France·2026

Valence

Valence sits on the Rhône at the gateway to the Ardèche and Vercors mountains, making it a natural hub for mountain biking and trail running. Cyclists dominate here — the Ultr'ardèche 222 and Raye VTT Vercors are serious regional events, with Vercors climbing to 1,000m+ just 30km east and the Ardèche's gnarly terrain 40km southwest. Runners have flatter riverbank routes through the Drôme valley but are better served heading into the foothills for the steeper, more technical terrain that defines the region.