Sightseeing in Rhone-Alpes - what to see. Complete travel guide

Rhone-Alpes region is famous for its magnificent nature; even its name derives from its natural attractions, the Rhone River and the Alps. The tourism industry is well-developed; local resorts don’t cease to surprise even the most discerning travelers. In mountainous areas, there are several well-known ski resorts; they have become venues for the Olympic Games for three times already. Both professional skiers and those who are just learning would like resting there. After active skiing training, you can relax in one of the cafes or explore the nature reserve.

There are eight nature reserves here; all of them are located in the foothills of the Alps. Each park strikes with original beauty; there are vineyards and olive groves, vast and tiny valleys. Adventurers can climb high into the mountains to the snow-covered peaks that seem lifeless and deserted only at first glance.

Travelers who are interested in art and culture won’t be disappointed. Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Grenoble have a lot of museums, exhibitions, galleries and theaters. Gourmets would also like these cities. Lyon is considered the gastronomic center of the country; every restaurant of the city offers a vast menu and an extensive wine list. The main specialties of these places are cheeses, meats and wine. You can continue exploring the gastronomic culture and history of the region during a trip to Chambery and Annecy. Near these towns there are several major vineyards. Excursions to wine cellars that would necessarily include tasting of the best varieties of the drink are arranged for tourists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most attractive resorts of the province are located on the shores of Lake Geneva; there you can find cozy hostels and luxury hotels offering a wide range of services. Local beaches attract fans of relaxing vacations. Mont Blanc (the highest point of Europe) always attracts desperate climbers. Cozy parks of Lyon welcome romantic natures. In any case, there are lots of interesting and attractive places for every tourist in the Rhone-Alpes

Thanks to a wide variety of resorts, the region is annually visited by many tourists. In winter, it attracts fans of skiing and other winter entertainments. The choice of ski resorts in the region is really huge. One of the most famous ski resorts is Espace Killy. The total length of ski routes is over 300 km. There are routes of different levels. Local resorts are visited not only by professional sportsmen, but also with tourists with children. The unique attraction of Espace Killy is the Pisseya Glacier. It is so big and high that doesn’t melt even in summer. Some ski resorts are open for tourists even in hot summer.

The region of Rhone-Alpes is notable for its upscale thermal resorts. The most famous and most popular of them is Aix les Bains. It is located in an incredibly beautiful area near the Boj Mountains. Its main value is unique thermal springs, which waters healing properties. The first fonts here were formed in the period of the reign of the Roman Empire. Today, there are upscale recreation centers at the resort. There are also many top-rated hotels and thermal centers with beautiful pools where different balneological procedures are practiced.

For many years, the visiting card of the region is the elite resort of Courchevel that attracts tourists from all over the world. It welcomes politicians, film stars, and musicians. At the resort, there are some of the most upscale hotels and restaurants in the region. The main advantage of Courchevel is ski routes suitable for experienced sportsmen, as well as beginners.

However, the resort is popular all year round. In summer, the choice of entertainments is huge too. In summer, the visitors of the resort can walk here, admire fabulous landscapes, and see local nature attractions. In the mountains, there are several districts for mountaineering and paragliding. Courchevel is perfect for peaceful recreation, there are luxurious spa centers and resort hotels. The resort also offers travelers with children a lot of additional services.