© Focus Outdoor

Cycling La Belle Via: mountain vistas & waterways

La Belle Via, the charming sister route to ViaRhôna, offers cyclists an extraordinary 364-km journey through four French départements: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and Drôme.

This dedicated greenway, completely free from traffic, winds through the spectacular mountain landscape.

Leaving from the heart of Chambery

Your journey begins in Chambéry, the historic capital of the Savoie region, also known as the ‘City of the Dukes.’ Nestled between the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges, this city serves as a gateway to the Alps and marks the start of your route along the Isère River.

At Chapareillan, on the Savoie border, the path enters the Grésivaudan Valley. Here, the impressive Chartreuse massif rises on one side and the Belledonne massif on the other – its peaks often snow-capped well into summer, creating a dramatic contrast with the lush valley below.

La Belle Via in numbers

Distance:

  • 364 km comprising 168 km of dedicated cycle paths
  • 163 km in Isère

Altitude difference:

  • 885 m descent
  • 543 m ascent

Discover the whole route

© Pascale Cholette

Pedalling through paradise

The route follows the Isère River along quiet shared roads, offering ever-changing vistas between two magnificent mountain ranges. The majestic Belledonne and Chartreuse massifs showcase their iconic peaks, each with a distinctive silhouette that serves as a landmark in its own right, from the proud Chamechaude, the highest summit in the Chartreuse massif, to the distinctive Dent de Crolles.

Explore the Grésivaudan valley

 

© Pierre Jayet

Cultural heritage along the way

Your journey winds past centuries of history, from the atmospheric ruins of Château de la Buissière to graceful period houses.

Stop to explore the historic Saint-Jacques hospital and the elegant Château du Touvet, renowned for its French gardens and cascading water features.

Visit the Château du Touvet

© Frédérick Pattou

Grenoble, a city for bikes

The peaceful riverside cycle path leads naturally into Grenoble’s city centre, where the skyline is dominated by the three tower blocks of Île Verte – 100-metre-high buildings that rise from wooded parkland.

While Grenoble is recognised for its significant architectural development between 1950 and 1970, the former capital of the Dauphiné has numerous treasures waiting to be discovered. Notable attractions include the ascent to the Bastille via the ‘Les Bulles’ cable car, the Saint-Laurent Archaeological Museum, historic private mansions, and the charming Faubourg district.

© Pierre Jayet
Discover Grenoble
© Pierre Jayet

Au pays de la Noix

Leaving the urban energy behind, La Belle Via returns to the tranquil banks of the Isère, heading for Valence in the Drôme region. The landscape is transformed into a bucolic paradise, with rolling hills and valleys replacing the dramatic mountains, although the Vercors massif remains a constant backdrop.

The route winds through the region’s characteristic walnut tree groves, playing hide-and-seek with the river as it passes remarkable features such as the Sône bridge and the unique garden of Petrifying Fountains.

Explore walnut country

 

© Pascale Cholette

Stages through Isere

La Belle Via flows from Haute-Savoie through Savoie and Isère to Drôme.

The route divides into four gentle stages, perfect for cyclists of all levels, with manageable distances and gradual elevation changes. Along each section, riders can explore local heritage sites, sample regional cuisine and discover hidden treasures of the region.