Rhône Alps guide

About Rhône Alps

Bordered by Switzerland, the Rhone Alps region is home to the Alps mountains in France and includes Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc, but, as well as being a great place for skiing, hiking, climbing and more there are also some bustling and vibrant cities such as Lyon and Grenoble amongst all the mountains, fantastic lakes, and beautiful national parks.

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.

Cuisine of Rhône Alps

Local specialities

Reblochon, St Felicien, Bleu de Bresse and St Marcellin cheeses. Poulet de Bresse (reported to be the tastiest chicken in the world).

What's on the menu?

Tartiflette, a rich savoury flan made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, cream and ham. Glaçons de Megève, a delicacy made of meringue and chocolate.

What to drink

Red wines such as Gammay and Côtes du Rhône. Pear brandy and Chartreuse liqueur which is used extensively in desserts and cocktails.