Rhône-Alpes

In the Rhône-Alpes there are several “Routes des Vins” winding their way through the different wine areas. Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais and Savoie wines all have their own itinerary or circuit which will take you through pretty villages, each with their own cellars renowned for a certain vintage.

The Doron de Bozel, a tributary of the Isère, which it joins at Moutiers, is turbulent and winding, its narrow course weaving beneath a magnificent arch of trees. Over its sustained 6km route between Brides les Bains and Salin les Thermes, where the Class 4 and 5 rapids follow each other continuously, teams must be efficient immediately and should have rafted before.

The Rhone Alpes, with its 180 ski resorts and 18 linked ski areas, boasts the largest ski area in the world. Every winter millions of holidaymakers are drawn to its slopes, and in the summer its mountains become a magnet for enthusiasts of sports such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, glacier hiking and paragliding.

On a high up section of the Leysse is the Doria. A place for experts and adventurers, this breathtaking canyoning descent is enhanced by a 45m high waterfall.

This pastime is widespread in the Ardèche and, to a lesser degree, on the Alpine rivers, lakes and the Rhône. With many equipment and facility providers, and thanks to the natural locations, the region has a strong potential for canoeing and kayaking.

One of the most trilling and unique experiences in France awaits you in Rhone-Alpes. Known as the most technical piste in the world, the run is really frightening as you reach speeds of 90km/h to over 100km/h. This isn’t just for adults as families can go in four-man bobsleighs.

Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25^oC.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.

There are increasing numbers of “Sunday lunch cooks” who want to learn how to carve, emulsify or seize just like professional chefs. There are many cookery courses springing up throughout the region, involving weekend or short break stays in “chambres d’hôtes” or pretty little hotels.

The Rhône-Alpes region is literally bursting with fresh, natural produce. Its gastronomic flair is based not only on the solid foundations of regional cooking, whether from the Savoie, Ardèche or Forez, but also on the skills of the region’s great chefs and the quality of its local products.

Today's new motto? Healthy of body and of mind. Escape to better recharge your batteries with the revitalising treatments and outstanding water cures, spas, chromo therapy, light therapy and sensual massages.

With more than 100 ski resorts spread out in 11 massifs, 15 connected ski areas (Espace Killy, Portes du Soleil, Grand Massif, Les 3 Vallées…), up to 650km of slopes for one single ski domain, Savoie Mont Blanc is the largest ski area in the world. You can even hop across borders and see another country! (Italy and Switzerland).

A wine producing region “par excellence”, the Rhône-Alpes boasts one of France’s best wine charts, comprising 36 “appellations d’origine contrôlée” and vintages, which guarantee its worldwide renown.

With its 60 golf courses, the Rhone Alpes is France’s second most important golf region and is planning to further develop this popular specialist sport.

Thanks to the strong legacy of its textile and paper industries, the Rhone Alpes region has an abundance of technical museums many of which reflect the diversity of the region’s skill base.

Honey, apples, cheeses, artisan-made dried meats, vegetables... the Rhone Alps region seems to grow markets, both covered and open air. Some are a definite must for visitors.

Lake Roselend, in the Beaufort area of the Savoie département, is an artificial lake, at the bottom of which lies the village of Roselend, which was drowned when a damn was built. An identical copy of Roselend's chapel, which lies beneath the water, was built on the shore of the lake.

Green Ardèche: Full Steam Ahead. The railroad circuit of the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais, between Tournon and Lamastre, allows one to admire ardéchois landscapes which are only accessible by train.

The splendour of ancient sites in Lyon, Vienne, Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Alba-la-Romaine proves that the region played an important commercial and artistic role during the Roman period. The Gallic-roman people have left a multitude of architectural and ornamental masterpieces.

During the 17th and 18th Century, the Counter Reformation brought about new ways of expressing one’s faith, both colourful and theatrical in style. The Savoyard valleys boast about 60 Baroque churches, brimming with golden cherubs and multi-coloured painted saints, with their massive shining reredos.

From monasteries to small rural churches, mural frescoes to sculptures, the region’s Romanesque architecture displays a wide diversity of expression and influence. In the areas of Lyon, the Savoie and the Vivarais, Romanesque art is primarily exhibited within church buildings and rural chapels, with their single nave and minimalist décor.

With 13 painted caves, the Ardèche gorges are the most visited in France. Inside you can admire engraved or painted masterpieces together with various tools. For a better understanding of this exceptional legacy it is worth paying a visit to the Musée Régional de Préhistoire, close to the Aven d’Orgnac.