On the banks of the Rhône, La Voulte-sur-Rhône can be explored with your nose to the wind, guided by the lapping of the water and the shade of the poplars. Renting a bike here means choosing simplicity: one pedal stroke and you're already on the ViaRhôna, the flat, safe ribbon that winds along the river. To the north, Valence and its elegant quays; to the south, landscapes of orchards, windmills and quiet villages. You don't have to exert yourself, just stop when a viewpoint calls for a photo.

From the center of town, another promise opens up: the Dolce Via. Formerly a railroad line, now a gentle itinerary, it winds its way up the Eyrieux valley between cool tunnels, aerial viaducts and sparkling rivers. The gradient is moderate, the pace gentle: ideal for a family outing or a more sporty getaway. Glide from stopover to stopover, picnic by the water's edge, and set off again when you feel like it.