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The Rhône-Alpes region
France in a truly condensed form, the Rhône-Alpes region is favoured by its geography. Not too far North, nor too far South, it has a common border with Provence, and Italy that it contemplates from the top of the Mont Blanc and touches the Massif Central region even sharing some of its rounded summits. It is without doubt the most beautiful region in France. Because of its diversity it offers a wide scope of landscapes which will not fail to surprise and charm . A mosaic of administrative areas, the Rhône-Alpes region has managed to forge a unique strength from its absence of historical and geographic unity. Each of its eight administrative areas (départements) has its own identity, traditions and decor. In short, a different feature greets you at every milestone…almost ! Lyons, the regional capital, occupies an important place with 70% of the 1,500,000 inhabitants that live in this small " département ". The outlying districts however, maintain a certain harmonious balance with the big urban centre by providing its roots and local soil for its produce. Villefranche, the capital of the Beaujolais region is a lively town and a crossroads that cannot be missed. Going through a country of golden stone between Arbresle and Villefranche you will cross a vineyard of 10,000 hectares and find the local heritage intact in its stonework and traditions. Other treasures await you to the West of Lyons such as the Coteaux du Lyonnais, a domain producing a fruity, not too expensive wine, and as much fresh fruit as you could wish for ( for tarts). To the South, Condrieu is the gateway to the Rhone valley and the Côtes du Rhône. More wine, you will say ! Obviously, wine represents 54% of the income of the Rhone area. It is enough to make you forget the oil refinery at Feyzin and the Fourvière tunnel that the millions of holidaymakers have to pass through. Come and meet the local people who are said to be humble, discreet and faithful in friendship and enjoy their feasts, their traditions and their good food famous the world over. Is not Lyons the capital of gastronomy ? To the West of the region, the department of the Loire, wooded and industrious, looks towards its capital, Saint-Etienne, a town that is rapidly evolving. To the South, the regions of Ardèche and the Drome have a flavour of southern France. They are places flocked to by tourists for their rivers, local heritage and their mild climate. To the East you have the Ain region. With its contrasting plains and hills it is a nature reserve, a permanent spectacle. The Isère region, the gateway to the dauphine region also wavers between plain and jagged relief. Rhône-Alpes has an intense life in every season.
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