HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the mountain paths in the Parc National de la Vanoise
- Feel the thrill of riding the world’s highest cable car at Chamonix
- Stroll past the Medieval houses and arched alleyways of Annecy
- Visit the Roman buildings at Vienne
- Pamper your palate wine tasting at Beaujolais vineyards
- White water raft in the Gorges de l’Ardeche
- >Educate yourself in the fine museums of Lyon
Rhone-Alpes
Lyon is the regions largest city and one of France’s most outstanding commercial and cultural centres. It is home to many distinguished museums and fine Renaissance buildings, but also enjoys the reputation of being the capital of French gastronomy.
To the north of Lyon lies the rich agricultural area of the Bresse plain, the famous Beaujolais vineyards and the Cotes du Rhone, making the region an important wine producer.
For those interested in Roman history, a trip to Vienne would be a rewarding experience. Attractions well worth seeing there are the Corinthian columns of the superb Temple d’Auguste et de Livie and the fantastic Roman amphitheatre which is situated on the hillside where top seats offer stunning views over the town and river.
The Ardeche has so much to offer with its extraordinary natural scenery that has evolved over hundreds of years. Caves with enormous stalagmites and stalactites, the Gorges de l’Ardeche and the natural limestone Pont d’Arc, a bridge created by erosion and the elements, are just some of the spectacular creations of nature that can be enjoyed here. Canoeing and white water rafting are two of the most popular sports in the region.
In the Alps some of the top tourist destinations are Chamonix, Megeve and Val d’Isere with skiing and snowboarding being the main attractions in the winter months. In the summer the region abounds with walking trails offering stunning scenery. National Parks in the area have numerous way-marked paths and offer opportunities to catch sight of golden eagles, mountain goats and ibex.