Rhône-Alpes

Rhone-Alpes is a nature lover’s paradise year-round, thanks to its alpine peaks, miles of hiking trails, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and dormant volcanoes. The region is best known for being home to nearly 200 world-class ski resorts, but it offers plenty of things to see and do during summer as well.

Bordering Switzerland and Italy in southwest France, Rhone-Alpes has 2 national parks, 9 regional parks and 49 natural reserves. It’s also a favorite vacation destination for food and wine lovers – there are around 10 origin-protected vineyards and 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Top destinations in Rhône-Alpes

Where will you go next?

Annecy
In Annecy, make your way down narrow pedestrian streets to find artisanal boutiques, bakeries and Italian ice cream shops – you may even stumble upon an outdoor market. Then, head out to Lac d'Annecy, where you can sail or swim...
Lyon
The alluring city of Lyon in eastern France is home to the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched high above the city on Fourvière Hill. A funicular will take you to the top of the hill, where you can...

What to see & do in Rhône-Alpes

Where & what to eat in Rhône-Alpes

10 Best Local Dishes from Lyon
The best local dishes from Lyon have been staples since the 16th century. It’s believed that chefs, brought from Florence by Catherine de Medici, combine the region’s fresh produce with their cooking expertise. The result is Lyon’s longstanding fame as...
10 Best Local Dishes from Annecy
The best local dishes in Annecy rely heavily on local produce grown or sourced in the mountains, lakes and river...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Lyon
The best local restaurant restaurants in Lyon are places you can sample the specialties of the area in a laid-back...

Where to shop & what to buy in Rhône-Alpes

10 Best Markets in Lyon
As one of the largest and most popular cities in France, Lyon is home to a wide variety of markets to explore if you want to shop like a local. These markets are notably different from local malls, offering a...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Lyon
The best places to go shopping in Lyon range from designer boutiques to market stalls. The city’s shopping scene varies...
5 Best Markets in Annecy
Annecy is best known for its old buildings and serene main canal, but you'll also find quite a few shopping...

Where to go & what to do at night in Rhône-Alpes

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Lyon
The best things to do after dinner in Lyon range from watching an opera to drinking and dancing. Ask most visitors to Lyon how they plan to spend their evening and you’re likely to get a similar answer. Dining out...
10 Best Places to See Live Music in Lyon
You’ll find plenty of places to see live music in Lyon, with the city giving rise to many of France’s...
10 Best Rooftop Bars in Lyon
Lyon, in eastern France, may be known for its exquisite gastronomy, but the real excitement lies above in the rooftop...

Useful information

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Lyon
The sorts of mistakes people make when visiting Lyon are very rarely serious. They aren’t likely to cause anything more than a little embarrassment and maybe a slight waste of money. Generally, Lyon is a very safe and tourist-friendly city,...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Lyon
The most popular neighbourhoods in Lyon provide a multitude of different experiences. Staying in any of these neighborhoods puts you...
10 Most Popular Streets in Lyon
The most popular streets in Lyon include notable riverside thoroughfares and shopping places that help uncover the story of this...