The Vélodrome: cycle route, greenway from Livron to Saillans

Cycling in the Drôme Valley

Between the Alps and Provence, the Green Way cycle route Velodrome unfolds 52 km along the still-free Drôme river, in the department of the Drôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regionHere, there are no monotonous main roads: the route alternates between stabilized dikes, rural paths, and small, mostly shared, local roads, perfect for a day out. family, Biking quiet or in VAE to smooth out any uneven surfaces. From the axis of the Via Rhona, the Velodrome part towards the East along the Drôme River in contrast to the DolceVia which runs westward along the course of the Eyrieux.

The iconic starting point is at the cycle bridge that directly connects the ViaRhôna Before you start pedaling, take the time to consult the map of the Véloroute Voie verte la Vélodrôme and locate the nature rest areas. Right there, the reserve of Printegarde serves as a resting place for migratory birds; a detour leads to a spectacular fish pass, designed especially for the apron of the Rhone.

We then go back towards Livron-sur-Drome : the short but intense climb towards the Haut-Livron rewarded by a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Rhône valleyHeading towards Allex amidst the orchards and hillsides of Brézème (AOC Côtes du Rhône)Then, returning to the water's edge via Grane, the reserve of Ramières and its “Station” (site house) they tell the story of the river's biodiversity.

Before Crest, the hilltop village ofEureThe Beaver Trail and the Val de Drôme Ecosite add a handcrafted touch. In Crest, the medieval tower of 52 mddominates the landscape and opens up the view of the Saoû forest and the Prealps. Further away, Aouste-sur-Sye reveals mills, spinning mills and silk mills, a testament to hydraulic power. The arrival at Projections You can already smell the Clairette de Die and the Biovallée®, with pebble beaches ideal for a swimming break.

Looking for variations? A branch joins Loriol-sur-Drôme and its station, and the connection with the ViaRhôna easily extends the adventure towards the Rhône or, upstream, towards the valley routes.