The Via Ardèche greenway and the Ibie Valley
The cycle path is very easy, but there’s a steep climb towards Villeneuve-de-Berg. In the Ibie Valley and then between Lagorce and Ruoms, there are still some steep sections in places. The difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult, depending on whether you’re on an e-bike or a standard bike… and how fit you are.
A greenway in the Ardèche Valley, partly shaded. The Ibie Valley is very unspoilt. The route passes close to charming villages and swimming spots.
Description
From the Ruoms Tourist Office, take Rue Alphonse Daudet, then turn right onto Rue Président Millerand.
- At the end of this, take the pavement on the right then turn left onto the cycle path. Take care when crossing the road. Continue along the greenway and pass through the village of Pradons.
- Beyond the tunnel, you can make a short detour to visit the charming village of Balazuc.
- Shortly after the old Vogüé station (now a library), take the right-hand fork. Don’t hesitate to make a short detour straight on to the Vogüé viaduct, 600m away, to enjoy the stunning views of the old village – or even pop in for a look. The greenway takes you past Saint-Germain and then Lavilledieu.
- About 700m past the Montfleury Tourist Office, leave the greenway and turn right onto the small road you come to. At the end of this, take the RD 258 to the right. After the second bridge, turn onto the RD 258A to the left, then take the first street on the right. At the next two junctions, continue straight ahead. At the roundabout, take the second exit. At the end of ‘rue de la Plaine’, turn right onto ‘rue de Charbonnier’. 400 m past the rugby stadium, turn right uphill. At the end of the street, you will reach Route de Saint-Maurice d’Ibie. Turn left onto this road.
- Follow the D558 for around 20 km to explore the most beautiful part of the Ibie Valley. Pass through the villages of Saint-Maurice d'Ibie and Les Salelles.
- After the Vigier estate and the submersible bridge, leave the D558 at the ‘P=>’ sign and turn right onto the Chemin de Bourgnolle.
- You can head up towards the village of Lagorce by taking the Impasse O. de Serre on the left towards the Crypte. It’s best to lock up your bike and explore the village’s steep streets on foot.
- After following the stream and going round the cemetery, take the D1 to the right. After just under 600m, turn left and follow the D559 to Ruoms, 8km away.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit; or, dismount and cross the two pedestrian crossings, first to the left then to the right. Then take the cycle path northwards along the street leading to the large car parks in Ruoms and the Tourist Office.
- Departure : Ruoms Tourist Office
- Arrival : Ruoms Tourist Office
- Towns crossed : RUOMS, PRADONS, BALAZUC, SAINT-MAURICE-D'ARDECHE, VOGUE, SAINT-GERMAIN, LAVILLEDIEU, MIRABEL, VILLENEUVE-DE-BERG, SAINT-MAURICE-D'IBIE, and LAGORCE
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
You cycle on this route, which takes in small roads and a cycle path, at your own risk. Please observe the highway code and show consideration for other users of the cycle path. Cycle carefully.
The road through the Ibie Valley is best enjoyed when it’s not too busy with tourists. It’s best to drive there in the morning during the summer. If the weather’s fine, bring your swimming gear. And, for history buffs, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the village of Ruoms. There are detours that take you to the charming villages of Balazuc and Vogüé.
An e-bike or a bike with gears suitable for hills. A lock to secure your bikes so you can explore the villages on foot. A water bottle, a helmet, suitable clothing and, if necessary, something to protect you from the sun.
Bike hire near the Via Ardèche in Ruoms and Balazuc (Les Salles).
Information desks
9 rue Alphonse Daudet, 07120 Ruoms
52 Rue Grande Rue, 07200 Vogüé
Transport
Bus route X76: Valence TGV – Montélimar – (Ruoms) – Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Bus route E15: Avignon – Vallon-Pont-d'Arc – (Ruoms) – Aubenas.
Bicycles may be taken on board coaches, subject to booking 48 hours in advance on 04 75 35 69 90 or via our website: www.ginhoux-autocars.com. Limited to between 2 and 6 bicycles. Bicycles may be transported without booking, subject to availability.
Access and parking
From Aubenas, take the D579 towards Vogüé, then Ruoms.
From Vallon Pont d'Arc, take the D579 to Ruoms.
From Alès, take the D104 towards Aubenas. Then take the D111 and then the D579 to Ruoms.
The route starts near the large car park next to the D579 (the cycle path runs between the two).
Alternative starting points:
Car park near the D579 opposite the road to Balazuc
Vogüé railway station
Mонфлеury Tourist Office
Lagorce and the villages of the Ibie Valley
Parking :
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