Visit France > Rhône, Alpes, Savoy

The Rhone Alps is one of the most scenic areas of France with dense forests, lush pasture land, huge lakes, deep gorges and spectacular mountains. The French Alps, dominated by Mont Blanc, form the border between Switzerland and Italy to the east of this region. The stunning landscape and the challenge of the peaks have long drawn climbers and walkers in the summer and winter sports enthusiasts in the winter.

Chamonix, both a ski resort and mountain climbing centre, is where the Mont Blanc Tunnel runs through the Alpes to provide a direct link between France and Italy. Along with Megève, Morzine and Val d'Isère, it enjoys an international reputation, as do the spa towns of Aix-les-Bains, Thonon and Evian, both situated on the south shore of Lake Geneva.

Grenoble, lies in the Isère Valley, surrounded by mountains and was the site of the Winter Olympics some years ago. It is a busy modern university town with a pleasant old quarter, good shopping, many parks and gardens and excellent ski facilities. There is a fine collection of contemporary art in the New Museum.

The Rhône river flows through the province on its way to the Mediterranean and passes through Lyon, the regional capital. The city is a mixture of northern and southern influences, drawing on the acumen of the former as the center for the silk and technology industries, and the joie de vivre of the latter, which is reflected in its Opera House, theatres and museums and its architecture, gardens and general liveliness. It claims to be the gastronomic center of France and there are numerous restaurants, including several whose chefs are acknowledged to be the finest anywhere. Cafes, bistros and food shops abound and there is something for every taste and pocket. There are markets selling local produce, crafts and pottery, an antique dealers quarter and excellent shops.

Upstream from Lyon are the ponds of the Dombes, a series of small lakes and habitat for a vast variety of birds. To the west are the vineyards of the Loire, and the forests and gorges of the Ardèche. The lavender fields and olive groves and warmth of the Drome lie to the south.

Activities
Markets in all towns and villages throughout the region on different days. Excellent fly- fishing, angling and casting, in the lakes, rivers and mountain streams for char, trout, pike, pike-perch, carp. Rafting in the Ardèche and at Bourg St-Maurice in the Alpes. Exceptional golf courses everywhere. Several spas where you can relax. Walking, hiking, riding, cycling and mountain biking through wild and natural country. Routes are well signposted and topographical maps available in larger towns. Potholing in the Vercors. The mountains, glaciers, canyons and gorges draw climbers from everywhere. There are beginners schools run by seasoned mountaineers, and experienced guides.

For skiers, there are numerous runs to choose from throughout the Rhone-Alpes with excellent facilities. Most of the stations have a good range of apres-ski entertainment; swimming pools, skating rinks, trekking, snowshoe expeditions, night skiing, paragliding, activities for children, nightclubs, restaurants, concerts. Cross-country skiing in the Vercors Regional Natural Park and in the Haute-Savoie and the southern Jura.

The Department is divided in 8 regions :