Via Fluvia greenway in Dunières: the old railway by bike

Our take

A former railway line turned greenway, on tarmac and with a gentle slope, with its viaducts: at Dunières, you ride on the Via Fluvia, the cycle route between the Loire and the Rhône.

The editors · Teddy L.updated on 26 September 2026How we choose our places

Dogs welcome
Partial wheelchair access
For a fine day

The Via Fluvia runs through Dunières on a former railway line: tarmac, a gentle slope and picnic areas.

The Via Fluvia runs through Dunières (43) on a former railway line, between Montfaucon-en-Velay and Riotord. From Raucoules to Riotord, the section is 19 km long, all on tarmac, with picnic areas, benches and toilets along the route.

It is not completely flat, but the slope stays under 3%: the section has 304 m of cumulative ascent, and Riotord (914 m) is higher than Dunières (790 m). In Dunières, you set off from the La Galoche car park.

No bike? Dunières has an electric bike hire business, and the Voie Verte chalet in Riotord hires hybrid bikes, electric bikes, roller skates and scooters. You are on the Via Fluvia, the cycle route that links the Loire to the Rhône.

Why we love it

A slope of under 3%, on tarmac from Raucoules to Riotord
The viaducts and the steam train, following the trail of the old railway line
Picnic areas, benches and toilets spaced out along the route
Electric bikes to hire in Dunières, and hybrid bikes, roller skates or scooters at the Voie Verte chalet in Riotord

Top tip

Set off from Dunières (790 m) towards Riotord (914 m): the outward leg climbs gently, the return is mostly downhill. At the Voie Verte chalet in Riotord, you can hire hybrid bikes, electric bikes, roller skates or scooters.

Before you go

Dogs allowed, kept on a lead. Horse riders are not allowed on the route.
Tarmac route with a slope of under 3%, accessible by wheelchair with assistance. The Raucoules to Riotord section still has 304 m of cumulative ascent.
Park at the La Galoche car park in Dunières, which is one of the greenway's starting points.
From Raucoules to Riotord, the route is tarmac along its whole length, with no dirt sections.
For a few hundred metres, the route runs alongside a small factory where cars and lorries move around: take extra care here.