Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, born of the merger of Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne, is a region characterized by its geographical diversity, including mountain peaks, verdant valleys and culturally rich cities. From gastronomy to historic sites and outdoor activities, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

From the Forest du Tronçais to the summits of the Puys, theAuvergne offers you a wealth of wonders within easy reach: farmland and forests dotted with castles, medieval towns, absolutely wild spaces and curious volcanic reliefs, including the spectacular panorama of the Chaîne des Puys over an alignment of eighty wonderfully preserved volcanoes...
Follow in the footsteps of Vercingetorix or Queen Margot on the Route des Châteaux, from austere medieval fortresses to the elegant residences of the Dukes of Bourbon. Discover Romanesque masterpieces by visiting the churches of Saint Nectaire, Orcival or Issoire. Whether you're an adventurer or a philosophical angler, you'll find it easy to enjoy your favorite pastimes: Hiking or mountain biking, canoeing and rafting on the Allier, and, in winter, skiing on the snow-covered slopes of the Sancy or Plomb du Cantal. Water will be everywhere in your path, on your walks or in one of the region's ten 'water cities'.

The Rhône-Alpes region offers a wide range of landscapes. The wet Dombes region spreads its thousand ponds to the outskirts of Lyon. To the west, the Vineyards of the Rhône Valley are world-renowned, while the east boasts Mont-Blanc. The south also has a lot to offer: the gorges of the Ardèche, the high plateaus of the Vercors and the lavender fields of the Drôme. On the slopes of the Alps, more than 6,000 km of pistes await you on the world's largest ski area; in summer, the mountains reveal their assets for other activities: touring the Vanoise lakes, Hiking to Mont Aiguille, walking in the heart of the valleys.
Visit a region of art and history: prehistoric caves, the medieval castle of the Dukes of Savoy in Chambéry, the Cistercian abbey of Aiguebelle in the Drôme, the Renaissance district of Lyon... Your escapades will be the perfect excuse to sample one of the region's specialties: gratin dauphinois, raclette or fondue, Romans ravioli, hot sausage or tripe accompanied by a jug of Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône.

The Drôme will seduce you with its landscapes, historical treasures and gourmet specialties. From the Vercors Regional Nature Park to the foothills of the Provençal Baronnies, via the lavender and olive groves of the Montélimar plain, the panoramas are varied and rejuvenating.
The Haute-Loire, with its verdant landscapes, volcanoes, Velay plateaux and wild gorges, is also rich in historical heritage, including the famous Puy-en-Velay, with its Notre-Dame cathedral and statue of Notre-Dame de France, the fortified castle of Polignac, the fortress of Saint-Vidal and the medieval town of Brioude.
From its high mountains to its vast plains, from the Vercors Natural Park to the steep ridges of the Oisans and the Chartreuse,Isère offers sumptuous landscapes perfect for Hiking, mountain biking, climbing and, in winter, skiing and snowboarding.
The Loire is a land of contrasts, from the verdant Pilat mountains to the Forez plain. Stroll through the vineyards, hike or bike along the many trails. In winter, the Monts du Pilat are ideal for Alpine skiing, Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing.
The Puy-de-Dôme takes its name from the volcano that dominates the region, a sleeping giant whose summit offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of 80 volcanoes! It's an ideal playground for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
The Rhône offers a surprising variety of landscapes. To the east, the metropolis of Lyon lies at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, while to the west, the mountains of Beaujolais and Lyonnais offer a verdant setting. You'll discover many historical and cultural sites ranging from antiquity to the present day.
Savoie is a paradise for lovers of mountains and breathtaking panoramas. From Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, to the Vanoise, Chartreuse and Bauges massifs, Savoie is home to a variety of sumptuous landscapes. 
Haute-Savoie stretches from the majestic Mont Blanc, the roof of Europe, to the Aravis, Chablais and Bornes massifs. A region of skiing and mountain activities, it is also renowned for its lakes Annecy, Léman, Passy and Montriond, ideal for swimming and water sports.