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Often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of France’, the Rhône-Alpes region is known for its bucolic countryside and medieval stone villages. But, as our specialists will tell you, this is just the beginning of the picture. They’ve toured the region extensively and will help you plan a vacation in the Rhône-Alpes that’s suited to your interests, while advising on everything from the best local festivals to which of the local cuisine savoyarde specialties to try.

Journey south from the wine regions of Beaujolais and Mâconnais and you’ll reach Lac d’Annecy, considered ‘the purest lake in Europe’ for its crystal-clear waters. To the east lie the towering Alps and to the south the sun-drenched hills of Provence. Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, is here, its striking architecture and reputation for fine food making it well worth a visit. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, and the glamorous mountain resort of Chamonix offer challenging hiking as well as mountain views. And, the Rhône River splits the region vertically in two before emptying out into the Mediterranean, feeding the vineyards of centuries-old Côtes du Rhône wineries that line its banks and spread out across the surrounding hills.

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Audley Travel Country Specialist Samantha

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Rhône-Alpes by contacting one of our France specialists

Places to visit in Rhône-Alpes

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Rhône-Alpes, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Suggested itineraries featuring Rhône-Alpes

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Rhône-Alpes, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Rhône-Alpes

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around Rhône-Alpes

    Accommodation choices for Rhône-Alpes

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Rhône-Alpes. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Rhône-Alpes

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Rhône-Alpes, and which use the best local guides.

    • Private boat tour of Lac d'Annecy with apéritif
      Lac d'Annecy, France

      Private boat tour of Lac d'Annecy with apéritif

      Private boat tour of Lac d'Annecy with apéritif

      Cruise along the scenic shores of Lac d’Annecy on a private boat on this evening cruise. Visit a smuggler’s cave and admire the turquoise waters then sip an apéritif as you watch the sun set behind Annecy.

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    • Annecy walking tour
      Pont des Amours, Annecy

      Annecy walking tour

      Annecy walking tour

      A medieval city built around a hilltop castle and riddled with canals, Annecy is best explored on foot. On this walking tour, your private guide will reveal the history behind the rickety old buildings, fortifications and characterful cobbled lanes.

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    • Geneva walking tour
      Geneva, Switzerland

      Geneva walking tour

      Geneva walking tour

      A short hop from France lies the historic city of Geneva on the edge of its namesake lake. On this private guided walking tour, you’ll hear about Geneva’s international significance and its importance during the Protestant Reformation as you take in its old town on foot.

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    • Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits
      Burgundy grapes, France

      Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits

      Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits

      Explore the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy on this private, full-day tour. Your driver-guide will take you through the storied vineyards and prestigious appellations of the region, with pauses for tastings, lunch and a chance to explore an 11th-century wine cellar.

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    • Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions
      Beaujolais grapes, France

      Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions

      Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions

      This full-day tour gives you the chance to explore the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. With your private driver-guide, visit the Côte Dorée and sample gamay wines before enjoying an indulgent lunch. In the afternoon, sample white Burgundies in Mâconnais.

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    • Mountains and glacier tour with cable car ascent
      Cable car to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix

      Mountains and glacier tour with cable car ascent

      Mountains and glacier tour with cable car ascent

      The alpine scenery of Chamonix is unveiled on this tour of the mountains and glaciers with a local guide. You’ll take in the views from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi and visit the ice cave in the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier.

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    • Hiking near Mont Blanc with picnic lunch
      Chamonix hiking trail, France

      Hiking near Mont Blanc with picnic lunch

      Hiking near Mont Blanc with picnic lunch

      Get out onto the trails and into the mountains around Chamonix on a full-day privately guided hike. You’ll ascend into the high meadows for panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, and return via another route passing a quiet mountain lake.

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    • Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market
      Brioche aux pralines, Lyon

      Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market

      Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market

      Discover why Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France on this private tour of its bakeries, markets, restaurants and delis. Learn about its renowned chefs past and present and sample some local delicacies such as praline brioche and coussin de Lyon.

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