Rhône Alps guide

Spectacular Mont Blanc, the acclaimed vineyards of Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, flower filled meadows, and beautiful lakes all help to make this a region of remarkable contrasts. Historic Lyon is France's second city, and many experts declare that the quality of cuisine here make it France's gastronomic capital.

Activities & attractions

What can we eat?

Famous cheeses, dishes such as raclette and fondue. Nougat.

What can we drink?

Chartreuse liqueurs. The superb wine of Beaujolais.

Where can we visit?

Grenoble and Chamonix. Annecy and its lake. Chartreuse distillery.

What can we do?

Skiing, fishing in mountain streams. Watersports. Canoeing. Rock climbing. Cycling. Good walking country.

And what about the kids?

Summer tobogganing. The Lac du Bourget in the Savoie is warm enough for swimming and is packed with entertainment.

Region overview

The centrepiece of this region is undoubtedly mighty Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain and guardian of France's border with Switzerland. Amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of the French Alps you'll find traditional mountain villages, attractive lakes, and several of the finest ski slopes in the world. Also set within the snowy peaks is the beautiful spa town of Evian les Bains, famous for its pure water and wonderful spa treatments.

But Rhône Alps is not all mountains. There are also the renowned vineyards of Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, national parks full of natural beauty and wildlife, and France's second city, Lyon. Here, the Musée des Beaux Arts houses an enormous art collection that is surpassed only by the Louvre, and when it comes to cuisine, many would say that Lyon is the gastronomic capital of the country. It is no coincidence that five of the country's top twenty chefs run kitchens here.

Map of Rhône Alps