Aire - Rhône Gravel
This is my go-to gravel loop from downtown Geneva when I’ve got around 90 mins to spare. It runs alongside 2 rivers (one much more well known than the other), and maximises your time off road, with only a few short sections on tarmac.
We begin in Petit Lancy, just a couple of kilometres from the centre of Geneva. Just off the main road we take the Chemin de Gué, which drop rapidly down to the river Aire. Just after crossing the river, we hang a right onto the gravel and pass underneath the viaduct.
Follow the riverside path for about a kilometre until you pop out onto Chemin de Verjus which we follow until we arrive at the sports centre Les Cherpines. Here we turn right, cross the river again and get back onto the gravel.
The Aire river path
What follows is a brilliant stretch of the route, where the riverside has been redeveloped and made super accessible. It runs for about 4km right up to the French border at Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. Just don’t miss the turn after about 2 km which crosses the river.
The climb to Sézenove
At the border we turn north-west and head across open field to the climb up to Sézenove. This is a steep off road climb but has been recently “re-gravelled” which makes it much more pleasurable to climb (and descend) than it used to be.
Almost to the highest point of the ride
Once into Sézenove we’re very briefly onto the tarmac again before we cross the main road and gently climb to the ride’s highest point. Here we turn right and drop down towards Route de Chancy.
Take care crossing this busy road and you’re onto some more excellent gravel heading down to Aire-la-Ville. Here we hit an optional short loop which is definitely worth doing if you have the time. It takes you across fields and alongside the Rhône to the Verbois dam.
Sunflowers outside Aire-la-Ville
From here we head briefly back into Aire-la-Ville before rejoining the Rhône river and getting into the fun woods which line the riverbank.
Riverside woods
Follow the route along the river, careful as there’s a couple of steep off road descents before you get to Chèvres. Then under the motorway and continue to follow the river. There’s one staircase you have to dismount and hike up (but is it really a gravel ride if you’re not pushing your bike at least once?).
Alpine sunrise beside Parc des Evaux
The trail brings you to Parc des Evaux and some final fun off road before spitting you out in Onex, back at Pont Butin from where you can head back into the city.
Aire and Rhône. The perfect city centre gravel mini adventure.