EuroVelo 17 ViaRhona: Vulbens - Seyssel Green Route

From Vulbens to Seyssel via the ViaRhôna: a stage combining river heritage and alpine landscapes

Between mountains, valleys and the banks of the Rhône, the section of the ViaRhôna connecting Vulbens in Seyssel unfolds its 27 kilometers in the heart of a contrasting territory. This stage, reserved for experienced cyclists, conjugates historical wealth, breathtaking panoramas et river heritage, while presenting some security challenges that must be taken seriously.

The journey begins at Vulbens, a small Savoyard village surrounded by wooded hills. Very quickly, the route immerses you in spectacular landscapes, especially when crossing the Parade of the Lock, an impressive natural bottleneck carved by the Rhône between two limestone cliffs. This iconic passage opens the way to Leaz and the majestic Fort de l'Écluse, an old military fortress perched on a mountainside. The site can be visited in summer and also offers cultural exhibitions, hiking trails, and even a via ferrata for the more adventurous.

Further on, the route passes near the Génissiat dam, a monumental work from the interwar period, whose powerful waters illustrate the tamed force of the river. The path then continues through a more rural area, punctuated by villages of character like Clarafond, before reaching Seyssel, the final destination of this stage.

Seyssel, nestled between two banks of the Rhône, is a historic river town which is worth a stop. Since antiquity, it has been a crossroads for navigation, a legacy that can be seen in its houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, pont haubané, or at the House of the Upper Rhône, a space dedicated to river activities and the environment. The local markets (Saturday and Monday morning in Seyssel, Sunday morning in Clarafond) are also a great opportunity to discover local products.

From a practical standpoint, this step presents several difficulties: high-traffic departmental roads (D908A, D14), important intersections et absence of signaling between Clarafond and Châtel. The route, although magnificent, therefore requires Caution, visibility, and adapted equipment (Reflective vest, helmet recommended). However, a cycle track A more secure area appears as you approach Seyssel.

For those wishing to extend their stay or take a well-deserved break, near 130 accommodations with the "Accueil Vélo" label Within 5 km of the route, you'll find campsites, hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts offering suitable services, such as secure bicycle storage. It is strongly recommended that you Book in advance, especially during tourist season.

Finally, the Seyssel-Corbonod station offers several TER connections to Geneva, Annecy, Lyon, Valence or Chambérywhich makes it easier to return or continue your journey along the Rhône.

In short, this stage between Vulbens and Seyssel is a journey along the water, between unspoiled nature, historical heritage and local authenticityprovided you are well prepared to tackle the more demanding sections of the route.