Discover Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Stretching from the rooftop of the Alps to the volcanoes of Auvergne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is France's second-largest region and probably its most diverse. In the east, the high mountains — Mont Blanc (4,808 m), the Écrins, Vanoise, Aravis ranges — offer hiking, skiing, glacial lakes (Annecy, Bourget, Aiguebelette) and legendary passes (Galibier, Iseran). In the west, the Massif Central unfolds its volcanic chains: the Chaîne des Puys and its iconic Puy de Dôme cone (UNESCO-listed since 2018), continued by the Monts Dore and Cantal. At the heart of the region, Lyon — once Roman Lugdunum, UNESCO-listed — concentrates twenty centuries of history (Roman theatres of Fourvière, Renaissance old town, Croix-Rousse traboules) and remains the recognised gastronomic capital, from traditional bouchons to triple-Michelin-starred tables. The Rhône Valley, descending from Vienne to Valence and then to Provence, is home to some of the most prestigious northern wine appellations (Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage). On the dairy side, Beaufort, Reblochon, Abondance, Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Salers and Fourme d'Ambert make up the great mountain-cheese palette. For a stay, base yourself in Annecy or Chambéry for the Alps, in Lyon for culture and food, or in the heart of Cantal for hilltop villages (Salers, Tournemire) and unspoiled volcanic nature. The best season depends on the plan: ski December to April, hike June to September, food and harvest September to November.
