 14th century. Your journey reaches its grand finale at the Sète Harbor or Port Saint Louis du Rhône, because the Rhône separates in two before it reaches the mediterranean sea.
Seyssel © Thomas Garcia
Tips for Cyclists:
- Best time to ride: Spring (April–June) or Autumn (September–October) to avoid the intense summer heat of the Rhône Valley, especially if travelling southern than Valence.
- Winds: Be aware of the Mistral wind, which often blows from the north, riding south is generally easier, also, you will be going downstream of the river so a generally flat or descending gradient.
- Logistics: The route is well-connected by train, use the regional TER trains to skip busy sections or if you get tired. Trains run at least every two hours between Geneva and Lyon, or Lyon and Valence, or Avignon, and further.
Voie Verte Léman–Mont-Blanc (Chamonix to Annemasse/Geneva)
This 90 kilometers greenway offers a shorter alpine escape. It traces the Arve Valley from the foot of Mont Blanc, providing a scenic transition from high-altitude glaciers to the cosmopolitan shores of Lake Geneva.
Vallée de l’Arve
History & Landscape:
The route is a testament to the "handiwork" of glaciers. The Arve Valley is shaped by geological history, offering wide-screen views of the Fiz range and the towering flanks of Mont Blanc during a long part of the way.
As you ride, you will witness a fascinating architectural transition: the route begins among the rustic timber and stone of traditional mountain chalets and gradually shifts toward the elegant, white-stone Belle Époque buildings as you approach the Swiss border.
The Arve valley is sometimes referred to as “La Vallée du Decolletage”, meaning the precision bar turning valley since during the 19th century, many Swiss watches business or car production companies made their precise pieces right here in the Alps. Nowadays, the production still remains done in machines that have a precision up to a micrometer.
The Route:
This is a user-friendly route designed for easy cycling. It features mostly gentle, descending grades that allow for a meditative pace. It is perfectly suited for those who want to "slow travel", stopping in local bakeries for “Tarte aux Myrtilles”, sampling fresh “Tomme” cheese in mountain villages, or simply pausing for a coffee while the glaciers glisten above. It is relaxing to be under the mountain, on the relatively flat Arve valley while the majestic mountain tops are far above.
Cities & Stops:
The ride starts in the legendary alpine city of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Heading downstream, you will pass through a string of charming valley hubs, including Les Houches, Servoz, Passy, Sallanches, Cluses, Thiez, Bonneville, and Bonne. Cities where new industries mix up with history and their beauty is always protected. The route deviates from the center of Annemasse before getting you into the heart of Geneva, where you can finish your trip with a stroll along the quays by the iconic Jet d’Eau.
Vallée de chamonix, © www.TristanShu.com/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
Tips for Cyclists:
- Best time to ride: Summer (May–September) when the weather is mild and less subject to sudden changes. But stil heatwaves can happen during the summer.
- Gear: Even in summer, bring a windbreaker or light layers as temperatures can drop quickly in the alpine environment, but as you get lower in the valley, the micro-climat of Lake Geneva tempers the harsh conditions.
- Logistics: Many sections are paved and great for road bikes, but wider tires are recommended if you plan to venture onto connecting gravel paths in the valley.
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