The so-called Venaissia bike route

Hello young cycling enthusiasts, I’m starting a thread about the bike route known as venaissia.

Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.

Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/

The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.

He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)

overall impression: good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras... Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track... Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.

Well done Claudio, always the same, always up for it—nobody scares him, as we say back home!

We’re waiting for the photo gallery.

Serge

Here’s the photo report in 117 images

The Triumphal Arch of Orange, no less http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/F/

Thanks Claudio, your photos are really nice, especially with this landscape format—particularly the one of Lac d'Aiguebelette. Have a great evening!

thanks! the story’s taking a while to come though it’s odd how us cyclists feel the need to write full sentences—I’m finding it harder and harder to do! Age, maybe? next ride as soon as... it’s about getting from Lyon to Valence along the Rhône balconies it’ll be more of a workout than the ViaRhona

Oh no, Claudio, your inspiration will come back—you always have great ideas for walking projects. Have a good walk, don’t lean too far over the balconies, and be careful not to stare at them too much!

Thanks, Claudio—back safe and sound once again!

Phase three now: the story... perfect for those long evenings in Savoie by the fireplace. Way better than TV!

A beautiful hike: more athletic but doable, aside from a few 'strapetti' and 'strade bianche'.

Even though getting out of Lyon was a pain (it wasn’t Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, but Tassin—lunar eclipse). Still really not getting along with the GPS... Back to basics: index cards, maps, and paper roadmaps...

Claudio from La Faverges