EuroVelo 17 La Viarhona: Green Route St Gilles - Aigues Mortes

The ViaRhôna between Saint-Gilles and Aigues-Mortes: an immersion in the Camargue region of the Gard department

Welcome to the heart of the Camargue Gardoise, between marshes, vineyards and salt marshes, for an unforgettable stage of 32 km on ViaRhôna, between Saint-Gilles et Aigues-MortesThis section of theEuroVelo 17 is a true invitation to contemplation, following the flow of the water and nature, in one of the Great sites of France.

The departure is at Saint-Gilles, a city steeped in history with its abbey church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its lively market Thursday and Sunday morningsThe provisional route, tag but still under development, borrows from quiet country roads in the direction of Gallician, in the heart of the Camargue region. From this point onwards, the transition is striking: the landscape becomes wild and open, between reedbeds, bodies of water and crops.

À Gallician, charming village on the edge of the Rhône-Sète canal, you join the walking and cycling path recently renovated. The marina marks a turning point: here begins a secure section, at smooth coating, which gently takes you to Aigues-MortesYou then drive on the old towpaths, along the marshes, in a exceptional natural environment, populated by pink flamingos, herons, bulls et white horses.

Don't miss a stop at the Carbonnière Toweraccessible via a a short excursion of 250 meters from the D46. This former gateway to Aigues-Mortes, perched in the middle of the marshes, offers a spectacular 360° panorama throughout the Camargue Gardoise. A must-see for landscape lovers.

Arrival at Aigues-Mortes is spectacular: this fortified city, emerging amidst the salt flats, is a jewel of Languedoc heritageTake a stroll on the battlements, visit Constance Tower, discover the Salins du Midi, and don't miss the local markets Wednesday and Sunday morningsIt's the perfect place to enjoy a glass of sand wine, or discover the herds surrounding.

From a practical standpoint, this step is accessible to everyone (Easy level), with little elevation gain. The Gallician – Aigues-Mortes greenway offers excellent riding comfort. Two cycling discovery loops complete the experience: the Camargue Gardoise loop (17 km) and that of the Costières (23 km), between vineyards, reedbeds and traditional villages.

The train station TER train from Aigues-Mortes, on the line Nîmes – Le Grau-du-Roi, facilitates access to the stage. For touring cyclists, near 130 accommodations with Bike Welcome are scattered throughout the surrounding area. It is recommended to book during peak season.