Summary
Situated between Paris and the French Riviera, and bordering both Italy and Switzerland, Rhône-Alpes stands at the crossroads of Europe.
The region is remarkable for its natural beauty, incorporating three of the five largest lakes in France and the legendary Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe.
Rhône-Alpes is home to some of the largest ski areas globally, alongside a selection of spa resorts that initially attracted visitors to the area in the 19th century.
Despite its majestic terrain, an extensive network of roads, railways, cable cars, and funiculars allows access to some of the most daunting landscapes imaginable.
Let’s delve into the best activities in Rhône-Alpes:
1. Winter Sport
There is no denying that Rhône-Alpes is the premier destination for winter sports globally.
The region has hosted three Winter Olympics and boasts several of the world’s largest ski areas, including Les Portes du Soleil, Paradiski, Espace Killy, and the massive Trois Vallées, which features 600 kilometers of slopes.
If the statistics of these resorts seem overwhelming, you’ll appreciate that places like Trois Vallées have incorporated technology to streamline your ski experience: apps are available to plan your runs based on your desired skiing duration and skill level.
2. Outdoor Adventure
One fifth of France’s national parks are located within Rhône-Alpes, alongside seven regional parks waiting to be explored.
In summer, the region transforms into a vast playground for outdoor sports, providing unparalleled opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, and rafting.
High-altitude towns like Chamonix are packed with adventure companies offering guided hikes, essential for experiencing the beauty of mountains such as Mont Blanc on the renowned TMB. Every detail will be managed, from meals to navigation, allowing you to savor the vibrant wildflowers, majestic peaks, and pristine lakes.
3. Lyon
This city, recognized as a World Heritage site, can occupy days if you are keen to explore its depths.
The ancient relics of Lyon, such as the exquisite Roman theatre, are concentrated around the Fourvière Hill.
Also here, on the Roman forum site, is the towering neo-renaissance Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a magnificent landmark that includes a museum of sacred art.
Any visitor during December should strive to attend the Festival of Lights, when the city is adorned with spectacular light displays crafted by leading artists from around the globe.
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is particularly delightful in the summer, featuring a zoo, elegant greenhouses made of iron and glass, and a boating lake.
4. Lac d’Annecy
Surrounded by densely forested peaks, France’s second-largest glacial lake also prides itself on being the cleanest lake in Europe.
This achievement is attributed to a clean-up initiative that commenced in the 1950s, enforcing strict environmental regulations.
Outside of Annecy and neighboring communities, wildlife flourishes: Kingfishers, grebes, and herons can be observed from the shore, while species such as brown trout and blennies inhabit the deep blue waters.
Visitors can cycle or walk along the lake perimeter, swim, or bask at the beach.
A variety of vessels is available for rent, and if you have ever considered trying wakeboarding, there is no more stunning location than this to take the plunge!
5. Annecy Old Town
This charming town along the northern shore of the lake is often referred to as the “Venice of the Savoie”; it is interlaced by the Thiou River and Vassé Canal, flanked by medieval structures that create an idyllic walking environment.
Palais de l’Isle is a captivating structure, a former prison situated on an island in the Thiou River, where visitors can inspect the old courtrooms and dungeons.
On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the cobblestone streets are lined with tables offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, including cheese.
Additionally, Annecy serves as the starting point for several remarkable hikes, such as those leading to the gorges of the River Fier or to the Tournette peak, which offers breathtaking views of the lake.
6. Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix
Accessing Aiguille du Midi, which rises 3,842 meters above sea level, can be accomplished without the need for hiking boots.
A record-breaking cable car ascends from Chamonix to the summit, stopping briefly at Plan d’Aiguille at 2,317 meters, where passengers transfer to a different line.
This cable car route offers the highest ascent in the world at 2,807 meters.
Upon arrival, visitors can take the lift to the terrace and enjoy views across to Mont Blanc.
This is the closest one can get to Europe’s highest mountain without the requirement of climbing it.
There is also an option to dine at 3,842 meters or venture onto the skywalk, a glass box with a 1,000-meter drop beneath your feet.
7. Gorges de l’Ardèche
In the far southern part of the region lies an enchanting river gorge, with towering limestone cliffs flanking 32 kilometers of the Ardèche River.
In certain areas, the cliffs soar over 300 meters high, providing opportunities to either traverse the gorge’s trail to discover spectacular viewpoints or rent a canoe for a two-day adventure, including an overnight camping experience under the stars.
A grand entrance to this extraordinary landscape is found at Pont d’Arc, a natural arch that transports you into a world of fantasy, a reflection of reality.
8. Grenoble
The historical capital of the Dauphiné province boasts an impressive cultural heritage and numerous museums that can engage any visitor for at least a couple of days.
The most exhilarating attraction is the Bastille, a fortified mountain accessible via a cable car or a challenging 40-minute hike.
Dating back to the Roman era, the city offers insights into its past with recently unearthed ruins at Muséee De L’Ancien Évêché, where remnants of walls and a fourth-century paleochristian baptistery can be explored.
More ancient artifacts are displayed at an excellent archaeological museum, showcasing an extensive collection of historical items excavated from the city.
Grenoble is also located just 45 minutes from nearby ski stations and was the host city for the 1968 Winter Olympics.
9. Yvoire
Located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva, many visitors arrive in Yvoire via a ferry or tour boat from Geneva, Nyon, or Lausanne.
This picturesque village is renowned as one of the “most beautiful villages in France.” The Garden of Five Senses situated in the center features a labyrinth containing 1,300 plant species, engaging all five senses with its aromatic scents, visual beauty, tactile experiences, flavorful homemade jams available for purchase, and soothing sounds from the fountains.
The stunning 1300s château serves as a dominant landmark, alongside fragments of medieval walls and gates recognized as a French historic monument.
10. Saint-Étienne Mine Museum
For a contrasting experience, visit Saint-Étienne, known as the rival city of Lyon.
This less popular destination is recognized for its industrial heritage and its once-celebrated football club. You can learn about its history at the Mine Museum, located on the site of the Couriot pit, which operated from the mid-19th century until 1973, accommodating up to 2,000 miners daily at its peak.
Once closed, the site was largely untouched and reopened in 1991 with all original machinery preserved.
Within the museum, you can observe the hoists, power room, and shower area, where miners’ overalls still hang above the showers.
A reconstructed tunnel provides insight into the working conditions experienced in the mine.
11. Jardin d’Eden, Tournon-sur-Rhône
Descending from hillside terraces on the left bank of the Rhône is a garden situated within the grounds of a historic convent.
This site, recently revived from abandonment, features a garden that is still in development but already stands as a highlight of the Drôme Department.
In the lower section, visitors will find ponds, fountains, and sculptures, while the path leads through leafy woodlands as it ascends the hill.
The convent’s defensive walls, including a renaissance-era tower, add a dramatic touch to the garden’s ambiance.
As you ascend, you are rewarded with stunning vistas of Tournon and the flowing river.
12. Parc de Merlet, Chamonix
This animal park is open from May to September and overlooks the Chamonix Valley, offering magnificent views of Mont Blanc.
Spanning over 21 hectares of lush pasture, the park provides opportunities to observe native Alpine wildlife in semi-freedom.
With patience and quietness, visitors can encounter roe, sika, and fallow deer; marmots, mouflons, ibexes, and chamois.
Although not native, the park’s llamas are sure to delight younger visitors.
Throughout the summer, the park offers talks and workshops designed to impart fascinating insights into subjects such as the significance of antlers in determining deer age and identifying the numerous wildflowers of the Alps.
13. Château de Grignan
Grignan is a small hilltop village located in the southern Drôme region, home to one of the most captivating châteaux in the area.
This château has a history that dates back to approximately the 1000s, but its current form predominantly dates from the 1500s.
Its understated renaissance architecture is visually appealing; however, its existence largely owes to Marie Fontaine, who purchased the then-ruined structure and rehabilitated it after years of decay following the French Revolution.
The views from the terrace balustrade are breathtaking, and during July and August, a summer theatre season attracts thousands of spectators each year.
14. Bois de Païolive
This forest covers an area of 16 square kilometers, providing exceptional viewpoints over the Chassezac Gorge.
The area features a diverse array of natural environments in a compact space, with interesting karst formations that will captivate children.
Children can exhaust themselves exploring these rocks and searching for small nooks and caves.
The Corniche route affords breathtaking vistas of the Chassezac River, and if you bring a picnic, you could easily spend an entire day immersed in this somewhat otherworldly location.
15. Pérouges
Pérouges is recognized among France’s “most beautiful villages,” and is a former weavers’ settlement.
This medieval village is fortified and, like many of France’s most picturesque locations, it resembles a film set brought to life.
The village features an array of limestone houses adorned with wisteria, neatly arranged in a circular pattern, and protected by two historic gates.
A visit typically includes a stroll along the uneven cobblestones of Rue des Rondes, which leads you to many of the village’s notable sites.
Among its attractions is a well measuring 33 meters deep and the 15th-century Maison du Sergent de Justice, reinforced by a circular tower.
