Picture © Credits to istock/kavram
Picture © Credits to istock/kavram

Auvergne-Rhone Alps


A mountainous region situated at the heart of France, it is associated in the collective imagination with its harsh climate and with its mountains...

The Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region is one of the most important economic hubs of continental Europe. Bordering Switzerland and Italy, its strategic position has made it an obligatory transit point between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Relatively sparsely populated on the whole, the region relies economically on the activity of its capital, Lyons, is renowned for the quality of life it offer. The region is known for its famous thermal baths, such as Vichy, and its winter sport resorts. Its history is also rich, from the days of Julius Caesar, the Arverni people led by the famous Vercingetorix, were the Romans' fiercest opponents and long served as the final frontier against Rome. The gastronomical offerings of the region reflects the latter's great diversity: Alpine dishes in the east, Mediterranean cuisine further south, and an abundance of fine wines.

Cities and towns to visit in Auvergne-Rhone Alps

Things to do and see in Auvergne-Rhone Alps, per interest