Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

France
Annecy Castle
Take a trip through this region of France for its bustling ski resorts, beautiful natural parks and picturesque cities filled with cultural attractions.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of France’s most visited regions, especially in the winter, when travelers from across Europe descend on its ski towns. Plan a stop in Lyon, France’s third-largest city, at any time of year. Strolling through the winding streets of alpine towns like Chambéry is another Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes activity that’s appealing in all seasons. 

Get active on your vacation as you strap on your skis or snowboard in resort towns such as Chamonix, Tignes and Morzine. After a full day on the slopes, enjoy the après-ski and after-dark activities including torch-guided snow walks and themed parties. 

In the summer, explore other natural areas like the valleys in the Vercors Massif. Hike through Vanoise National Park to discover the flora and fauna of this vast protected area. Climb to the top of Puy-de-Dôme, the highest volcano in the area, which has a beautiful view over the surrounding countryside from the top. 

Head to the department of Allier to discover the lovely town of Moulins. Spend time at the Centre National du Costume de Scene, the first museum in the world dedicated to theater costumes. Take a guided tour of Maison Mantin, a gorgeous mansion filled with furniture and art collected by the wealthy in the 19th century.

To explore a large city, stop in Lyon and have a meal at one of its Michelin-starred restaurants. Lyon is often considered to be the gastronomic capital of France and is the perfect place to go to indulge in traditional dishes such as raclette or tartiflette. 

Travel to smaller towns like Annecy for stunning natural views over Lake Annecy, or visit Clermont-Ferrand to see one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the region.

Catch a flight coming into one of the region’s international airports, including Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry. For the easiest way to explore the natural beauty of the area, rent a car from the airport. There are also convenient domestic and international train connections, with the Eurostar route from London to Lyon and from London to the Alps in the winter months.

Popular cities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Lyon showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Lyon
Known for Historical, Business and Museums
France’s third largest city is famous for films, festivals, food and centuries-old architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Bellecour Square
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
  • Musée des Confluences
Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car featuring night scenes, a river or creek and a city
Grenoble
Known for Shopping, Business and Cafes
The “Gateway to the Alps” is famous for medieval architecture, historic cafés and summer and winter sports in the surrounding snowcapped mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
  • Place Notre Dame
  • Museum of Grenoble
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc featuring a city, cafe lifestyle and street scenes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Known for Skiing, Mountains and Spas
Known for its wintersports and stunning scenery, this famous town in the French Alps also delights with stores, spas, restaurants and summertime activities.

Reasons to visit

  • Mont Blanc
  • Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
  • Aiguille du Midi
Annecy
Annecy
Known for Historical, Lakes and Castle
Tour the corridors of medieval castles, hike through forests and sail across a lake when you visit this picturesque town in the French Alps.

Reasons to visit

  • Annecy Castle
  • Palais de l Ile
  • Church of St. Maurice
Val Thorens Ski Resort which includes landscape views
Les Belleville
Check out popular sights like Val Thorens Ski Resort as you discover the local area in Les Belleville.

Reasons to visit

  • Val Thorens Ski Resort
Alpes du Nord which includes snow skiing and snow as well as a small group of people
Courchevel
Known for Skiing, Spas and Sunny
Experience upscale Courchevel: its skiing, sunny weather, mountain views, and more!