Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a vast and diverse region in southeastern France known for its stunning natural landscapes, historic cities, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Here are some of the top attractions and places to see in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes:

History

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of mainland France’s newer administrative regions, formed by merging the former Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions. It is the third-largest region in mainland France by area and, after Île-de-France, the second most populous, with roughly eight million inhabitants spread across twelve departments plus the separate Lyon Métropole, whose prefecture is Lyon. The two former regions kept much of their own character after the merger: Auvergne still reads as a distinct place, and many visitors find it easier to plan a trip around the old regional boundaries than the new one.

Three lands in one region

The name points to three quite different areas. Auvergne, in the west, is sparsely populated and centred on its extinct volcanoes, with dramatic scenery and walks up to old craters rather than crowds. The Rhône corridor, running south from Lyon, is the most densely populated part of the region and includes Lyon itself, the country’s gastronomic capital, along with Vienne, known for its Roman remains, and Valence, where the young Napoleon Bonaparte studied; the Ardèche gorges are also in this area. The Alps, in the east, are themselves thinly populated outside a handful of foothill towns — Grenoble, Chambéry and Annecy — and the ski resorts of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Courchevel and Megève; the area overlaps the medieval County of Savoy.

1. The French Alps:

  • The French Alps offer breathtaking mountain scenery and numerous outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
  • Popular Alpine destinations include Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, and Aix-les-Bains.

2. Lyon:

  • Lyon is a vibrant and culturally rich city known for its gastronomy and historical architecture.
  • Explore the Old Town (Vieux Lyon), visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and enjoy a meal in a traditional bouchon.
  • Lyon was once the centre of France’s silk-weaving industry.

3. Mont Blanc:

  • Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and offers stunning views. The nearby resort town of Chamonix is a great starting point for exploring the region.
  • Cable cars up the Aiguille du Midi and to Brévent-Flégère, plus the historic Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier, are popular ways to get high into the massif without climbing.
  • The Tour du Mont-Blanc, a long-distance trekking route, circles the massif through France, Italy and Switzerland.

4. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman):

  • This picturesque lake straddles the border between France and Switzerland, offering opportunities for swimming, sailing, and lakeside relaxation.
  • The town of Évian-les-Bains is famous for its mineral water.

5. Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors:

  • This regional natural park features rugged limestone plateaus, forests, and caves, making it an excellent destination for hiking, rock climbing, and caving.

6. The Ardèche Gorges (Gorges de l’Ardèche):

  • Explore the stunning river canyons of the Ardèche Gorges by kayaking, canoeing, or hiking. Don’t miss the famous Pont d’Arc natural bridge.
  • The gorges rank among France’s most striking river canyons and are a popular destination for French visitors themselves, not just tourists.

7. Grenoble:

  • Known for its research and technology, Grenoble offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities.
  • Visit the Bastille, a hilltop fortress accessible by cable car, and explore the city’s museums and galleries.

8. Parc National des Écrins:

  • This national park encompasses alpine meadows, glaciers, and peaks, making it a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.

9. Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat:

  • Located near Lyon, this regional natural park offers scenic hiking and biking trails, as well as charming villages.

10. Annecy:

  • Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is known for its medieval old town, canals, and the stunning Lake Annecy.
  • The old town’s canals are lined with flowers, and a hilltop castle overlooks it; a local speciality worth trying is lavender ice cream.

11. Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval:

  • Located in the Drôme department, this unique architectural masterpiece is a testament to the determination of postman Ferdinand Cheval.
  • The postman built it with his own hands over many years; it is now regarded as an early example of naive art, and some visitors compare it to the work of Antoni Gaudí.

12. Thermal Resorts:

  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has several thermal resorts, including Aix-les-Bains and Châtel-Guyon, where you can relax in natural thermal springs and spas.

13. Wine Regions:

  • The region is known for its wine production. Explore vineyards and wine routes in areas like Beaujolais, Savoie, and Côtes du Rhône.

14. Parc de la Tête d’Or (Lyon):

  • Lyon’s largest urban park features a zoo, botanical garden, lake, and rose garden, making it a lovely place for a leisurely stroll.

15. Le Puy-en-Velay:

  • Known for its striking cathedral, the town of Le Puy-en-Velay is a starting point for pilgrims on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago).

16. Auvergne Volcanoes:

  • The Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne protects a chain of long-extinct volcanoes, with paths leading up to several of the old craters.
  • The Puy de Dôme, one of the park’s peaks, can be reached on the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway. Vulcania, a themed park on volcanic and seismic activity, is nearby.

17. Vienne:

  • South of Lyon on the Rhône, Vienne has substantial Roman remains and is often described as an open-air museum of that period.

18. Clermont-Ferrand:

  • The historic capital of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand absorbed the older town of Montferrand, whose historic quarter survives within the modern city.
  • Its cathedral is built of dark volcanic stone, giving it a distinctive black facade unlike most French cathedrals.

19. Pérouges:

  • Pérouges, a small medieval village near Lyon, has kept its old streets and stonework largely intact.

20. Valence:

  • Valence has some historic architecture typical of the region, and is best known as the town where the young Napoleon Bonaparte trained as an artillery officer.

21. Vichy:

  • Vichy is one of France’s oldest and best-known spa towns, once favoured by French emperors — Napoleon III above all — and much of its architecture dates from his Second Empire.
  • The town’s name is inseparable from the collaborationist Vichy government based there during the Second World War, a stark contrast with its spa-town history.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes offers a wide range of experiences, from outdoor adventures in the Alps to cultural exploration in historic cities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this region has something to offer every traveler.

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