Get to know Rhone-Alpes

Nestled between Switzerland and Italy, the Rhône-Alpes region is a majestic tapestry of snow-capped peaks, vineyard-covered hills, and dynamic urban life. It’s where nature meets culture, and outdoor adventure blends with culinary excellence.

The towering Alps dominate the eastern part of the region, home to world-famous ski resorts like Chamonix, Megève, and Les Trois Vallées. In the summer, the mountains become playgrounds for hikers, cyclists, and paragliders. The region is also dotted with serene lakes, such as Lake Annecy – often called the “purest lake in Europe” – and Lac du Bourget, surrounded by forested hills.

At the heart of the region lies Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and France’s gastronomic capital, blending Renaissance charm with a vibrant, modern energy. With its Roman amphitheaters, traboules (hidden passageways), and rich cultural life, Lyon is the perfect urban anchor in a region defined by natural beauty.

A bit of History

Rhône-Alpes has a long and layered history. Lyon (formerly Lugdunum) was once the capital of Roman Gaul and remains filled with architectural relics from that era. The city flourished in the Renaissance as a center for silk weaving and printing, and its historic districts still reflect that artistic prosperity.
In the Alpine areas, time seems to have stood still. Stone villages with wooden chalets have watched over mountain passes for centuries, and their traditions – from cheese-making to local festivals – endure.


During World War II, this mountainous frontier became a hub for the French Resistance, and many memorials today pay tribute to those who fought for freedom in these remote, rugged terrains. The region’s dual character – urban sophistication and rural resilience – gives it a distinctive and powerful identity.

Culinary knowledge

Rhône-Alpes boasts a cuisine as varied and rich as its geography. In the mountains, comfort food reigns: fondue savoyarde, raclette, and tartiflette are beloved winter staples, made with local cheeses like Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie. These hearty dishes are traditionally enjoyed with vin de Savoie or a hot glass of Génépi, a herbal alpine liqueur.

In the cities, especially Lyon, the culinary tradition takes a refined turn. Known for its bouchons – small, family-owned bistros – Lyon offers specialties like quenelles de brochet, andouillette, and salade lyonnaise, all celebrating rich flavors and artisanal preparation.


The Côtes du Rhône wine region, stretching southward, brings full-bodied reds and elegant whites to the table, while the Drome and Ardèche offer truffles, chestnuts, and high-quality charcuterie. Whether you’re dining fireside in a mountain chalet or enjoying a Michelin-starred meal in the city, Rhône-Alpes delivers on all culinary fronts.