Rhône-Alpes Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Rhône-AlpesA wonderful holiday destination in all seasons
The Rhône-Alpes attracts many thousands of holidaymakers every year, in all seasons. The Drôme department in the south-west of the region, offers a lovely, Provençal ambience, the Ardèche has spectacular gorges and countryside, Lyon is a superb city destination while the eastern departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie are perfect for skiers and mountain sports enthusiasts. With all this diversity, it is hardly surprising that the Rhône-Alpes is one of France's favourite holiday regions.Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Rhône-Alpes
1. Ski
With some of the best loved ski resorts in the world, the Rhône-Alpes is the perfect destination for skiing fans and lovers of all winter sports. Stunning scenery combines with a well honed expertise in developing resorts and facilities for winter holidays, and the region attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year.2. Wine tasting
Wine tasting in one of France’s most famous viticulture regions is a no-brainer for wine lovers. There are numerous vineyards and tasting schools which offer tastings. There is a recently opened tasting school in Tain l'Hermitage (in Drôme) called Maison Chapoutier, which charges from about 60 Euros for a tastings and a bistro meal.3. The Ardèche gorges
The spectacular gorges of the Ardèche are a natural adventure playground as well as the provider of some of the most glorious scenery in the country. Try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and zip wire, with all activities led by experienced instructors and guides.4. Relax by the mountain lakes
In addition to the ski resorts and snowy peaks and slopes of the Alps, the region is home to beautiful lakes and spa towns. A lakeside holiday can be the ultimate relaxing and luxurious break, with fabulous shopping and dining, activities such as sailing and swimming and spa treatments to refresh and revive body and mind.Lake Geneva is one of these Alpine lakes. It is one of the most striking natural beauty spots on the Switzerland -France border, and is home to a hugely fashionable spa resort in Evian les Bains, with other spa towns such as Thonon les Bains close by and plenty of sporting facilities, casinos, shops and places of historical interest in the area.
5. Crocodile farm at Pieralette
If you have kids in tow or simply want a really different and interesting day out, try heading for Pieralette, where you can find a fascinating crocodile farm, guaranteed to give the kids something to talk about!Top 5 Towns and Cities in the Rhône-Alpes
1. Lyon
Lyon, the region's capital city, makes a brilliant destination for a city break. With its wealth of history and heritage, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and provides endless sight seeing and atmosphere. The city is also the capital of French gastronomy, so take the opportunity to dine out in style and enjoy the best that this food and wine paradise brings to your table.2. Annecy
Annecy, with its Venetian-style canals, superb lake and traditional Alpine houses, has an air of elegance that is irresistible. Lots of historical interest, beautiful architecture and gardens plus cultural venues, make Annecy a strong favourite among discerning tourists.3. Chambéry
Chambéry is the Savoie's capital, and is a designated Town of Art and History, guaranteeing lots of authentic character and sights to see. The charm of the old quarter is hard to beat, with ancient streets, a famous fountain, trompe l'oeil art, elegant houses and pretty squares. The city also has a wealth of culture with museums, art galleries and theatre.4. Grenoble
Grenoble is variously acclaimed as a Town of Culture and Art, a centre for science, an historical treasure trove and a beautiful city! There are enough museums in Grenoble to keep even the most dedicated follower of history, art and culture happy for a full holiday, while there is also a lively market held six days a week, good shopping, hotels and restaurants.5. Evian les Bains
The name of Evian is, of course, well known due to the mineral water from the town. Evian is also a charming spa town, an ideal place to enjoy spa treatments and recharge your batteries. The glorious setting, beside Lake Geneva, also opens up many sporting possibilities, with sailing, water skiing and other activities available.Food and Drink in the Rhône-Alpes
This large region has a fabulously rich and varied gastronomy. With Lyon and the Rhône department being fêted as the gastronomic capital of France, this part of Rhône-Alpes has plenty of delicious fare to offer you. Specialities from this area include Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône wines, Lyon sausages, Coq au vin, Rosette sausage, Andouillette (tripe sausage) and Salade de Lyon.Meanwhile the Savoie and Haute-Savoie have a typically mountain gastronomy, with fabulous cheeses and rich, cheesy dishes such as fondue, tartiflette (a famous dish made with potato, bacon, onion, crème fraîche and white wine) and raclette all popular. In the Drôme department the food and drink is very Provencal and Mediterranean in style.
How to get to the Rhône-Alpes
Airports within the department include Lyon (British Airways, Air France, Bmi Baby, easyJet), Chambéry (Flybe, Jet2) and Grenoble (Ryanair, easyJet, Bmi Baby), with Geneva not far away also being a popular option. Train services are also good in the region, with many arrival possibilities including Lyon, Annecy, Chambéry, Bourg en Bresse, Privas, Grenoble, St Etienne and Valence.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Rhône-Alpes
Ain Holiday Guide
The department of Ain is part of the Rhône-Alpes region. It lies in the north of the region, and shares a border with Switzerland in its most north-easterly area. The Ain department has a great diversity of terrain, and is a favourite destination for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
Ardèche Holiday Guide
The department of the Ardèche presents a stunningly picturesque and dramatic landscape. Lakes, gorges, mountains, potholes and caves give way to the softer vistas of pastures, picturesque villages and chestnut forests.
Drôme Holiday Guide
The Drôme is the most southerly department of the Rhône-Alpes region of eastern southern France. The department has a diverse terrain, with mountains and ski resorts in certain areas, and a much more Mediterranean feel in others.
Isère Holiday Guide
Isère is a beautiful department of the Rhône-Alpes region of France. Blessed with dramatic scenery composed of awe-inspiring mountains, plunging gorges, green pastures and snow-covered landscapes in winter, the department is perfect for winter sports, enjoying unspoilt nature and discovering an interesting heritage.
Loire Holiday Guide
The Loire is one of France's lesser known departments, but it offers such a wealth of natural and man-made beauty and heritage that it is more than worth considering for a holiday away from the madding crowds. It is set in the east of France, in the Rhone-Alpes region.
Rhône Holiday Guide
The Rhône is a department in the east of France, and forms a part of the Rhône-Alpes region. With the great city of Lyon as its capital, a renowned gastronomic tradition, a wealth of heritage and culture and a diverse and beautiful countryside, the department has much to offer visitors.
Savoie Holiday Guide
The Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region is one of mountains and lakes, of ski resorts and lush green pastures. The department borders Italy to the east.
Haute-Savoie Holiday Guide
Think of the Haute-Savoie department and you think of soaring white mountains, chic ski resorts, the Mont Blanc tunnel, pine forests, spa towns and lakes. Perhaps the odd flavoursome fondue or glass of mulled wine might also pop into your head. The images come together to form one of France's most beautiful and exciting holiday destinations.
