Rhône Cycle Route (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s classic river ride from the Alps to the big lake. The Rhône Cycle Route follows the young Rhône through the Goms and down the Valais to Lake Geneva, finishing in Geneva where it connects to France’s ViaRhôna. It’s signed as Swiss National Route 1, so navigation is easy.

Expect mostly paved riding on quiet roads and riverside paths, with a few short gravel bits and the odd busy connector. Westbound feels net downhill, but you’ll still collect some climbs. Trains run alongside for most of the way, so it’s simple to split into stages or hop on if the wind picks up.

Highlights: timber villages in the upper valley, views toward the Aletsch region near Brig, endless vineyards around Sierre and Sion, the dramatic curve at Martigny, lakefront promenades in Montreux and Vevey, the terraced Lavaux (UNESCO), and a grand roll into Geneva. The stretch from Sion to the lake is especially family-friendly.

Ride it either direction, but east-to-west gives that Alps-to-lake payoff. Best from late spring to autumn; the upper valley can be snowy in winter. Services are frequent—this is Switzerland—so pack lights for a few tunnels, watch for valley winds, and enjoy smooth, scenic miles along one of Europe’s great river routes.