La Belle Via brings together lakeside riding, Alpine valleys and towns on a journey through Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and Drôme. France Vélo Tourisme describes a route with northern approaches around Annecy and Lake Bourget, then a journey towards Grenoble and Valence. Its landscapes change from lake shores and vineyards to the banks of the Isère and the Rhône.
Two northern approaches
On the Haute-Savoie side, La Balme-de-Sillingy is the recommended starting point towards Annecy. Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme says the eventual V62 route is intended to begin at Seyssel; the extension should therefore be distinguished from the recommended present starting point.
Annecy offers canals and an old town before the route follows the western shore of its lake. Villages and beaches line the way, and part of the itinerary uses the course of a former railway before continuing towards Ugine and Albertville. The Bout du Lac nature reserve is another landmark at the southern end of the lake.
The Lake Bourget approach offers a different introduction. France Vélo Tourisme describes riding from Aix-les-Bains along the lake towards Le Bourget-du-Lac, then reaching Chambéry by the Leysse greenway. Chanaz is another point connected with the northern itinerary.
Through the valleys to Valence
From Albertville, the itinerary passes through the Cœur de Savoie wine country towards Montmélian. The Grésivaudan valley then provides views of the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs, with Fort Barraux and the Château du Touvet among the historical landmarks mentioned in the route guide.
Around Grenoble the setting changes again. France Vélo Tourisme describes the Isère’s wooded embankments and walnut-growing country towards Vinay. Farther south, the route reaches Romans-sur-Isère and crosses the river towards Bourg-de-Péage.
The last section passes the former quarries and troglodyte sites near Châteauneuf-sur-Isère. At Pont-de-l’Isère, La Belle Via meets ViaRhôna; the published section then follows ViaRhôna south into Valence. Its historic centre, cathedral and Parc Jouvet give riders several options for a stop at the end.
Planning a ride
Choose an approach and the sections that fit the places you want to visit. France Vélo Tourisme publishes individual stages and notes connections with ViaRhôna at Chanaz and Pont-de-l’Isère, making a longer loop possible. The Tour des Bauges also uses sections of La Belle Via.
The route combines dedicated cycling ways with roads. On the final approach, the publisher describes alternating greenway and low-traffic road between Romans and Pont-de-l’Isère, followed by streets into Valence. La Belle Via branding is being introduced progressively; France Vélo Tourisme says the national V62/V63 numbering is signed throughout. Check its current stage information when planning.