Enjoy with your vintage bike the charms of the small roads and the copious refuelings for a sporting and gourmet day.
The via Gusto is made for gastronomy lovers, who like to take the time to discover and taste. This 49 km long route with a 270m difference in altitude is an itinerary that will surprise you with the calm and charm of the roads and the variety of food and wine stops.
The participants start on the paved streets of Sion, capital of the Valais region. A last look at the castles of Valère and Tourbillon before setting off on the banks of the Rhône accompanied by the lapping of the water. At the exit of the city, the cyclists first take the small roads between fruit trees and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône.
The first refreshment with Valais flavors takes place after 10 km at the Salle Recto-Verso de Grône, a recognized cultural space in the region.
Back in the saddle by the white roads and e few kilometer further on, it's time to join the Arche des Crétillons, an agrotouristic farm in the commune of Chalais-Vercorin. Situated in the heart of the Valais, the site of Les Crétillons represents practically the last area of natural meadows at low altitude in the canton. This area presents an important ecological richness with its wetlands, steppe meadows, bisse, forest and diversified fauna. It is also an opportunity to taste local products in the midst of the farm and its 200 animals.
After driving along Lake Géronde in Sierre, you enter the Finges Nature Park. A beautiful gravel road along the Rhone leads to the wine village of Salquenen. This is an opportunity to discover the gastronomic treasures of the region in the heart of 200 hectares of vineyards.
After this country break, the cyclists head for the village of Chippis, where the Bicycle Museum is located. More than 600 bicycles from 1850 to the present day, 2000 jerseys, jerry cans, books, postcards, the museum presents one of the most beautiful collections in the whole of Europe. A series of exceptional pieces will be exhibited in the open air on the schoolyard where a succulent raclette will be served.
It's time to go back to the heart of the orchards and zigzag between the apple trees of the Rhone valley to reach the next supply at the Crêperie l'Hohoho. On the edge of the banks of the river, this family establishment welcomes fine gourmets in a large green space. A selection of homemade crepes is served to delight the taste buds.
Finally, it's time to let yourself be guided by the Rhone River to the heart of the city of Sion on the historic Place de la Planta, where a friendly and festive atmosphere gathers the participants around dessert della Nonna in the open air.
