C’est Magnifique - Exploring France’s Wild & Wonderful Rhône-Alpes
By Merle RosensteinMost travellers to France start in Paris. There’s the allure of the Louvre, shopping along the Champs Élysées, the one-of-a-kind Eiffel Tower and the wondrous Notre Dame Cathedral. But Paris is just a preview of what France has to offer, from marvelous alpine villages and pleasing plateaus to culinary delicacies waiting to be devoured.
Two hours from Paris on the border of Italy and Switzerland, the Rhône-Alpes region is one of the most magnificent areas in France, defined by its varied and dramatic landscape of lofty snow-packed peaks, world-class ski resorts, fertile wine-growing regions, deep gorges and cities with medieval charm and historic architecture.
It is also the second most important golfing region in France with more than 60 courses; and has the largest ski area in the world – the Rhône-Alpes region has hosted the Winter Olympics three times. This year-round outdoor playground welcomes skiers and boarders in the winter and hikers and cyclists in the summer months.
The vineyards of the Beaujolais region, north of Lyon, boast 12 different quality wine-producing areas, and a 140-kilometre route, the Beaujolais Wine Route. Many of the guesthouses in the area are in vineyards. South of Lyon, the Côtes du Rhône vineyards rest in a picturesque valley.
Credit: Atout France/Stephane Frances
The highest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc anchors the worldâs largest ski area and boasts the oldest resort, the Hôtel dâAngleterre, in Chamonix.
World’s Largest Ski Area
The most memorable region in France, Savoie and Haute-Savoie, extends from Geneva, Switzerland, to Provençe. Here in the high Alps, the drama of the mountains dominates all else, with Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, on the border with Italy. Many other massive mountains and passes make for world-class skiing and cycling and a go-to getaway for celebrities.This region, with its 16 linked ski areas, includes the 3 Valleys and Portes du Soleil, Espace Killy and Paradiski. Perfect spots to see celebrities are Courchevel, Megève and Val d’Isère.
Chamonix, in the heart of Mont-Blanc Massif is home to the oldest resort in the northern Alps, the Hôtel d’Angleterre, which opened in 1770. This alpine town harbours a wealth of history and offers a range of cuisines.
And what’s an invigorating day on the slopes without an après ski spa treatment? The thermal waters of resorts such as Saint Gervais and Brides les Bains soothe skiers’ well-earned aches and pains.
Credit: Atout France/Jean-Francois Tripelon-Jarry
Lake Annency is blessed with stunning natural beauty and interesting towns with historic architecture and soothing spas.
• Annecy on Lake Annecy with its stunning mountain backdrop and historic architecture dating back to the 12th century. North of Annecy, Aix-les-Bains is a large spa town.
• Grenoble, a past Olympic site considered the capital of the Alps that offers excellent opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing.
• Vanoise National Park with 100 mountains over 3,000 metres in altitude and 600 kilometres of trails that attract hikers. Nearby ski centres are Val d’Isère, Tignes and Val Thorens.
Culinary Capital of France
Lyon, the capital of Rhône-Alpes is the third largest city in France and houses two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the 15th-century Lyon Cathedral and the Croix-Rousse district. And as the culinary capital of France, the city tempts travellers with delectable French food.Other can’t miss spots:
• The churches in Bourg-en-Bresse, Notre Dame and the church-monastery at Brou display fine gothic details. Surrounding villages are Coligny, Verjon, Pressiat, Cuisiat, Treffort, and Meillonnas.
• The Domes plateau, the most distinctive feature of the Ain, Loire and Rhône regions, with 1,000 man-made lakes and towns with historic monuments and cathedrals.
Credit: Atout France/Fabian Charaffi
The cafés and restaurants in Lyonâs UNESCO-listed old town are the perfect place to sample the dishes of Franceâs culinary capital.
Lavender Fields
The Drôme region is best known for fields of lavender and restful towns with historic sights. Vaison la Romaine displays roman ruins including roman baths and the remains of affluent roman houses. In old town, steep narrow streets curl past medieval homes and end in a square with 18th-century fountains. Above the village, the ruins of a castle date back to 1195.Other can’t miss spots:
• Chateau de Grignan, Chateau de Suze-la-Rousse, and the monuments of Palais Idéal built by the postman Cheval at Hauterives.
• Vercors Regional National Park, a protected area and France’s largest nature reserve.
Great Gorges
The Gorges of the Ardèche, in the southwest of the Rhône-Alpes region, drop 40 kilometres into the Ardèche River and are best reached from the town of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Beaches line the emerald green waters and a stone arc – the Pont d'Arc, 50 metres high and 60 metres wide – marks the entrance to the Gorges. Head to the water to canoe or kayak along the Ardèche River or spend time on the beach soaking up the sun.Other can’t miss spots:
• Ancient villages are woven into the landscape, chronicling days gone by. In the Bois de Paiolive, olive trees grow among curious rock formations.
• Massif Central attracts outdoor adventurers with canoeing, climbing or cycling. Cavers love to crawl along two of the best cave systems in France – the Aven d’Orgnac, one of the listed “Grand sites of France” (just south of Vallon Pont d'Arc) and the Chauvet caves.
• “Villages of character”, selected by , the Ardèche Tourist Board that either have distinctive settings or have maintained their heritage: Ailhon, Alba-la-Romaine, Antraigues-sur-Volane, Balazuc, Beauchastel, Banne, Boucieu-le-Roi, Chalencon, Desaignes, Jaujac, Labeaume, Meyras, Naves (near Les Vans), Saint-Montan, Thueyts, Vinezac and Vogue.
To find more information on the Rhône-Alpes Region, go to ca-en.franceguide.com/maps/france/regions/rhone-alps/home.html?NodeID=175
