Rhône-Alpes

Travel Guide
Annecy
Investigate the culture of Lyon and hike through the deep valleys and white mountains of the beautiful landscape.

One of the largest regions in France, the Rhône-Alpes covers vast swaths of snowy peaks with perfect skiing conditions. Lakes, resorts and quaint historic villages complete the idyllic winter wonderland image in this diverse terrain. Bring your snowboard to revel in the thick snow that carpets the French Alps.

Glimpse charming mountain culture in the village of Chamonix. Appreciate spectacular views from the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car, the Tramway du Mont Blanc or the Montenvers funicular. Gaze up at the imposing Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak at a height of 15,780 feet (4,810 meters). It is popular for mountaineering, skiing and hiking.

Travel through snowy valleys and purchase ski passes at resorts such as Megève, Courchevel and Val-d’Isère. Annecy has the enchanting Annecy Old Town and is known as the Venice of the French Alps for its canals and picturesque Lake Annecy.

For a change of scene, peruse the sights of Lyon, one of France’s largest metropolitan areas. Highlights include the Lyon City Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and the splendid Tête d’Or Park.

Travel 70 miles (120 kilometers) southeast to Grenoble, known as the Gateway of the Alps. Stroll through the fantastic Grenoble Old Town, browse artifacts in the Museum of Grenoble and learn about the archeology of the region at the Dauphinois Museum. Ride the Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car to Fort de la Bastille for excellent views.

The climate in the region varies dramatically depending on elevation, with warm, wet weather in the cities of Lyon and Grenoble and freezing, snowy winters in the peaks. Try vin de Savoie, the wine made from grapes produced in the region. Culinary specialties include fondue and smoked meats.

Find the region in the southeastern part of France on the Swiss and Italian borders. It is just north of the Côte d’Azur with its beach resorts facing the Mediterranean Sea. Fly to Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport and rent a car to travel around the region.

The Rhône-Alpes contains historic cities and some of Europe’s best skiing zones.

Where to stay in Rhône-Alpes

Textile Museum

Lyon City Centre

Lyon City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Textile Museum and Bellecour Square. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.

Lyon City Centre
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc showing mountains and snow

Chamonix City Centre

5/5(188 area reviews)

Chamonix City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is picture-perfect mountain views, relaxing spas, and popular ski slopes. You might want to check out attractions like Casino Le Royal Chamonix or Chamonix Church while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Chamonix City Centre
Jardins de I\'Europe

Annecy Old Town

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Travelers come to Annecy Old Town for its lake views, and you can see top attractions like Lake Annecy and Church of St. Maurice while you're in town.

Annecy Old Town
Lyon showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek

Old Lyon

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Take time in Old Lyon to visit attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Cinema and Miniature Museum. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Old Lyon
Couleur d'automne

Courchevel 1850

Courchevel 1850 is noteworthy for its skiing, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Skateway Forum and Ferme.

Courchevel 1850
La Presqu\'ile which includes cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

4.5/5(255 area reviews)

La Presqu'île is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Textile Museum and Place Carnot. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station.

La Presqu'île
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
3 out of 5
31 rue Maurice Flandin, Lyon, Rhone
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,473 per night from May 24 to May 25
¥12,473
per night
May 24 - May 25
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (986 reviews)
"Convenient to train station. Good breakfast. Rooms are on the smaller side."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
The price is ¥13,575 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥13,575
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Groupama Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,537 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
4 out of 5
29 Rue De Bonnel, Lyon, Rhone
The price is ¥19,828 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥19,828
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Part Dieu Mall and Hôtel de Ville de Lyon are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (977 reviews)
one night stop before the airport
"perfect location, nice peoples"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
3 out of 5
79 boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (722 reviews)
"The apartment was a little bit dated and the kitchen was very smelly (kitchen drainage)"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Groupama Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,537 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
200 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon, Rhone
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Part Dieu Mall and Bellecour Square ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (677 reviews)
"A group of guys here for the rugby. Good check in and out. Breakfast nice and varied. A bar would have been nice. A good stay. Would certainly consider again. Good value for money."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2023

Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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