Accueil » Saint Joseph from Tain l’Hermitage : 39km +540m

Saint Joseph from Tain l’Hermitage : 39km +540m

by Kim Gintrand
Saint Joseph Tain l'Hermitage gravel ardèche itinéraire route cycling

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

Start/Finish

Tain l'Hermitage

Distance

39km

Elevation gain

540m

Time

2h30-3h00

Best seasons

Spring & Summer

Difficulty

2/5*

Physical & technical

Starting from Tain l’Hermitage, the Saint Joseph S itinerary takes its name from the local wine appellation : Saint Joseph. After following the Via Rhôna for about 9km, you will cross the “Avenue du Vercors” bridge to reach La Roche-de-Glun.

After crossing a second bridge, you will find yourself on the right bank of the Rhône, where you will begin a climb on a quiet road alongside the Chalaix Stream. There are very few cars going through this road, you will be able to enjoy the nature around you while still being on the road.

Saint Joseph gravel route itinéraire ardèche
Saint Joseph gravel route itinéraire ardèche

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

Then, you will turn right to join the famous “piste de rôle,” a wide dirt and gravel path winding through vineyards with breathtaking views of the Rhône. This gravel section is one of the most famous in the area for its view!

piste de rôle saint joseph itinéraire gravel ardèche
piste de rôle saint joseph itinéraire gravel ardèche
piste de rôle saint joseph itinéraire gravel ardèche
Ardèche gravel itinéraire route saint joseph

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

The ascent is gradual until the descent to Tournon-sur-Rhône via the panoramic road, offering clear views of the river and its surroundings throughout the descent. Note: Be careful during the descent, as the road remains busy.

This beautiful route starting from Tain l’Hermitage will allow you to discover the richness of the region’s vineyards as well as its extensive gravel paths.

For more information –> Office du Tourisme Ardèche Hermitage 

Saint Joseph 39km
Map & GPX

tested

My Equipments

For this itinerary

Bike

COMMENCAL - 365 RACE FROZEN BROWN


 
Wheels

CORIMA - ESSENTIA 40


 
Saddle

FIZIK - VENTO ARGO R3 adaptative


 
Tires

HUTCHINSON - TOUAREG 700x45 - Tubeless ready - Hardskin


 
Shoes

FIZIK - VENTO PROXY - Coral / Purple


 
Clothes

ASSOS

Sunglasses

OAKLEY - Sutro Lite Sweep


 
Pedals

LOOK - X-TRACK POWER DUAL


 
Near the itinerary
Best Addresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Tain l'Hermitage

Brasserie le Quai*

local cuisine

Lalouvesc

Café du Lac*

crêperie, bar, café

Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid

Boulangerie La Chanterelle*

Saint-Donat-sur-Herbasse

Bakerie Rachel et Frederique Bouvier*

ACTIVITIES

Tain l'Hermitage

La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona*

Charmes-sur-l'Herbasse

Château de Charmes

Free visit, mystery trail, collection of furniture and art objects, and many other things to discover!

Saint-Jean-de-Muzols

Train of Ardèche*

Get aboard a steam locomotive to explore the region along the Gorges du Doux. More information here.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Tain l'Hermitage

Hôtel Les Deux Côteaux*

3-star hotel located in the city center with a view of the Rhône.

Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse

Les Cabanes des Collines*

A night in a treehouse cabin perched in the trees

Arlebosc

Camping du Viaduc*

45 spots including 26 unusual rentals: tipis, cabins, yurts, Finnish Kotas,...

Culinary Specialties / Local Products

  • Le Caillé Doux de St Félicien - goat chesse
  • La Pogne - Orange Blossom Brioche
  • La Caillette Ardéchoise - Pork and Spinach 
  • Les Ravioles - Small squares of pasta filled, most often with Comté cheese
  • La Châtaigne 
  • Le Chocolat Valrhona - la Cité du Chocolat
  • La Truffe Noire
  • L'abricot
  • The Wines with 3 Appellations:
    • l'Hermitage
    • Le Crozes Hermitage 
    • Le Saint Joseph

EVENTS

Saint-Jean-de-Muzols

Trail Muzolais

March - 16km et 25km + Hiking Trails and Kids' Races

Tournon-sur-Rhône

L'Ardèche Gravel

April - gravel bikepacking, ultra et discovery

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Le Raid des Tours

April - 3 MTB routes : 28km, 41km, 51km & 2 gravel routes : 45km et 55km 

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Trail du Sou de Tournon

May- 13km et 18km

Tain l'Hermitage

Duo de l’Hermitage

18 & 19 Mai - 10km, 15km, 42km, 25km, 14km.

Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse

Le Champos Festilac trail

8 & 9 Juin - 7km, 16km, 30km, 59km + kid's trail races, orientation races, 2 walking trails

St Félicien

L'Ardéchoise

12 au 15 Juin - gravel : 48km, 68km, 95km. 

Colombier le Vieux

Le X Kern trail

Décembre - Le Trail des Gorges de La Daronne. 7km, 15km, 24km et 50km.

Barthenay

La Bathernight

Décembre - Trail nocturne :25km, 6,5km et 13,5km,

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More than an anonymous reference guide, the routes in Destinations Gravel are tested by @gravel_kim to assist you in choosing your gravel explorations.

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