Holidays in the Rhone-Alpes

Ain, Ardèche, Drôme, Haute-Savoie, Isère, Loire, Rhône, Savoie

About the region The Region: Rhone-Alps only became established as a region in 1980. It borders Switzerland and Italy, and is the meeting point of north, south, east and west, encompassing the breathtaking Alpine mountain range, deep valleys, forests, lakes, rolling fields and gentle, vine-covered hills.

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As a result of all the different landscapes and cultural influences, the region has a lot to offer. Spectacular scenery, winter sports, water sports, spa towns, wine tasting, walking and sight-seeing.

Mont-Blanc is in Haute-Savoie, and is the highest mountain in Europe (4807m). All around it are snowy peaks and the colourful parachutes of paragliders, who leap of the mountains and glide down into the valleys. Apart from winter sports and paragliding, many visitors enjoy the white water rafting, walking, rock climbing, mountain biking and road cycling.

The capital of the Rhone Alps region is Lyon - a large, gallo-roman city with lots going on, and plenty of interesting history and impressive architecture. Cathedrals, the December music festival, museums and the nightlife are some attractions of the city, but there are also lots of beautiful medieval towns to visit in this region.

Weather: The highlands of the Alps have long, cold winters and warm summers with strong sun, due to the altitude. Further south of the region, the summers are slightly hotter and longer. Generally, though, the weather can be very variable.


Gastronomy: In the mountain areas, such as Savoie, fondue, raclette and tartiflette are the most famous local recipes. There are many more, but they do carry on the general theme, tending to be bolstering and tasty mountain dishes, based around local cheeses (Emmental, Beaufort), potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage and bacon/ pork. Savoie wine is generally white, robust and clean, which compliments the rich food perfectly.

Then, in complete contrast, there are truffles, olive oil and garlic from Drome and the southern lowlands, while Beaujolais wine comes from the north, and Côtes du Rhone from the south. For the sweeter tooth, nougat and chocolates have a tradition here, too.

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Canoeing and multi-activity holidays in the Ardèche

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Summer holidays in the Alps

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