The Rhone Alps is full of contrasts, from the fertile lowlands around the Rhone River and vineyards of Beaujolais to the stunning mountain ranges, with influences from both northern and southern France. This beautiful region of South East France borders Switzerland and Italy. The French region of Auvergne is to the west, Burgundy to the north and Provence/Cote d’Azur to the south. The French Alps has an impressive range of holiday accommodation which can be rented directly from the owners and their managers.
Activities
It offers excellent skiing, whether you are a beginner or an off piste expert. Not only is the region a paradise for out door lovers but also for those who love the French gastronomy.
The quality of the local produce draws many great chefs to the region. It claims to be the gastronomic capital of France with roughly a quarter of France’s 3 star chefs based in the Rhone Alps. In Lyon itself there are over 25 famous restaurants.
After eating and skiing your way around the region, relax and rejuvenate your body at one of the first class spas at Evian, Divonne-les-Bains, Aix-les-Bains or Thonon. Rhone Alps has a very pleasant climate with long warm summers. Whether you are looking for a ski chalet, an apartment in the French Alps or a villa rental elsewhere in the region, you will be sure to find your dream holiday rental on Rent Property Direct.
Skiing
Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc overlooks this magnificent skiing paradise. The French Alps has a wide range of internationally renowned ski resorts such as; Chamonix, Courchevel, Trois Vallées, les 2 Alpes, Megève, Morzine and Val d'Isère. If you fancy something other than downhill skiing, why not try some of the other winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snow walking and ice-skating.
Summer activities
Once the snow has melted and the warm winds of summer have arrived, the Alps become a hive of activity. There is angling, white water rafting, horse riding, caving, hiking, glacier walking, mountain biking, mountaineering, and after a hard days exercise visit one of the spas. In addition Rhone Alps boasts 50 – 60 great golf courses, making it one of the largest golfing regions in France. Just outside Grenoble there is a great equestrian centre called La Chevauchee, which accommodates every level of horse rider.
Culture
In the quarter of Ainay of Lyon there are numerous theatres, museums and art galleries worth visiting, in particular the grand opera house which is quite stunning. You can also find sites of interest at Grenoble, e.g. Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy and the Chartreuse where the Monks have a distillery.
Cities and towns
Lyon – Vibrant city and gastronomic centre of France with many great restaurants. Lyon hosts one of France’s best wine fairs in February. There is a wide variety of vacation rentals in and around this city.
Chambery – Lovely old town and museums.
Grenoble – Busy student town close to the ski resorts with a large choice of holiday rentals available. Spectacular food market at Place Saint Claire.
Chamonix – Home to Mont Blanc and one of France’s best ski areas. There are plenty of beautiful ski chalets to rent in Chamonix.
Annecy – Lakeside town with a 12th Century Chateau.
Other towns worth visiting for shopping, restaurants, bars, and a wide choice of holiday accommodation, are St-Etienne, Valence, Tignes, Val-d’Isere, Albertville, Roanne, Bourg-an-Bresse, Nantua, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Aix-les-Bains, Montelimar, Privas, Romans-sur-Isere and Vienne.
Travel
The airports are Annecy, Grenoble and Lyon. Taking the Eurostar to Paris, you can catch the high speed train (TGV) to Lyon or Valence. Rhone Alps region is approximately 2 hours from Paris.
For a great value holiday home in this stunning part of France search through the large selection on Rent Property Direct and enjoy an unforgettable holiday in the Rhone Alps.