Untitled - Rhône
Transcription
Untitled - Rhône
Press Release : ViaRhôna, the new cycle destination along the Rhône 3 The ViaRhôna project : a shared objective 4 ViaRhôna, 14 sections in the Rhône Alpes 7 ViaRhôna, the route of civilisations 12 ViaRhôna, a pretext for wine tourism 14 ViaRhôna, full immersion in the natural environment 15 Key facts & figures 16 A selection of events alongside the river 17 Description of “favourites” alongside ViaRhôna 21 Partners involved in the project 22 Useful contacts 24 Rhône Alpes Tourisme 2 ViaRhôna is a 817 km green cycle path, still under construction, which will eventually link Lake Geneva with the beaches of the Mediterranean. The project offers users a great opportunity to discover, in a fun, familyfriendly way, the many tourist attractions in the areas it crosses. In addition to cycling, this “soft” itinerary provides the means of developing a sustainable form of tourism, bringing together the different geographical areas along its route whilst offering a very varied range of tourism options : cultural, heritage, river, wine and gastronomic tourism. The route takes tourists along the river Rhône, via alpine mountains to the beaches of the Camargue, travelling through the iconic landscapes of southern Provence: hilltop villages, lavender fields and olive groves. By the end of June 2016, the ViaRhôna itinerary should have permanent or temporary signage along the whole route. What is the ViaRhôna ? ViaRhôna is a cycle path which has been created along the river Rhône, or in close proximity to it (65% of the route) which enables people to literally follow the river. The itinerary is open to two different types of traffic : either a safe “green way”, available only for cyclists (or non-motorised forms of transport), or a cycle route : a route that is shared with cars and therefore less suited to family use. Currently the itinerary is 80% complete in the Rhône-Alpes (ie, 450 km out of 557 km) and 46 % in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region (ie, 53 km out of 118 km), with discussions underway for finalising the rest of the route and the works associated with it, and 39 % complete in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (ie, 57 km out of 144 km). One of the issues to be sorted in the next inter-regional Plan Rhône contract is the completion of the route within the three regions by the end of 2020. Trains are useful to reach points of departure or return on the cycle trip, to organize weekend trips, or simply to shorten a stage. Discover 450 km’s worth of Rhônes-Alpes’ heritage Two thirds of the ViaRhôna run through the Rhône-Alpes. On its own the region oversees 445 km of the route, as well as 17 local associations, and all eight of its départements are involved, given that the Ain, Haute Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Rhône, Loire, Drôme and Ardèche are all adjacent to the river Rhône. 450 km of this cycle itinerary are already usable, representing 80% of the total route in the Rhône-Alpes, and offering a whole range of possible rides. Some of the sections are on green ways through a safe site that is accessible to all : accompanied children, adults, walkers, cyclists, able-bodied and disabled people… Each stage enables users to discover the diversity of the region. From alpine landscapes to the urban river banks in the centre of Lyon, from the terraced vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the châteaux of Saint-Vallier or Tournon, the variety of tourist attractions is endless. This highlights how well the Viarhôna can enhance water and river-based activities alongside cultural activities and local farm or vine-produced items. For the consummate “eco” region that is the Rhône-Alpes, this green cycle path is a priority project, giving the region’s residents the chance to reconnect with this influential river. There already exists a Rhône culture : its “lônes”, its fauna and flora, its locks and even its famous vintages are part of a shared heritage. Along the whole length of the route, there are works of art, museums, monuments that take up the theme. Discovering the culture of the Rhône can either be done by following the river itself or by staying nearby and branching further out into the départements, making use of the green ways which start from the ViaRhôna and push deeper into new territories Rhône Alpes Tourisme 3 Devised at the end of the 1990s, it was from 2005 onwards that the Rhône-Alpes region and CNR formalised their financial involvement and partnership to set up this project and make the ViaRhôna a reality. From that point on the ViaRhona brought together all of the territories and départements that run alongside the river Rhône. Driven by the three regional authorities of Rhône-Alpes, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur and Languedoc Roussillon, together with the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, an itinerary committee was set up in December 2013 with the aim of creating from it a massive tourism initiative by 2020. For the RhôneAlpes, the ViaRhôna is a founder element of the regional scheme of cycle ways and as such, is more than a mere facility but rather a local promotional tool that is based on “soft” means of transport and enhances the local economy - over 10,000 tourism options linked to the ViaRhôna are already available – as well as creating river-based activities and discoveries. The history ViaRhôna became a major collaborative project in 2004, when the Presidents of the PACA, LanguedocRoussillon and Rhône-Alpes regions launched the “Great Delta Appeal”, calling for ambitious, joint management of the river Rhône. This ambition has become reality with the development of a 20-year collaborative strategy. This sustainable development project brings together the issues of flood prevention, the protection and improvement of the river setting and long-term economic development. In the context of the Rhône-Alpes’ section, the ViaRhôna has also attracted European funding. The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) and the Rhône-Alpes region are committed to financing the work involved in developing the ViaRhôna. In the Rhône-Alpes, both the regional Council and the CNR have signed agreements with 17 local associations, which “own” the project and cover almost the whole route that needs to be developed. 65 % of the route is based on the stretch of river that comes under the responsibility of the CNR which means that company is a determining player within the project. The CNR’s involvement reflects the franchise’s terms of reference to ensure that the site is well used, especially if it results in more local development and tourism. The Rhône-Alpes Regional Council has subsidised ViaRhôna by 13.2 million euros, including 185,000 euros of European funding and the CNR has put in 11.1 million euros, whilst the various Rhône-Alpes territories have spent an estimated total of 51.5 million euros, with the rest of the budget provided by other contracting authorities and regional associations. A project of inter-regional scope “ViaRhôna, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean” is one of the beacon tourism projects of the Plan Rhône and will be a common theme of the inter-regional strategy in 2014-2020. There are three regional authorities involved in the project: Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Languedoc-Roussillon. Bearing in mind the advanced state of the Rhône-Alpes’ infrastructure and priorities, the Provence-AlpesCôte-d’Azur and Languedoc-Roussillon regions have agreed that it should be the main impetus behind this tourism initiative, working closely with Rhône-Alpes Tourisme. Since the first installations dating back to 2003, other targets have been reached. In 2013 there was the launch of a tourism marketing strategy for the ViaRhôna on a regional scale. In 2014, an inter-regional administration under the auspices of an itinerary committee was set up. 2015 will see the development of a long-term destination strategy and finally, in 2016, there are plans to extend the itinerary on a Europeanlevel to 1200 km (ViaRhôna + Route du Rhône in Switzerland) which will link the sources of the river Rhône with the Mediterranean sea via Lake Geneva, Western Europe’s biggest natural lake. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 4 Today, a collaborative development The Rhône-Alpes is France’s second largest tourist region, with 100,000 directly-linked jobs and 7% of the region’s GDP, representing 10 billion euros of tourism spending. ViaRhôna is the focus of collaborative working aimed at transforming it into a stand-alone tourism destination, with dedicated facilities that enable the route to feature high on the list of major European tourist itineraries. ViaRhôna fact file : 3 Regions, the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, 17 contracting authorities forming a joint itinerary committee 3 regional tourism authorities : Rhône-Alpes, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 12 departmental tourism authorities 55 tourist offices Cycle tourism in France : an up-and-coming market 40 % of the French population are active cyclists It is the second most popular sporting activity for holidaymakers 8 million tourism trips in 2011 France is number two in the world as a destination for cycle tourism Cycling economy : significant economic results Longer holiday season : from April to the end of October Higher average spend per tourist : - One cycle tourist on the road => 70 € per day - One tourist on holiday => 61€ per day - One "classic" tourist => 54 € per day 5 billion euros of the total tourist spend / 16,500 jobs linked to tourism Cycle tourism = 2 billion euros added to the national economy 3 million new bikes sold every year, 1.3 billion euros turnover 12,000 direct jobs (cars = 2 million sales per year) For every euro invested in the development of tourist cycle ways and infrastructure = one euro back to the local economy Who are cycle tourists ? Every age, from all socio-economic backgrounds, although the higher socio-economic groups and the over-50s travelling as a couple or with friends are more likely to be cycle tourists especially when it comes to itinerant holidays. More non-competitive cycling : itinerant cycle trips and holidays. / 30 to 60 km per day on average Rhône Alpes Tourisme 5 International clientèle => ¼ of tourists on cycle holidays => Northern Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium, Scandinavia, UK), North America. French clientèle = > very strong growth ; main lever for growth in the future A clientèle that is inquisitive and sensitive to protecting the natural environment, interested in exploring areas, landscapes, culture and local residents... The national network of cycle routes ViaRhôna is registered as part of the national organisation of cycle routes In 2020, France’s network of cycle routes will cover 20,000 km. Source : Dossier France Vélo Tourisme Study “L’économie du vélo” -2009 –Altermodal on behalf of Atout France, Coordonnateur, DGCIS, MN3V Key figures from Tourisme à Vélo en 2012 – Ministère de l’Artisanat du Commerce et du Tourisme National atlas of cycle routes and green ways – 2nd edition – July 2010 Route du Rhône and ViaRhôna both candidates for the Eurovélo network From 2012, the French communities involved in the ViaRhôna project decided they wanted to develop this concept further with Swiss partners, via the cantons of Geneva, Vau, Valais and Uri, who are already developing the tourism potential of the Route du Rhône, the Swiss equivalent of the ViaRhôna. This partnership has resulted in a joint application by the two itineraries to Eurovélo, the European network of long distance cycle routes. Currently the network consists of 14 cycle routes, representing a distance of over 70,000 km. In order to qualify, the itineraries must cover a minimum of 1000 km and cross through at least two countries. These criteria perfectly match the Franco-Swiss project, with 815 km of the ViaRhôna and 355 km of the Route du Rhône. Starting from Andermatt in Switzerland to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône (13) or Sète (34), this 1170 km itinerary will probably be number 17 and will provide a genuine link between northern and southern Europe. The Eurovélo 17 application should be confirmed at the end of 2015 and at the end of June 2016, all the signage (either permanent or temporary) for the whole length of the ViaRhôna should be complete (if the sections are finished or in the process of being completed). The permanent signage for the Eurovélo 17 itinerary is planned sometime in 2020. ViaRhôna : tourism development Making the ViaRhôna into a top-class tourist destination has required the mobilisation of every player and area involved. There have been inter-regional meetings, information days and discussions, special training of the various participants, eductours and workshops, publication of a sales manual, creation of an online booking system. From the point of view of tourism opportunities, ViaRhôna reflects a totally new appeal for the area between the Léman to the Mediterranean, the repositioning of the Rhône Valley within the “eco” market, and the lengthening of the tourism period between April and October. The project demands careful development of an abundant range of tourism features : sites, landscapes, attractions, museums, events… together with the creation of appropriate facilities and services. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 6 Last but not least, the coordination of regular and systematic evaluation of the economic, social and environmental impact ensures that sustainable development is an integral part of the project. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 7 Find all the information on each stage : http://en.viarhona.com/itineraires/viarhona 1 - Geneva – Vulbens – 33 km ViaRhôna meanders through the Pays Genevois and Haut Savoyard along the river Rhône. There are a few steep climbs on the shared sections for cyclists to be aware of. 2 - Vulbens – Seyssel – 27 km Between the mountains and the valleys, this stage of ViaRhôna offers some fantastic viewpoints over the Rhône and surrounding countryside. Cyclists should take care on the shared road section, before they get back on the green way that follows the Rhône from Seyssel. 3 - Seyssel - Chanaz - Belley – 33 km ViaRhôna passes through the Haut-Bugey, an area known for its impressive views of the mountains that overlook the Rhône. Green ways and shared roads alternate along this challenging stage. Energetic favourite Discover the untamed Rhône in a canoe The Brégnier-Cordon natural reserve, the vineyards in the area of Yenne, the Savière canal, the Chautagne... itineraries that are a bit different, exploring the almost exotic countryside of the Rhône and home to large birds and beavers. Over 60 km of navigable waterways, the itinerary will take you by canoe from the principal branch of the river to the “lônes” (secondary branches) through some amazing landscapes, lush plant-life and the ever-present fauna! In order to ensure that the natural setting is protected, trips out on the untamed Rhône are guided by instructors. http://en.viarhona.com/ideas-course/nature-activities 4 - Belley – Saint Genix sur Guiers – Groslée – 39 km From the plain of the Haut-Rhône to the mountains, ViaRhôna follows some beautiful green ways and shared roads, perfect for the whole family. 5 - Groslée – La Balme les Grottes – 36 km This stage of ViaRhôna meanders through the secluded natural environment along the river Rhône. Temporary route using small roads. A lovely green way from Sault-Brénaz to Lagnieu. 6 - La Balme-les-Grottes – Jons – 35 km Temporary stage using small roads. On the edge of Grand Lyon, the Ain flows into the Rhône, creating an amazing natural site : the Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 8 7 - Jons – Lyon – 29 km ViaRhôna follows the cycle tracks of the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, before rejoining the city of Lyon via the Parc de la Tête d’Or, on the banks of the Rhône which is entirely transformed into a green way, ideal for families. 8 - Lyon – Saint-Romain-en-Gal – 34 km As the cycle track is not quite finished yet, it is recommended to that cyclists take the train between Lyon and Givors. From there, a beautiful cycle track takes you to Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne. 9 - Saint-Romain-en-Gal – Sablons – 33 km This stage follows a green way along the entire route, meandering alongside terraced vines and orchards, via the protected site of the Ile du Beurre and then the natural reserve of La Platière which cyclists can pass through following a sign-posted section. 10 - Sablons –Tournon – 37 km This stage of ViaRhôna alternates through terraced vines and orchards. It follows a green way between Sablons, Saint-Vallier and Sarras as far as Saint-Jean de Muzols, with the exception of the Vion crossing which joins a road with light traffic for 2.5 km. You will find out how the developed Rhône feeds the surrounding agricultural land : tree growers, market vegetables and vineyards where Saint-Joseph reigns supreme. Once you get to Tournon-sur-Rhône follow the temporary signage to get to the next stage of the itinerary. Favourite accommodation alongside the ViaRhôna La Pipangaille bed & breakfast in Andancette Located in a former silk farm, Pipangaille boasts four individuallydecorated guest rooms which sleep between two and four people. Within easy reach of the Rhône, the house is situated close to the Viarhôna, giving the place an active, outdoor feel. In addition to the charm of the house, you can also enjoy the swimming pool. Pipangaille also offers locally-sourced “house specialities” for breakfast. www.chambresdhotes-pipangaille.com 11 - Tournon – Valence – 23 km Leaving the Pays du Tournonais from the southern barrier of Tournon-sur-Rhône, ViaRhôna continues to Glun. Here you will come across the amazing “lône” or tributary that encircles La Roche-de-Glun which, together with its characteristic biodiversity, will seduce even the most difficult person to please. Keep your eyes peeled, as temporarily you need to follow the existing busy itinerary from the dam at La Roche-deGlun to reach the green way as soon as you cross the Rhône and thus reach Valence which, with its colourful markets, gardens, vibrant districts and welcoming pedestrian streets, heralds Provence. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 9 Favourite tributary La Vallée de l’Isère The Vallée de l'Isère green way cycle route – national itinerary V63 – travels 42 km through the Drôme from Châteauneuf-surIsère to St-Nazaire-en-Royans, close to the river Isère. Its path gives views of the heritage and natural treasures from the outskirts of Royans and the Drôme des Collines, to the Rhône confluence : diverse agricultural areas, natural sites (orchards, reed beds, quarries…), fauna (herons, carp, beavers…) and landscapes (plateaux, valleys and hills). Passing through towns and villages, you will discover the characteristic local architecture with its mixture of shingle, adobe, sandstone or brick, as well as various structures ranging from dams to bridges and viaducts. www.romans-tourisme.com/fr/patrimoine/.../la-veloroute-voie-verte 12 - Valence – Le Pouzin – 34 km After a halt at the Epervière port in Valence, ViaRhôna resumes its route through Ardèche. From caves and archaeological sites, charming old villages, châteaux to nature reserves and protected natural spaces, you will get right to the heart of the Ardèche and then continue on the left bank, via the confluence with the Drôme (watch for the junction with the Vélodrôme as far as Allex), and then cross back to the right bank to reach Le Pouzin. Favourite tributary La Dolce Via snakes along the Eyrieux valley from La Voulte sur Rhône The former departmental railway along the Eyrieux valley gave way, in 2012, to the Dolce Via, a gentle track that has been developed for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Over 47 km, with a mixture of roads and way-marked earth tracks, this green way allows people to explore the landscapes of the Eyrieux valley : orchards, terraces, oak, chestnut and larch woodland, follow on from each other as you climb. It is a shady route offering fine views over the valley, with several picnic areas along the way and the chance to explore picturesque hilltop villages such as Beauchastel. Engineering masterpieces, the bridges and tunnels show the dimension of human labour in the 19th century. Along the path, there are lots of examples of the local architecture and economic activity of the valley : granite houses perched on the mountainside, old mills, factories… www.dolce-via.com 13 - Le Pouzin – Chateauneuf-du-Rhône – 40 km Continue south in the direction of Cruas. ViaRhôna now takes on a strong heritage flavour. There is a striking contrast between the architectural heritage of places such as the Abbatiale de Cruas and industrial heritage of its cement works, linked perhaps by the latest addition of a rope bridge at Rochemaure which is built on the pillars of the Vieux Pont. The itinerary continues on the left bank, close to Montélimar, as far as Chateauneuf du Rhône. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 10 La Payre green way connected to Viarhona from Le Pouzin This cycle path follows an old railway track that has been restored. With its tunnels, viaducts, bridges, footbridges and hydraulic structures, the Pouzin/Privas line offers a rare beauty. From Chomérac to St Lager Bressac, 4.5 km have been developed for cycling. As the route continues and then connects with the ViaRhôna, there are plenty of outdoor spaces which will appeal to cyclists and roller-bladers as well as walkers. www.ardeche-a-velo.com 14 - Chateauneuf-du-Rhône – Pont-Saint-Esprit – 33 km This temporary stage of the ViaRhôna snakes through tributaries and streams. The itinerary then continues through the Drôme, via sections that have been developed between Pierrelatte and Pont Saint Esprit. Special Family sections : With over 140 km of the green ways completed in the Rhône-Alpes, the ViaRhôna already provides a wide choice of cycle rides suitable for families. Details of these easy routes can be found in this “Special Family” section at http://en.viarhona.com/the-route/special-familyfriendly-options Chanaz <> Belley green way - 12 km A lovely green way, which follows the coils of this untamed stretch of the river Rhône between Chanaz and Belley, snaking its way along the river through the bucolic countryside of the Bugey. It is a pretty path which is ideal for family cycle rides. Belley <> Virignin green way - 5,5 km To the south of Belley, this short but very pretty green way meanders close to the majestic river Rhône. La Balme <> St-Genix-sur-Guiers green way - 14 km From La Balme, famous for its impressive gorges, the route starts out as a pretty woodland path before becoming a green way which follows the river Rhône. The green way offers magnificent views of the cliff faces of Mont Tournier overlooking the Rhône. You can also continue as far as Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers via the developed cycle track which follows the road. The itinerary is accessible for everyone. Brégnier-Cordon > Groslée green way- 12 km At the southern tip of the Jura mountains, on the borders of the Ain and the Isère, this route is accessible to everyone. From La Bruyère bridge, in Brégnier-Cordon, to Evieu, you follow the Brégnier-Cordon bypass channel on a cycle track. From Evieu to Groslée, enjoy the calm setting to explore this untamed stretch of river and the viewpoints along the way from which you can observe river life. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 11 Jons > Lyon green way- 29 km One of the best sections of the ViaRhôna set right on the edge of the busy city of Lyon. A lovely cycle track follows the canal right into the middle of the Miribel-Jonage park. This is a real oasis, offering lots of outdoor and waterbased activities for children and adults alike. Continuing along the green ways, you will go through the urban natural park of La Feyssine before reaching Lyon by bike along the river Rhône, all without meeting any cars. Loire-sur-Rhône > St-Romain-en-Gal green way- 7 km To the south of Lyon is a section that reflects the historical heart of river navigation. A lovely green way passes close to the Maison du Fleuve Rhône at Givors, taking you from Loire-sur-Rhône to Saint-Romain-en-Gal with its museums. Cross the Ile Barlet on the Rhône’s tributary for a pleasant sit-down in one of the “guinguettes” or open-air cafes. At Saint-Romain-en-Gal, take a look at Vienne and then set off to explore this historic city via the fine footbridge that has been built over the Rhône. St-Romain-en-Gal > Sablons green way - 33 km Nestling at the foot of terraced vineyards, including the famous Côte-Rôtie, and the first few orchards of the Rhône valley, you will find some lovely green ways that let you explore the diverse countryside of the area. Here you will discover a natural environment that has been shaped by human labour and then cross a wild nature reserve on the Ile au Beure, dotted with observation hides. Tain-L'Hermitage > Valence green way- 21 km This easy and pleasant section of the ViaRhôna offers a gentle transition towards the south. Follow the Rhône from Tain l’Hermitage and enjoy the view over Tournon-sur-Rhône with its château. You’ll be charmed by the landscapes of vineyards that overlook the river. Before you get to Valence, you will cross the river Isère using a recently-installed footbridge. To top it all, you will find several picnic areas along the way, equipped with tables, making this a perfect family day out. La-Voulte-sur-Rhône > Le Pouzin green way - 6 km To the south of Valence lies this distinctive area dotted with pretty little historic towns. Close to the château at La Voulte-sur-Rhône runs a short but lovely section of the ViaRhôna (6 km), crossing a protected natural area via a cycle track. The fine footbridge which goes over the Drôme is an ideal place from which to observe the fauna and flora. Even though it is quite short, this path has enough things to interest a family on a relaxing day out. Ancône > Châteauneuf-du-Rhône green way- 12,5 km The start of this beautiful ViaRhôna green way is close to Montélimar, between the Rochemaure bridge (Ancône) and Viviers’ bridge. The only green way of its kind, because it is effectively on one of the Rhône’s little islands, it follows the coils of the river with, on one side, the bypass channel and on the other, the untamed river. On the way, take a detour via the leisure centre at Montmeillan which will please both children and adults alike. There are several picnic areas too, making this a perfect family destination. http://en.viarhona.com/the-route/special-family-friendly-options Rhône Alpes Tourisme 12 River of civilisations, trade route between northern Europe and the Mediterranean, people have lived on the banks of the Rhône since time immemorial, leaving their mark throughout the ages. The ViaRhôna’s line of direction enables a journey back in time, right back to the earliest time of Prehistory and through to the present day. From north to south, traces of history follow on from each other. Hence, the Fort l’Ecluse in the Ain, a fortified military structure dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and built on the side of a mountain, tells us the story of how the Ecluse gorge was controlled and the crucial role the Fort played in protecting the entrance to the Pays de Gex. www.cc-pays-de-gex.fr Further on, the archaeological site of Larina www.musee-larina-hieres.fr, in northern Isère, bears testimony to the presence of humans from the Bronze Age to the beginning of the Middle Ages. The Gallo-Roman civilisation has also left its mark on the course of the river. In Aoste, the Gallo-Roman Museum www.musee-archeologique-aoste.fr displays a very fine collection of objects and archaeological finds discovered in the locality and surrounding area. Whilst at Brégnier-Cordon, the Musée Escale Haut Rhône www.escalehautrhone.fr is dedicated to the relationship between man and river through the ages. Lyon, founded by the Romans as capital of the Trois Gaules and listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site from 1998, is an amazing example of that period but also of the continuous urban development over more than two millennia. www.escalehautrhone.fr Worth noting are the Musée Gadagne www.gadagne.musees.lyon.fr which houses the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon and the Musée des Marionnettes du Monde, and soon to be opened, the Musée des Confluences www.museedesconfluences.fr with its futuristic architecture, located where the rivers Rhône and Saône meet. Favourite The Musée des Confluences in Lyon This 3000 m2 site, with its permanent exhibition telling a narrative in four acts, is divided into four spaces which boast an exciting design concept. Embracing the spirit of discovery and of sharing knowledge, and driven by the pleasure and desire to understand, the museum tackles several themes : Beginnings, the world’s narratives; Societies, the theatre of humankind; Species, the living mesh, and Eternities, visions of the hereafter. Accumulated since the 17th century, the collections of the Musée des Confluences consist of endless curiosities, originating from both scholars and enthusiastic amateurs and subsequently enhanced by judicious additions or the fads of a particular period. There are over two million objects displayed in both the permanent and temporary exhibitions, with between four to six temporary exhibitions every year, depending on the changing cultural seasons. www.museedesconfluences.fr 30 km to the south of Lyon, the archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal – Vienne www.musees-galloromains.com offers more than three hectares of the ruins of a district in the Roman city of Vienne. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 13 Further to the south, the poignant Musée des Mariniers du Rhône in Serrières tells the story of horse-drawn towing along the river from the end of the 15th century to the first half of the 19th. Further south again, the Château Musée de Tournon in Ardèche offers a magnificent view of the river and the riverside vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage. Favourite The Château-Musée de Tournon The historic listed Château de Tournon is found right in the town centre, located on the right bank of the river Rhône and dating largely from the 15th and 16th centuries. Since 1927 it has housed a Musée de France-accredited museum. www.ville-tournon.com/chateau-musee Valence celebrates the reopening of the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie de Valence www.museedevalence.fr located in the old bishop’s palace which has been enhanced with a modern extension. Avignon, in the Vaucluse, boasts the largest gothic building of the Middle Ages – the Palais des Papes www.palais-des-papes.com. And finally at the mouth of the river Rhône, the departmental Musée de l’Arles Antique www.arles-antique.cg13.fr/root which houses the recently-discovered Roman barge recovered from the Rhône riverbed in 2010, the best-preserved example of this type of flat-bottomed boat in the world and now classed as a “national treasure”. There is a network of museum and heritage sites which have been created over the years to highlight the amazing history of navigation on the river, showcasing collections that relate to the history of the Rhône alongside that of the human adventure : www.viarhona.com/loisirs-sur-rhone/cap-sur-le-rhone Rhône Alpes Tourisme 14 The vineyards along the length of the river Rhône are undeniably man made. The Romans undertook the colossal work of deep ploughing, planting and constructing the terraces for the vines. The vines that are planted on the right and left banks of the Rhône give a unique importance to this wine region, with its south-facing slopes, known as the famous “Côte Rôtie”, which suits its name perfectly. Anyone taking a trip alongside the river can enjoy tasting all the various wines from Savoie and the Rhône Valley, together with the iconic local produce of the areas they pass through. This wine tourism route starts 40 kms from Geneva, with the Savoie wine vineyards, France’s only mountain wine-producing area and the Seyssel appellation at the foot of the Alps. Further south, there are the appellations of Chautagne, Jongieux... grown above the Lac du Bourget, these are wines that should be drunk with the region’s iconic alpine lake fish, such as lavaret (pollan), féra or omble chevalier (arctic char). The Chautagne cellar in Ruffieux gives you an insight into the workings of the world of Vins de Savoie in a quirky, fun way thanks to its recently-developed visit entitled “l’Éveil des Sens”, presenting the cycle that a grape takes, from vine stock to bottle, via three projection rooms and a sensory space where you are plunged into a world of tastes and smells… Following the introductory display about the Rhône-Alpes region, the rest of the visit explores the world of grapes and wine through the seasons plus all the sounds that go with it… www.cave-de-chautagne.com. On the other side of the Rhône, the Bugey wine-growing area is more secret and, notably the Montagnieu sector, more distinctive at times because of the very steep slopes that sweep down towards the river. Lyon, the world gastronomic capital, is a definite “must” with its numerous Michelin-starred chefs such as Paul Bocuse who is nicknamed the Pope of Gastronomy and the famous “bouchons”, little restaurants serving quenelle and other pork products... www.lyon-france.com To the south of Lyon, the Rhône Valley’s vineyards (France’s second largest) have existed for 2000 years, planted on the terraced hillsides (and boasting top names such as Guigal, Chapoutier, Jaboulet). It is here that you will find the prestigious wines of the northern Côtes du Rhône such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet. Amongst this segment of legendary vintages, the “must-visit” addresses include: “Les Vins de Vienne” cellar at Chavanay : Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and François Villard dreamt of reviving the Seyssuel wine-growing area. They have achieved it with passion and love. Here you will discover the wines of this vineyard which was famous in Roman times: : Tabernum, Sotanum, Heluicum www.vinsdevienne.com/html/index.html. The Bistrot de Serine in Ampuis : a wine bar and wine merchant which is also a restaurant and offers over 400 wine labels on its list (Condrieu, Côte Rôtie, St Joseph...) www.bistrotdeserine.com/index.php/vins. The Domaine Vidal Fleury in Tupin and Semons : the oldest wine house of the Rhône Valley that is still in business. Its cellar is located right in the middle of the Côte-Rôtie vineyard www.vidal-fleury.com Further south again, you will come across the Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage wines... which can be discovered at the numerous famous wine estates in the area. Worth a mention is the Ecole de Dégustation M. Chapoutier in Tain l’Hermitage which offers a range of themed workshops, from an introduction to tasting through to improving technique, all led by professional sommeliers www.chapoutier-ecole.com/fr/atelier/la-degustation-a-l-aveugle-20.php#/Ateliers/20. Why not marry up wine and chocolate? The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain l’Hermitage : opened at the end of 2013, with its trendy, fun space dedicated to the discovery of Valrhona chocolate, it offers multiple opportunities to enjoy a taste – definitely not to be missed! www.citeduchocolat.com/fr Rhône Alpes Tourisme 15 Favourite Two unusual ways to combine wine and touring Les Sens’Ciel at Tournon sur Rhône with wine guide Marie-Josée Faure : wine bar, wine merchant, restaurant, introduction to tasting, walks in the terraced vineyard… www.vin-et-sens.com “From the terraces of the Rhône to sommelier” at Tain l’Hermitage (wine cellar, restaurant, shop) : sommelier Fabien Louis offers a novel visit, discovering the picturesque vineyards of Hermitage on a battery-powered bike www.ausommelier.com In Valence, food-lovers can taste the exceptional cuisine of Anne-Sophie Pic, the only female chef to have three stars in the Michelin guide. Further down river, make the most of your visit to Montélimar, on the legendary RN 7, to stop off for a sugary treat – nougat – and visit a traditional nougat factory www.nougatsoubeyran.com/fr/musee-des-saveurs/) . Before you leave the region to go further down south, there are other vineyards worth exploring along the river: Côtes du Vivarais and Grignan-les-Adhémar on the edge of Provence. Along the length of the Rhône Valley there are areas bearing the label “Vignobles & Découvertes” which have made it their mission to provide an improved welcome and offer services that are appreciated by wine lovers. There are six such areas in the Rhône-Alpes, five of which can be found along the ViaRhôna : Savoie Lac du Bourget, Cœur de Savoie, Vallée du Rhône Condrieu – Côte Rôtie, at Hermitage en SaintJoseph and Cornas en Saint-Péray. www.lacdubourget.fr/fr/vignobles-a-decouvertes.html vignobles.tourisme.coeurdesavoie.fr www.condrieu-coterotie.com www.dhermitageenstjoseph.org www.rhone-crussol-tourisme.com/vin-gastronomie/label-vignobles-et-decouvertes Enjoy the flavours of local produce as you follow the Rhône (rigotte from Condrieu, Rhône Valley fruits : peaches from Ardèche, apricots from the Drôme...) and eat at the numerous restaurants and inns dotted along the tourist trail. Favourite Gastronomic restaurants along the ViaRhôna : Les Morainières in Jongieux amongst the vines of the Savoie wine-growing area. In this gastronomic restaurant, awarded two Michelin stars and built within an old cellar at the top of a hillside planted with vines, Mickaël Arnoult offers a highly refined style of cooking and likes to promote Savoie wines. A moment of pure joy in the realm of Altesse ! www.les-morainieres.com Lyon, world gastronomic capital : from Michelin-starred restaurants, 15 in total, to “bouchons Lyonnais”... La Pyramide in Vienne, the legendary institution created by Augustus then by Fernand Point on the Nationale 7 road in the 1920s and now, under the direction of Patrick Henriroux, awarded two Michelin stars www.lapyramide.com In Valence, Anne Sophie Pic, the only female chef to have three Michelin stars, and where food lovers come to enjoy her exceptional cuisine. www.pic-valence.com In Charmes sur Rhône, a new Michelin star : Olivier Samin at the Carré d’Aléthius This young chef, now recognised by the famous red guide, is certainly one of the most talented chefs of his generation. He was Anne-Sophie Pic’s second in command for almost seven years. www.lecarredalethius.com Rhône Alpes Tourisme 16 In the Rhône Alpes 557 km in the Rhône-Alpes of which 450 km completed 220 km green ways, totalling 49% of the itinerary Continuous itinerary from june 2016 onwards in the regional area 220 villages or towns on the Rhône’s banks 146 villages or towns passed through by the ViaRhôna 316 crossing points on the river Over the whole of the route Almost 817 km from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Completion expected around 2020 46% completed in PACA, totalling 53 km 39 % completed in Languedoc-Roussillon, totalling 57 km All the details are on www.viarhona.com ; www.viarhona.tv. ; www.facebook.com/viarhona Rhône Alpes Tourisme 17 From June to September 2014, as the summer progresses, there is nothing nicer than enjoying some of the festivals and events going on in the Rhône-Alpes. The Fête du Vélo, 31 May and 1 June in Lyon For the Fête du Vélo on 31 May and 1 June 2014, the Rhône-Alpes region, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône and Rhône-Alpes Tourisme are organising an event for the general public which is focused on promoting the ViaRhôna with numerous activities on offer. Several events in Lyon, on the banks of the Rhône Saturday and Sunday, entertainment and activities offered on the Berges : acrobatic shows and poetry recitals on the theme of bikes and water, street theatre, test rides and the chance to hire various types of bike (traditional, battery-powered, as well as more unusual types), introduction to kayaking with a minitrip… Last but not least, 10 information booths which complete the plan to make the Berges du Rhône a window onto the ViaRhôna in the Rhône-Alpes : ViaRhôna / Rhône Alpes Tourisme and Région Rhône Alpes Monweekendalyon.com / Lyon – Rhône (tourism promotion for Grand Lyon) Pays du Lac d’Aiguebelette / Savoie (tourism promotion for the Avant Pays Savoyard) Vienne and Pays Viennois Tourist Office / Isère – a city with 2500 years of history Pays Roussillonnais Tourisme / Isère in the Rhône Valley, 50 minutes south of Lyon Plein Cœur Tourisme / gateway to the Drôme Ardèche Valence Tourisme / Ladrometourisme.com Maison du Tourisme de la Voulte-sur-Rhône / Eyrieux Rhône Véore en Ardèche Montélimar Agglomération Tourisme / Ladrometourisme.com Office de Tourisme Du Rhône Aux Gorges de l’Ardèche / Ardèche There is also a photo exhibition on the quayside, provided by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, highlighting the natural, cultural and industrial heritage of the Rhône which anyone taking the ViaRhôna can discover as they continue on their journey. Two cycle rides organised in the north and south of Lyon These cycle rides have been put together with help from local organisations, taking place on 1 June to the north and south of Lyon : 20 km from La Balme (73) to Groslée (01), and 35 km from Sablons (38) to Saint Vallier (26). Free of charge and not timed, they have been organised with families in mind. Their routes run close to TER stations or car parks and can be attempted either entirely or partially. Welcome desks and refreshment points are planned for the length of the route. www.viarhona.com Festival Les Nuits de Fourvière 3 June to 2 August Cultural and summer events in the unique setting of the Roman theatres at Fourvière. Eclectic programme. www.nuitsdefourviere.fr Rhône Alpes Tourisme 18 Toques & Nougat in Montélimar 14 and 15 June For the second edition of the Fête du Nougat, Montélimar combines gastronomy with pastry making in order to celebrate its iconic product – all under the direction of chef Jean-François Piège. www.montelimar-tourisme.com Exhibition “Image N’ Magie”, Château-Musée de Tournon 17 June to 6 October “This exhibition has been created and produced by the Musée du quai Branly de Paris within the framework of the Grand Projet la Grotte Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc”. The exhibition will display a collection of about 40 pieces from the Musée du quai Branly : masks, sculptures, shields, paintings, amulets, together with an audiovisual programme. www.ville-tournon.com/chateau-musee Fêtes Nocturnes at the Château de Grignan 26 June to 23 August Every evening during the summer, the Fêtes Nocturnes welcome spectators to come and watch a play within the grounds of the château. For summer 2014, Victor Hugo is on the bill at the Château de Grignan, with his famous play "Lucrèce Borgia" directed by David Bobee. chateaux.ladrome.fr/saison-culturelle/theatre-jeune-public/fetes-nocturnes-2014-lucreceborgia/lucrece-borgia-fetes-nocturnes-2014 Festival Jazz à Vienne 27 June to 12 July Annual rendez-vous of some of the greatest names in the jazz world, within the impressive setting of Vienne’s ancient theatre. Fringe festival throughout the town. www.jazzavienne.com Exhibition : From Gainsborough à Turner, Musée de Valence 28 June to 29 September Exhibition of about 70 works, including paintings and graphic art, from the Musée du Louvre. www.museedevalence.fr Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan 1 to 6 July The Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan, a cultural event that celebrates the art of letter writing, featuring correspondence from every period of history and in every form, from the traditional to the contemporary. Theme for 2014 : "1914, from the Belle Époque to the war". www.grignan-festivalcorrespondance.com Exhibition : From Lake Geneva to the Sea, Musée Escale Haut Rhône 2 July to 28 September Check out this exhibition which traces the history of man and the river Rhône through the centuries. www.escalehautrhone.fr Musilac, Aix-les-Bains 11 to 13 July The number one Pop Rock festival in the Rhône-Alpes region. About 40 artists, four open air stages, next to the largest natural lake in France. www.musilac.com Rhône Alpes Tourisme 19 Foire aux Oignons, Tournon-sur-Rhône 29 August, every year One of the oldest fairs in France, held since the 14th century. It attracts over 1000 exhibitors to the city centre. www.ville-tournon.com Finals of France’s nautical jousting championship 2014 at Vernaison 30 and 31 August In Lyon, first on the Saône, then on the Rhône, nautical jousting was originally organised to entertain kings and their royal courts but they quickly became popular festivals which attracted lots of spectators. Today, nautical jousting remains engraved in the memory and culture of the people living by the river Rhône ; indeed it is often a family passion that is passed down from father to son. The jousting season and competitions take place every year between June and September: unique displays of strength and balance that can be watched by riverside residents as well as the wider population who come to enjoy this rather dramatic activity. The Union Marinière de Vernaison is organising the finals of the Championnat de France de Joutes Nautiques (Lyon/Givors methods) on 30 and 31 August 2014. La Fédération Française de joute This major event attracts 64 athletes from the junior to senior categories of 20 or so national clubs. They compete over two days in front of more than 8000 spectators. Competitions, entertainment, shows throughout the weekend. www.mariniere-vernaison.fr/finales-du-championnat-de-france-2014.html Salon des Vins in Saint-Péray 5 to 7 September The great names of northern and southern vineyards will be there, invited by the Confrérie du Saint Péray. This event is both social and cultural, a place for trading at the traditional Ardèche market that is known throughout the Rhône-Alpes region... The numerous visitors over the weekend can taste and discover the best wines alongside the flavours of the regional products, offered by the various food and drink producers at the event. The tradeshow takes place during the first weekend of September, every year. www.st-peray.com/ville-culturelle-animations.htm#vinsjumelage Fête des Vendanges in Tain l’Hermitage 20 and 21 September The festival takes place every year on the third weekend of September, with a wine competition and trophies, night-time procession, musical entertainment, aperitif open to everyone, big parade of floats, fun fair, performances by all the local music groups, pétanque competition throughout the two days. http://comite-fetes-tain.fr/programme/ Vinalia, wine and ancient food festival at the Musée et Site Archéologique de St Romain en Gal 28 September The Vinalia were the religious festivals that announced the start of the grape harvest in Roman times. Come and relive the Roman grape harvest festival ! A unique occasion to share the world of Roman wines alongside professionals : archaeologists, wine growers and artisans. Since 2004, the archaeological museum has been involved in organising reconstructions of Roman harvests and archaeological experiments based on wine, following ancient methods and traditions. www.musees-gallo-romains.com Rhône Alpes Tourisme 20 Delphine Chartron, cycling’s fashionista Delphine Chartron has recently created the “Vasimimile” range, selling high-vis accessories for urban cyclists, people on rollerblades, skates and scooters as well as for others out and about. This dynamic young woman, who is also a seasoned cyclist, wanted to prove that cycling and fashion could go hand in hand! A poncho, an “obi” belt, a warning triangle worn on the back and a scarf are all the latest kit aimed at the trendy cyclist. Comfortable designs, fun logos, fluorescent or retro-reflective technical materials. Vasimimile is a registered trademark and all the items are made in the Rhône-Alpes. The accessories enable cyclists to remain both elegant and safe on the road, whatever the weather! Online shop at www.vasimimile.com Raphaël Pommier, enthusiastic and multi-lingual wine grower Raphaël Pommier describes himself as a wine-grower/chef. He also won first prize in the wine-grower/chef competition that was held at the SIRHA tradeshow in Lyon in 2013 ! Part of a seven generation winegrowing family, Raphaël is passionate about growing his wines in the Ardèche at the family estate of Notre Dame de Cousignac in Bourg Saint Andéol. The estate takes its name from the little 6th century chapel that nestles amongst the vines. The estate is well-known for its organic wines and old-fashioned methods are used, avoiding insecticides, chemical or synthetic products. Côtes du Vivarais, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Vin de Pays de l’Ardèche, all legendary vintages and geographical areas that are there to be discovered. Raphaël speaks English and German and loves welcoming visitors to his estate, where he can talk to them about the vines, offer them a tasting or even a room for the night. He also has plans to create a track from the estate to the ViaRhôna, meaning that he will be able to entertain passing cycle tourists. www.ndcousignacvillegiature.fr Discover the Rhône by amphibious vehicle This is a really unusual way of discovering a stretch of the untamed river Rhône, on board a genuine chauffer-driven 1960s amphibious vehicle. After a few turns on the beach, the vehicle goes straight in to the water and then behaves just like a boat. It can take up to three adult passengers (or 2 adult and 2 children) in addition to the driver. The outings must be booked in advance and can be organised at any time of year, as long as the Rhône is safe to navigate. Tel. 06 16 74 42 56 www.valleebleue.org/voiture-amphibie-amphi-concept-35.html Rhône Alpes Tourisme 21 RHÔNE-ALPES TOURISME Rhône-Alpes Tourisme’s main mission is to promote tourism to the Rhône-Alpes, including any other actions that relate to the tourism industry, both nationally and abroad. In order to respond to the way the national tourism market is changing and to contribute to the region’s growth, its priorities were redefined in 2013 : Position Rhône-Alpes’ tourism development as a major economic activity for the next decade. Open its operational sphere to include all the various elements of attractiveness within the region. Engage in a strategy to offer destination services to both public and private tourism companies. Enhance the expertise (and the teams that provide expertise) within the Rhône-Alpes and beyond. Develop as many partnerships as possible. Against this background, Rhône-Alpes Tourisme has established four areas of capability within the service to partners : development and expertise, training, marketing and information. Rhône-Alpes Tourisme has also refocused its objectives based on five priority themes : mountains and Natural Parks, wine tourism and gastronomy, culture and big projects, tourism for all, and the ViaRhôna For more information : http://pro.rhonealpes-tourisme.com ; www.rhonealpes.tv ; www.rhonealpestourisme.com, twitter.com/viarhona, Facebook.com/viarhona.fr THE RHÔNE-ALPES REGION Rhône-Alpes is made up of eight départements : the Ain, Ardèche, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Rhône, Savoie and Haute-Savoie. It goes from some of Europe’s highest peaks in the north to the edge of Provence, in the south. It is as big as Switzerland and as populated as Denmark, with over 6.3 million residents, representing almost 10% of the population of France. Its natural assets, the strength of its economy, its dynamic university, scientific and cultural life, make this a region that is especially attractive. It features amongst Europe’s top 20 most powerful regions. The regional Council’s commitment to the domains of training and transport, economic development and innovation has contributed to improving the daily life of RhôneAlpes’ residents. Tourism, a key sector in the economy of the Rhône-Alpes, is in the middle of a transformation which is fully supported by the regional Council. In 2008, together with all of its partners, it approved its Schéma Régional de Développement du Tourisme et des Loisirs (SRDTL) to pursue the development of a tourism economy that is both innovative and sustainable and by doing so, confirm its leading position in the sector. The development plan focuses on three strategic areas: Tourism that respects the environment, with numerous possibilities to interconnect with the TER train network ; Tourism that is supportive of and accessible to everyone: discovery, recreational, intergenerational, open to all physical conditions and financial budgets, and totally safe ; Tourism that plays a significant part in the region’s charm, employment and territorial growth. ViaRhôna brings a new dimension to this plan, very 21st century : “soft” touring. Rhône Alpes Tourisme 22 THE COMPAGNIE NATIONALE DU RHÔNE Historically a producer of hydro-electricity on the Rhône, the CNR is now France’s leading producer of renewable energy, combining diversified sources that include wind turbines and photovoltaic. The revenue from the sale of its electricity on various European markets enables it to pursue its three franchise activities on the Rhône (production of hydro-electricity, navigation, irrigation and other agricultural practices) and a successful industrial strategy that focuses on the maintenance of its various structures and the development of its assets exclusively committed to renewable production. Over the last ten years the CNR has engaged in a voluntarist approach with its Missions d’Intérêt Général, favouring the sustainable development of all the areas through which the river flows. It enhances the Rhône’s heritage via the development of renewable energy, the pursuit of collaborative partnerships to create new tourism infrastructures such as the ViaRhôna, undertaking actions that encourage protection of the environment, plus the support of local, cultural, educational or sporting activities. Dialogue and redistribution to the territorial areas of a share of its business growth epitomise this “CNR industrial model”, the only one of its kind in France. A company that is majority publicly owned, with GDF SUEZ as majority shareholder, CNR is renowned throughout France and the world for its expertise in hydro-electrical and river engineering and in the management of renewable energies. www.cnr.tm.fr Rhône Alpes Tourisme 23 Danielle Romagnoli ViaRhôna project manager Tel : +33 (0)4 26 73 31 92 Mobile : + 33 (0)6 08 85 72 41 [email protected] Raphaelle Nicaise European Press Attaché Tel : +33 (0)4 26 73 31 84 Mobile : 33 (0)6 23 03 52 39 [email protected] Julia Grunert ViaRhôna Promotion Tel : +33 (0)4 26 73 31 85 Mobile : +33 (0) 6 29 58 26 44 [email protected] Lawrence Duval Monfort Information & marketing ViaRhôna Tel : +33 (0)4 26 73 31 73 Mobile : + 33 (0)6 07 65 57 54 [email protected] Rhône Alpes Tourisme 24
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