Once we cut over to Chalon, we can take the "Voie Bleu" along the Saone, past Macon, and to Lyon. We understand that the Voie Bleu now does extend as far as Lyon, and we will chance it. In the past, the route fell apart after Macon, but reports from other cyclists say it is now ok.

Lyon is a big city, and we expect it would be difficult to get through it. However on the other side lies the now wonderful Via Rhona route. We will take it cautiously, and land up at Givors, just south of the city. From there, it's a romp down to our happy places in Provence, Camargue, and Provence again!

Before we reach Avignon, we'll mix it up a bit by heading over from the river,  to Carpentras. It's about a 25 km detour, just for fun. But then we'll be in Avignon - once again near the bottom of the Rhone!