Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

France
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
History, regional cuisine and landscapes: the Auvergne is a region of natural beauty, of volcanoes, water, infinite spaces, medieval villages and modern cities.

Situated in the heart of France, the Auvergne offers a variety of landscapes: from the summits of Cantal to the rivers and fields of Allier, from the forests of Haute-Loire to the volcanoes of Puy-de-Dôme, it is a succession of exceptional sites on a land shaped by fire and water.

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the Auvergne is a volcanic landscape par excellence. Its name comes from the word "Arvernes", a Celtic people who fought against the Roman invasion, winning an overwhelming victory over Julius Caesar at the Gergovie plateau, thanks to their famous chief Vercingetorix.

The possibilities for visits are countless: from medieval villages and castles to spa towns, such as Vichy and Volvic, from the snow-capped lakes of the Mont-Dore and Super Besse ski resorts, you will be spoiled for choice. You can also spend a day in the leisure parks of Vulcania and Pal, or discover the many rivers that dot the region. It’s worth making a detour to the Romanesque churches, like the one of Issoire, or the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand. Finally, do not hesitate to climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, symbol of the Celtic god of war, or Puy Mary or Puy de Sancy, for a breath-taking view of the Massif Central.

A land of agriculture and cuisine, the Auvergne offers local dishes based on charcuterie: potée auvergnate, small salted lentils or cabbage soup. The region is also known for its cheeses: taste Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Salers or Fourme d'Ambert with bread and red wine from Saint-Pourçain, the oldest vineyard in France. To complete your intense days, you will always find a festival of traditional music or dance.

Located in the centre of France, the Auvergne is easily accessible by the A71 motorway from Paris (3 hours). Aulnat airport in Clermont-Ferrand offers flights to UK airports.

Popular cities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Lyon which includes a statue or sculpture, a city and a river or creek
Lyon
Known for Historical, Business and Museums
France’s third largest city is famous for films, festivals, food and centuries-old architecture.

Reasons to visit

  • Bellecour Square
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
  • Musée des Confluences
Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car which includes a city, night scenes and a river or creek
Grenoble
Known for Shopping, Business and Cafes
The “Gateway to the Alps” is famous for medieval architecture, historic cafés and summer and winter sports in the surrounding snowcapped mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
  • Place Notre Dame
  • Museum of Grenoble
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc showing street scenes, a city and cafe lifestyle
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Known for Skiing, Mountains and Spas
Known for its wintersports and stunning scenery, this famous town in the French Alps also delights with stores, spas, restaurants and summertime activities.

Reasons to visit

  • Mont Blanc
  • Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
  • Aiguille du Midi
Annecy
Annecy
Known for Historical, Lakes and Castle
Tour the corridors of medieval castles, hike through forests and sail across a lake when you visit this picturesque town in the French Alps.

Reasons to visit

  • Annecy Castle
  • Palais de l Ile
  • Church of St. Maurice
Val Thorens Ski Resort showing landscape views
Les Belleville

Reasons to visit

  • Val Thorens Ski Resort