Getting to the Rhône Valley and Getting Around the Rhône Valley

Getting to the Rhône Valley

The Rhône Valley is easily accessible by air, train, and car, making it a convenient destination for both international and domestic travelers. Depending on where you're starting, you can choose from a variety of transportation options to get there.

By Air:

• Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): This is the main international gateway to the Rhône Valley, offering flights from major cities across Europe, as well as some long-haul destinations. From the airport, it’s easy to reach different parts of the Rhône Valley by train, bus, or rental car.

• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): While not located directly in the Rhône Valley, Marseille Provence Airport is a key transportation hub for travelers heading to the southern Rhône Valley, particularly to towns like Avignon and Orange, which are situated at the meeting point of Provence and the Rhône Valley. The airport offers extensive international and domestic connections, making it a convenient entry point for exploring both the Provence region and the southern parts of the Rhône Valley.

• Other Regional Airports: Smaller airports like Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN) or Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport can be convenient options for travelers flying in from other parts of France or Europe.

By Train:

• TGV (High-Speed Trains): The TGV connects many major cities in France to the Rhône Valley. You can take the TGV directly from Paris to Lyon in about 2 hours, or from Marseille to Avignon or Lyon in under an hour.

  • Lyon Part-Dieu Station: This is the main train hub in Lyon, providing access to northern Rhône vineyards and other nearby towns.

  • Avignon TGV Station: Ideal for accessing the southern Rhône and Provence, the Avignon TGV Station offers quick connections from Paris, Marseille, and other major cities.

  • Vienne, Valence, and Orange also have train stations that connect to the national rail network, making it easy to reach different parts of the valley.

By Car:

• Driving: Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the Rhône Valley, as it gives you the freedom to visit wineries, small villages, and scenic routes at your own pace. The A7 highway (Autoroute du Soleil) runs along the Rhône River, connecting the northern and southern parts of the valley and making it easy to access cities like Lyon, Avignon, and Valence.

  • Driving from Paris: It takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Paris to Lyon via the A6 highway, making for a scenic road trip if you're not in a rush.

  • Driving from Marseille: The drive from Marseille to the southern Rhône Valley takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via the A7 highway.

Getting Around the Rhône Valley

Once you're in the Rhône Valley, there are several ways to get around, depending on your preferences and itinerary.

By Car:

• Car Rentals: Renting a car is the most flexible way to get around the Rhône Valley, especially if you plan to visit multiple wine regions, small towns, or rural areas. Major car rental companies are available at Lyon, Avignon, and Marseille airports, as well as at train stations like Lyon Part-Dieu and Avignon TGV.

  • Scenic Drives: The Rhône Valley is known for its beautiful countryside, and driving allows you to take scenic routes through vineyards, rolling hills, and historic villages like Tain-l’Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

  • Parking: Most towns in the Rhône Valley offer convenient parking, though larger cities like Lyon may have limited parking in the center. It’s advisable to park in designated lots and explore city centers on foot.

By Train:

• Regional Trains: The TER regional train network connects many towns and cities in the Rhône Valley. It’s a good option if you’re visiting larger destinations like Lyon, Valence, or Vienne, but it may not be the most efficient for visiting vineyards or smaller villages.

  • Lyon to Avignon: You can travel between Lyon and Avignon via regional trains in around 1.5 hours, making it easy to explore both the northern and southern parts of the Rhône Valley.

  • Vienne and Valence: Both are connected to Lyon and other cities by frequent regional trains, ideal for day trips.

By Bus:

• Local Buses: Public buses are available in most towns and cities throughout the Rhône Valley, though they can be less frequent than in larger cities. Some regional buses connect smaller towns, and certain routes cater to tourists visiting popular wine regions. Bus routes can be helpful for getting to vineyards or villages that aren’t accessible by train.

By Bicycle:

• Cycling: The Rhône Valley is a fantastic destination for cyclists, with scenic routes through vineyards, along the Rhône River, and through charming villages. You’ll find dedicated cycling paths, especially around Lyon, Vienne, and the Ardèche area. Many towns also have bike rental options.

  • La ViaRhôna: This long-distance cycling route runs along the Rhône River from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, passing through the Rhône Valley. It’s ideal for those looking for an active and scenic way to explore the region.

  • Wine Tours by Bike: Several companies offer guided cycling tours through the vineyards, allowing you to combine wine tasting with an outdoor adventure.

By Boat:

• Rhône River Cruises: If you want a unique way to explore the Rhône Valley, river cruises are available between Lyon and Avignon, with stops in scenic towns like Viviers and Tournon-sur-Rhône. These cruises often focus on the region’s wine and food culture, with stops for tastings at vineyards along the way.

  • Day Cruises: For shorter excursions, day cruises along the Rhône River offer beautiful views of the countryside, castles, and historic towns from the water.