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Colors of Rhone-Alpes - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Rhône-Alpes, Château le Combet, La Répara-Auriples, Drôme The best time to explore the culture and traditions of the region are Christmas holidays. Each city of the province has its own unique traditions and interesting celebrations. In early December, Lyon hosts an annual festival of lights; it was first held in 1852. The history of this symbolic celebration is very interesting.
Your active city break in Rhone-Alpes. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Many travelers associate this picturesque province primarily with high-class ski resorts. This is a real attraction for fans of skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. This is … Open
In the mid19th century the new gilded statue of the Virgin Mary was installed in the town; locals couldn’t manage to sanctify it due to the bad weather. Thus, they decided to hold their own sanctification, so, after nightfall, they set lamps in their windows. Flashing lights were kind of tribute to the religious shrine.
A good tradition was caught on and, since 1852, a symbolic event was held every year supported by local authorities. In early December, an incredibly beautiful illumination is installed in the city; scenic old buildings and landmarks are adorned with original lights. Lyon Festival of Lights announces the beginning of Christmas holidays, during which there are curious events in each city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Rhone-Alpes
1. Seasoned travelers prefer to travel the region by TGV trains and recommend purchasing tickets through the official website of the company. In this case, you can save considerably; but you … Open
Quatres Glorieuses gastronomic exhibition is held in December; the name of this festival can be literally translated as ‘Four glories.’ This large-scale exhibition brings together the best poultry producers in the region. During the exhibition, visitors have an opportunity to taste a variety of dishes cooked of poultry of the highest quality. It is considered very honorable to win the contest.
Lac Pormenaz - Rhone-Alpes At the end of December, there is an exhibition of Christmas cribs in Montelimar. It includes unique pieces from private collections, among which there is a vintage crib of the 18th century, as well as masterpieces of modern masters. Visitors can learn a lot while exploring the museum exposition; the event will certainly appeal to those who are fond of Christmas holidays and exciting excursions. Annual holiday in Grignan continues the theme. An incredibly beautiful alpine village is constructed in it on the Christmas Eve; festive decorations occupy an area of ​​about 1000 square meters. All attenders can admire beautiful houses, figurines of animals and the world's largest crib; the exhibition is open to visitors during the festive period.
This guide to traditions and festivals in Rhone-Alpes is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
Rhone-Alpes - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6

City tours, excursions and tickets in Rhone-Alpes and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Rhone-Alpes
♥   Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Osier, Notre-Dame-de-l’Osier, 8.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Sacré-Cœur, Grenoble, 21 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Saint-Joseph, Grenoble, 22 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Grenoble, 22.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire, Valence, 51.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, Antsirabé, 54 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-François-de-Sales, Chambéry, 57.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Rhone-Alpes
♥   Castle 'Château de La Sône' Isère, 14.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Arthaudière' Isère, 14.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Rochechinard' Drôme, 21.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Clermont' Isère, 31.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Virieu' Isère, 34.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Ratières' Drôme, 42.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Albon' Drôme, 47 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Unique landmarks in Rhone-Alpes and around

Gouffre Berger

From the series “Largest and Most Branched Caves on Earth”
Check on the map:   Distance from Rhone-Alpes center - 13.3 km.
The Gouffre Berger cave, located in France, was discovered in 1953 and was named in honor of the first researcher, Josef Berger. The general length of the high passages is about 32 km. This is the first cave in the world, whose mines were examined at depth of more than 1,000 meters. At present, the maximum depth of the excavated mine is 1 323 meters. … Read further

Grenoble Bastille

From the series “The Longest Ski-Lifts and Cable Trams in the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Rhone-Alpes center - 21.8 km.
Truly unique object is Grenoble Bastille cable car. That’s the first facility of its kind that was built in the city. Opening of the ropeway took place on 29 September 1934. It has greatly facilitated access of local residents and visitors to one of the major attractions, the Bastille. The very first cabins of cable car looked different to current ones, as they’ve been designed for 21 passengers. … Read further
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Rhone-Alpes
Detailed Rhone-Alpes maps
Rhone-Alpes photo gallery

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Colors of Rhone-Alpes in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Rhone-Alpes

Grenoble
Natives are famous for their ability to find a way out of any situation and generally treat every trouble calmly. Calmness, carelessness, and serenity distinguish them from residents of other cities in France. These people are always pleasant to deal and find a common language with, not least due to the fact that their smile can cheer up even the moodiest person. Therefore, ... Open »
Lyon
It is particularly interesting to watch the laser show; facades of old buildings and palaces are covered with color images of great beauty and various metamorphoses occur with those buildings. They can be deformed and bizarrely twisted, they change the shape and arrangement of elements in rays of laser illuminators. Such ideas seem amazing. Sometimes, optical and lighting ... Open »
Meribel
In such restaurants, they use antique items as decorations and retain special cooking traditions. Simple rustic cuisine attracts not only tourists with a limited budget but also wealthy travelers hungry for new impressions. Several authentic villages that have been preserved in the vicinity of Meribel are available for tours. Near the resort, there are historical farms, ... Open »
Albertville
Albertville resort is also a well-known cultural center. Local people respect and observe numerous interesting traditions and customs, as far as consider their culture very attractive and original. And that is true! Despite the fact that the national cuisine is not distinguished by the abundance of complex dishes, the art of cooking is treated with great attention here. The ... Open »
Courchevel
First of all, it is worth noting the resort's special composition - it lies on several levels. The most prestigious resort is Courchevel 1850, it is located above all others. It's here that one can find the most expensive hotels and restaurants, as well as private clubs, the cost of membership in which is very high. Courchevel 1650 located just below is more affordable and ... Open »
Briancon
If visitors try to talk French to locals, they can expect cordial approach and general likes from the side of local people. Locals are punctual, so when heading to a business meeting or to a house of new acquaintances foreigners must come on time. If you are late, local people may consider that a sign of disregard. Communication with local people should also be made as ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Rhone-Alpes. Learn the best periods to visit Rhone-Alpes to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Rhone-Alpes.
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