Lake Geneva & Beyond: Oberwald to Geneva

Self Guided 8 Days / 7 Nights

Cycle from Switzerland‘s alpine foothills through the Rhône Valley and the vineyard covered slopes around Montreux in the heart of the Vaud Riviera region to reach world-famous Geneva. Follow the Rhône River. The landscape is initially alpine and your route will offer mostly downhill rides with an occasional rise. In Brig the Rhône valley broadens and the region is favoured by a sunny climate. The scenery changes again in Villeneuve and you’ll enjoy terraced landscapes, vineyards and breath-taking views across Lac Leman.

Highlights:

  • Stunningl views of Mont Blanc and the Savoy Alps
  • Vineyards - Sion, Vevey and the Vaud region
  • Castle of Aigle rises from the vineyards
  • Chillon castle stands on a rocky island on Lake Geneva
  • The famous water fountain in Geneva
  • Towns of Lausanne and Montreux, known for its jazz festival in June/July

Your Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Oberwald or Ulrichen

Oberwald is the highest village in Switzerland’s Goms region with charming wooden houses.

Day 2: Oberwald/Ulrichen to Brig 45 – 50 km + 695m

Cycle to the alpine city of Brig. Stop at Niederwald, one of the best preserved villages in the Valais. Descend to the leafy forest of the Rhone and continue to Brig. The lovely Old Town features stately houses and the Baroque Stockalper Palace.

Day 3 Brig to Sion 40 – 60 km +160-190

The route leads into a rugged part of the Rhone - the Pfynwald, a nature reserve of glacial detritus. Cycle to Leuk and Siders, attractive towns with rich monuments. Vineyards and castles are the landmarks of Sierre and Sion, prestigious wine-growing regions.

Day 4 Sion/Sierre to Martigny 30 – 50 km +120m

Ride through the pleasant lower Rhone valley, dominated by high alpine scenery and surrounded by vineyards and orchards to reach Martigny, known for its gastronomy. Above the town is La Bâtiaz Castle with wonderful views over the Rhone.

Day 5: Martigny - Montreux/ Vevey 50 – 60 km +200m

Ride to St Maurice, a pilgrimage centre dating back to the 3rd century with the Chapel of Notre Dame du Scex. Pass imposing Castle Aigle which is now a Wine Museum. At the approach to Montreux is 12thC Castle Chillon, perched on a rocky island in Lake Geneva creating an idyllic setting with the alps in the background.

Day 6: Montreux/Vevy to Morges/ Nyon surroundings 40 – 65 km +580m

Follow the shores of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) through Montreus, Vevey and Lausanne to enter the steep vineyards of Lavaux. Reach an area of sandy beaches between St Sulpice and Preverenges before the final stretch to Morges which has burgher houses from 16th to 18th centuries.

Day 7: Morges/ Nyon surroundings to Geneva 30 – 60 km +600m

Nestled along the lake shore are the towns of Morges, Rolle and Nyon, above them the terraced vineyards of La Côte. Closer to Geneva enter a cosmopolitan area, where more villas and yachts, and the city’s trademark fountain in the lake welcomes you. Enjoy a visit in the picturesque old part of town.

Day 8

Arrangements end or extend your ride on the Rhone cycle path from Geneva to Lyon and beyond.

Terrain

Moderate to energetic: Hilly with plenty of descent in the high valley of Goms, followed by flat sections from Brig. Undulating terrain along Lake Geneva.

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  • 306 Lake Road, Takapuna
    Auckland 0622, New Zealand
  • P: (0064) 09 486 7473
    F: (0064) 09 484 0091

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