Tournon-sur-Rhône to Orange

Route overview

Suited to riders who want a long, almost flat day: 140.9 km with only 178 m of climbing rewards steady pacing rather than climbing legs.

A 140.9 km point-to-point down the Rhône valley from Tournon-sur-Rhône to Orange, with just 178 m of climbing.

The route starts in Tournon-sur-Rhône, beside Tain-l'Hermitage, and turns south along the Rhône through Mauves, Glun and Châteaubourg. The high point comes early and low, 129 m at km 7.8, after which the road settles into a long valley descent. Cornas, Valence and Guilherand-Granges follow, then a string of riverside villages: Soyons at km 24.3, Charmes-sur-Rhône, Beauchastel and La Voulte-sur-Rhône at km 35.9. The middle section runs through Le Pouzin, Baix and Saulce-sur-Rhône to Les Tourrettes and La Coucourde, passing beneath Château Muzard at km 56.4. Montélimar arrives at km 66.9, roughly the halfway mark and the last point with restaurants listed. Beyond it come Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Viviers and Donzère. From km 94 the route leaves the river corridor for La Garde-Adhémar, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and Saint-Restitut, then Suze-la-Rousse at km 109.9 and Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes at km 117. Travaillan and Camaret-sur-Aigues lead into Orange at km 134.8, the lowest point of the ride at 43 m, with the final kilometres through the town's outskirts to a total of 140.9 km.

Highlights

• Rhône-side villages from Mauves to La Voulte-sur-Rhône
• Only 178 m of climbing across 140.9 km
• La Garde-Adhémar, Saint-Restitut and Suze-la-Rousse
• Finish in Orange at 43 m, the low point of the route

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

6½–9½ hours riding

Season

The single recording is from September, at 25 °C.

Know before you go

• No cafés, restaurants or water points listed after Montélimar at km 66.9
• Recorded at 25 °C in September; carry water for the southern half

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.