9 Things to do in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes in Central France
Auvergne Rhône-Alpes in the center of France is the region that grabs you by the collar and says, “Stay a little longer.” Mountains, alpine lakes, medieval villages, world-class food, this is a region to be experienced. Allons-y!
Lugdunum and ancient Roman ruins
History tells us that it was Lyon that was the capital of Roman Gaul (as France was then known), the most important city in this part of Europe. In the time before Christ, 43 BC, the city was known as Lugdunum.
The Roman Empire considered it so important that 2 future Roman emperors were born here, Claudius and Caracalla. As such, there are several Roman ruins in the city.
Roman architecture and influence stands out all across the city and most prominently in these two ancient Roman theatres located in the Fourvière area. There are many more Roman sites in Lyon which you can read about here.
Prehistoric cave paintings
One of the greatest cultural treasures in the world is located in the heart of department of Ardèche, about 124 miles (200 km) away from Lyon.
Known as Grotte Chauvet (Cave Chauvet), it is a cave network which has some of the earliest known Paleolithic human cave paintings. Dating back about 28,000 – 32,000 years old these are among the oldest in the world.
Lakeside Annecy
About 2 hours drive away from Lyon is the Alpine town of Annecy. A delightful combination of medieval France and natural landscapes, it is a town that has attracted visitors for centuries.
Located on Lake Annecy, the city is blessed not only with a charming old town but also with some of the most extraordinary scenery in all of France.
From the old Palais de l’Ile to the Château d’Annecy, this was the home of the Counts of Genova. Known as the Venice of the Alps, the town is famous for its many canals.
And with plenty of lakeside beaches, biking lanes and hiking trails nearby, it is a sports-lovers paradise. You can read more about visiting Annecy here.
The majestic Alps
The Alps are one of Europe’s most iconic mountain ranges, and certainly one of the most diverse. From the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn to the exquisite Lake Annecy at its foothills, the mighty Alps are a sight to behold.
The highest peak in the Alps is Mont Blanc which is about 15,782 feet (4810 metres) tall. Mont Blanc is the name in French while the Italians call it Monte Blanco, both meaning White Mountain.
From December to April, the Alps becomes a winter sports haven. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tobogganing are extremely popular.
The 3 Vallées and Paradiski have proclaimed themselves the largest ski domaines in the world, with some of the top resorts in France. In summer, activities such as hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, mountaineering and paragliding are also quite popular.
With local dishes like fondue and raclette originating in this area, it has a culture all its own. (Remember to try the génépi digestif if you are in the area!) You can read more about the Alps mountains here.
Chambéry, capital of Savoy
About 67 miles (108km) away from Lyon is the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy, Chambéry. While most tourists tend to make their way to nearby Annecy, Chambéry which is only 30 miles (50km) away, is more of a hidden gem.
Once the capital of the Dukes of Savoy, it became part of France in exchange for the Victor Emmanuel II becoming King of Italy. But the Savoy culture in this part of France remains strong. From its own language, cheeses, wines, and other traditions, there is plenty to see and taste.
With a charming old town and a newer and hipper surrounding area, there is an architectural flair and style to Chambéry that is difficult to replicate. It sits on Lac du Bourget and with scenic mountains all around, it is definitely worth the day trip from Lyon. You can read more about visiting Chambéry here.
Bouchon lyonnaise restaurants
Bouchon in French translates to “cork”, but a Lyonnaise Bouchon is actually a type of restaurant. It is meant to signify small family-owned restaurants that are local to the city of Lyon.
In the 17th century, these were tiny taverns or inns where silk merchants stopped during their trade route to have a meal, rest their horses, and, maybe stay overnight. The name comes from a 16th-century french expression for a bunch of twisted straw used to clean the horses.
These days, the bouchons are famous for their hearty meals and traditional dishes. You can read more about local foods from Lyon here.
Train de l’Ardeche
Previously known as the Chemin de fer du Vivarais or Train du Viverais, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Ardèche.
A foresty area in the center of France, the main station to catch the Train de l’Ardeche is about 55 miles (90 km) or 1h15 from the city of Lyon.
These old steam trains, using systems dating back 130 years, run along a network of lines constructed around the Vivarais network.
These days, it regularly attracts tourists from all over Europe. Travelling along a portion of the Gorges Doux (Valley of the Doux), the area is otherwise inaccessible and is known for its beautiful unspoiled landscapes. You can read more about traveling on the Train de l’Ardeche here.
Spa town of Aix-les-Bains
About 20 minutes away from Chambéry and 1h15 drive away from Lyon is the spa town of Aix-les-Bains. This lakeside city of Aix-les-Bains has attracted the rich and well-to-to for centuries.
From the ancient Romans to U.K.’s Queen Victoria, the city’s reputation for its wondrous natural thermal springs beckons visitors from far and wide.
There are a couple of large thermal spa resorts around Aix-les-Bains, using natural spring waters. The water contains calcium sulphide and is rich in trace elements of magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, iodine, zinc, aluminum and copper.
The closest spa to the city center is Thermes Chevalley Valvital, that is in the haute (“high”) part of town. A bit further outside of Aix, on a property covering 10 hectares, is the Thermes de Marlioz. You can read more about visiting Aix-les-Bains here.
Grenoble
Located in the French Alps, Grenoble is at an elevation of about 500 meters (1,600 ft) and is about 1h20 from Lyon by car.
It is split into two parts: the historic city center and the new town. To be honest, the newer part with its industrial buildings is nothing to write home about, but thankfully the old historic center makes up for it.
From a magnificent téléphérique carrying tourists up the historic Fort Bastille Grenoble, to the quays of the river Isère, it is certainly a beautiful city.
In addition, the old town of Grenoble has a large pedestrian zone featuring plenty of small shops, boutiques, and restaurants. You can read more about visiting Grenoble here.
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