Comprehensive Guide to Family Travel in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
What to Do and See in Each Department of the Region
“If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.”
Bridge viewed from the town center of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in the Haute-Savoie department
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has established itself as the 2nd most important economic region in the country. The GDP of this region, alone, is equivalent to the entire country of Finland! Its shared borders with Switzerland and Italy place it in a strategic location on some of Europe’s main transport routes, including those of the TGV. In addition to manufacturing, which accounts for 18.3% of the region’s value, it has become an important research center and provides a home to many innovative tech start-ups.
The region has a wide variety of landscapes - there’s city life in Lyon (France’s 3rd largest metropolitan city), dormant volcanoes throughout the eastern part of the region, and the summit of Mont Blanc (Europe’s highest peak) in the mountains to the west. One-fifth of France’s national parks are located within the region, which has taken major care to preserve its natural environments. While most visitors tend to find themselves in either the city of Lyon or the ski resort towns of the Alps (ourselves included), there is so much more to explore and experience!
There are a total of 12 departments that make up the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, each with their own distinct feel and atmosphere. We simply can’t do this region justice without focusing on the unique aspects of each department. So, we have organized our list to provide the best things to do within each of this region’s 12 departments. Settle in, grab a snack, and discover what makes this region so amazing and why you should definitely consider spending some quality time here where you’ll find rich history, Roman influences, gorgeous landscapes, fabulous food, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun!
Map showing the 12 departments of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region
What to Do and See in Each Department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region:
Visit the Vibrant City of Lyon in the Department of Rhône – Located in the middle of the region, Lyon serves as the capital of the Rhône department and as a UNESCO World Heritage city. Many people visit Paris and rave about the food, but Lyon is actually considered the culinary capital of the country. With over 4,000 restaurants, there are some fantastic options available, including 15 restaurants with at least one Michelin star. Beyond the food and the typical city amenities, there are plenty of unique and fun things to do. Here are some of our recommendations while you’re in Lyon.
Visit La Place Bellecour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Europe’s largest pedestrian square, measuring 62,000 square meters. Place Bellecour is considered kilometer 0 of Lyon and all distances are calculated outward from it. It is one of the most visited locations in the city. Right in the middle of the square is an enormous bronze statue of Louis XIV, the Sun King, on horseback. The piece was created in 1825 by artist François-Frédéric Lemot. During the winter months, a large Ferris wheel lights the night sky and in warmer weather, the square bustles with tourists and locals dining at the outdoor restaurant terraces and visiting luxury shops. It also serves as the location for several festivals throughout the year.
Meander through Vieux (Old) Lyon. This is the city’s historic district which sits on the banks of the Saône River, in the shadow of the beautiful Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Walk along the winding cobblestone streets, lined with welcoming bouchons (restaurants where traditional Lyonnaise food is served). You should definitely take the historic Funiculaire de Fourvière (cable car) to the top of Fourvière Hill. The ride takes only 2 minutes and provides a different look at the Basilica. The walls are covered in bright mosaics that recreate Biblical scenes. From outside the Basilica, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the entire city. Located in this area, you’ll also find Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste which is home to a stunning 14th century astronomical clock.
Just a short distance from the Basilica, you can explore the region’s Roman heritage. Lyon was originally known as Lugdunum when it was founded in 43 BCE under the Roman Empire. During its early history, many forums, theaters, and aqueducts were constructed. Many are still in existence today. You can visit Lugdunum: Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization in Lyon, which covers the five centuries of the city’s history when it was under Roman rule. Adjacent to the museum, you’ll find two ancient Roman theaters. The larger amphitheater is believed to have been built around 15 BCE and features the typical steeply tiered seating. It has been restored and is still used for performances. The smaller theater, Odeon of Lyon, features a roof and was mostly used for poetry readings and musical performances. The original inlaid marble floor of the orchestra can still be seen.
Step Back in Time in the Allier Department – Located in the northwesternmost corner of the region is the Allier Department. This area, featuring beautiful hills and valleys, forests, and streams, is particularly beautiful. The Loire, Cher, and Allier rivers all wind through the department, providing scenic views.
Tour the city of Moulins. Located exactly in the center of France, Moulins was founded around 900 AD and served as the seat of the Dukes of Bourgogne making it a prominent city of medieval France. You can stroll the pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets of the old town and admire the beautiful medieval houses in both half-timbered and stone designs. One of the crowning jewels that remains today is the Moulins Cathedral (aka Cathedral of Notre-Dame et Sacré-Coeur). It serves as the seat of the Bishop of Moulins. Outside, the facade is dominated by its twin bell towers, and it features a collection of gargoyles. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of stained glass windows and a 3 piece work of art, made in the 15th century, which depicts the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Also in Moulins is the unique Centre National du Costume et de la Scène (National Center for Theatrical Costume and Design), a museum that exhibits thousands of costumes from the National Opera and Comedie Française. If you visit Moulins during the summer, you’ll be treated each evening to a beautiful light show projected on the historical buildings of the town.
The healing baths of Vichy date back to the time of the Roman conquest. It is said that Julius Caesar discovered the special water when the soldiers stopped to water their horses. The horses were completely depleted from their journey but became immediately stronger after drinking the mineral rich water. The water temperature is a precise 17.3°C and has now been used as a drinking cure for centuries. The waters naturally reduce stomach acidity and treat gout, stomach ulcers, rheumatism, and arthritis. Externally, the waters have helped alleviate skin conditions including sunburn and eczema. During the reign of Napoleon III in the 1860’s, the town was nicknamed “Reine des Villes d’Eaux” (Queen of the Water Towns). Napoleon III directed the construction of hotels, lavish homes for himself and his Empress, and even a Grand Casino. This is when Vichy became known as a spa town, benefitting from the arrival of visitors who wished to enjoy the tranquility and healing provided by the extraordinary water. Today, Vichy’s six drinkable springs are still bottled and exported all over the world. If you visit the Hall des Sources, you can even bring your own vessel to fill with water for free!
Enjoy Outdoor Adventure in the Isère department – The Isère department is located in the heart of the French Alps. It is the 3rd largest mountain destination in the country. Rich with wildlife and easily accessible by train, it is known both as a center for scientific study and a destination for outdoor fun. We loved this area for its gorgeous scenery and the adrenaline rush provided by its amusement park.
Grenoble is sometimes referred to as the capital of the French Alps due to its location at the foot of the mountains. It is, however, the actual capital of the department of Isère and is distinguished as an important center of science for Europe. Here, you’ll find gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains. If you visit the city of Grenoble, you should venture to the Fort de la Bastille, a fortress that sits 1,561ft high in the mountains. Its position, when it was built in 1592, served as a natural defense against attack. It is the most popular tourist attraction in the city with over 325,000 visitors each year. The hill, itself, offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Getting to the top is quite a workout for those interested in the hike. As an alternative, you can drive up or take the cable car (the most popular mode of transportation) to the top. The Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car was inaugurated in 1934 and is one of the oldest urban cable cars in the world!
Cross the Himalayan Passerelles. These two Himalayan footbridges, located less than an hour-drive from Grenoble, exist in a stunning natural setting, offering panoramic views over Monteynard-Avignonet Lake. The Drac Footbridge is 220m long while the Ebron Footbridge is 180m long. These suspension bridges provide a safe, but exciting, pedestrian link between the Trièves, Matheysine, and Vercors summits. Rising 45-85m above the water, the trek across will definitely provide a spine-tingling sensation. All Trails considers the full out & back circuit to be a hard hike that spans 9.4 miles and takes a little over 5 hours. If you’re visiting with children, you can choose to cross only the Ebron bridge.
Discover caving as a family. Located in the town of Saint- Aupre, about 30 minutes from Grenoble, is a unique caving-for-beginners opportunity. La Grotte de Saint-Aupre is accessible to children as young as 7. Here, you can spend a half day discovering an underground environment of stalactites, stalagmites, an underground lake, and even the resident bats.
Have a thrilling day at Walibi Rhône-Alpes Amusement Park! One of our favorite activities as a family is visiting amusement parks. We love rides and shows and we especially love a bit of a fright during the Halloween season. Walibi Rhône-Alpes delivered a wonderful Halloween themed experience along with unique and thrilling rides, fun characters, and a chilling haunted house. They capped it off in the evening with a beautiful fireworks show. Our visit was on a rainy day and despite getting wet, we had an amazing day!
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The Theatre Antique de Vienne is a gorgeous open-air theater that was built by the Romans around 40-50 AD. It sits on the steep slopes of Pipet Hill and is considered one of the most important theaters in Roman antiquity. In ancient times, Vienne was the capital city of the Celtic tribe known as the Allobroges (traces of this tribe have been found in many places in the entire region). The Romans conquered the town in 121 BC and it became one of the most important cities of Gaul until the end of Roman rule in 275 AD. At one time, this theater had a capacity for 13,000 spectators, making it probably the largest in the Gaul area. Thirty years of excavations in the early 20th century unearthed the entire theater, which has been restored and is used today for concerts and events, including a lively jazz festival hosted there each year since 1981.
Enjoy Unique Experiences in the Drôme Department – The Drôme department is located about a 2 hour drive south of Lyon. The area is named after the river that flows through it and is best known for its lush landscapes and national parks. It is also the best place, outside of Provence, to see the fragrant lavender fields in late spring and early summer.
Vercors Regional Natural Park falls across both the Drôme and Isère departments. The park covers over 206,000 hectares and includes the Grand Veymont at an altitude of 2,341m. It has a wide range of landscapes, including tall limestone cliffs, chasms, caves, and deep gorges in addition to green valleys and forests. You’ll need a car to fully explore the park that is home to over 140 species of nesting birds, more than 70 mammal species, and a total of 17 reptile and amphibian species. It also boasts more than 1,800 plant species, including 79 species of delicate orchids. There are more than 3,000km of organized routes for hikers and bikers throughout the massive park. You can even take a guided hike with a donkey as your companion!
Also located within the Vercors Regional Natural Park is the Chute de la Druise Waterfall where the Gervanne river flows over a cliff in a single 72 meter drop. Believed by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in France, the Chute de la Druise is one location you won’t want to miss while visiting the Drôme department. The site is open year round, but its most impressive flows occur in early spring and after significant rains. You’ll need to walk about 20-25 minutes from the parking lot to see it and it is recommended that you wear shoes with good grip and which can also get wet, as the path can become slippery. The waters are bright turquoise and the setting offers some incredible opportunities for photos.
Montélimar is located south of Valence and is most famous for its nougat (a sweet candy made from sugar, honey, and nuts). You can visit the workshop at L’Artisan Nougatier where 230 years of experience is on display. Children 5 years and older are welcome to join the free tour that lasts about 30-40 minutes and is available in both French and English. Each phase of the production process is explained and you’ll even be able to taste several different types of nougat!
For a truly unique experience while in the Drôme department, you can visit Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval. This unusual palace was built single-handedly by a French postman named Ferdinand Cheval. The story is that Cheval tripped on a rock while delivering mail in 1879. He pocketed the distinctively shaped rock and was inspired to use it to build a palace. With absolutely no architectural experience, he spent 34 years collecting stones and building his dream palace. He was influenced by many different cultures and styles and mixed them together into a castle of grottoes that blends Asian and European architectural characteristics together. He was relentlessly mocked and criticized by his neighbors until the work began attracting tourists at which time, he received a lot of praise and accolades. His work was completed in 1912 when he was 75 years old. In 1969, the Minister of Culture of France declared the site a cultural landmark. The palace is located in the town of Hauterives about 30 miles south of Lyon.
Experience History in the Often Overlooked Department of Loire – This is probably NOT the “Loire'' that first comes to your mind. Often referred to as “Loire 42” to distinguish it from the well known Loire Valley to the West, the Loire department is located in the central part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, near the upper reaches of the Loire River. It features a widely varying topography. You’ll find mountains, plains, forests, and gorges as you explore this picturesque department.
Saint-Étienne is the capital of the department and is the 3rd largest city (after Lyon and Grenoble) in the entire region. It was once known as a mining city but has established itself as an important city for manufacturing and technology. It is recognized as a UNESCO City of Design due, in part, to its mix of historic and creative modern architecture. While there are many interesting museums in the city, one of its most unique is the Mine Museum. Here, visitors can step into the shoes of a miner and learn the history of coal mining in a mine that was operational until 1973. You can even descend into the mining tunnel itself! (You can stroll through the museum on your own but the mine visit requires a guided tour.)
Ambierle is a commune that is best known for its Benedictine abbey that was founded in the Middle Ages. The Priory of Ambierle features a stunning glazed tile roof that can be seen around for miles. Perhaps its most remarkable feature is the Passion altarpiece. This exceptional piece dates back to 1466 and depicts the Passion of Christ. The 60 included sculptures represent the crucifixion, the kiss of Judas, the scourging, the crowning with thorns, the deposition from the cross, the entombment, and the resurrection.
Located in the south of Roanne, about 90km northwest of Lyon, you’ll find Château de la Roche. When it was built during the Middle Ages, it sat high above the river where it was naturally protected. When the Villerest dam was constructed in 1982, the river expanded and surrounded the castle, giving it a beautiful and charming islet setting in the middle of the great Loire River. You can enjoy an immersive tour guided by actors depicting the early 20th century owners. You can even choose a themed escape room experience!
Explore Volcanoes in the Puy-de-Dôme Department – This department is probably best known for its volcanoes, but it is also home to beautiful forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains. It shares a rich Roman history with much of the rest of the region and you’ll find that reflected in the churches and castles scattered throughout the department.
Located just west of Clermont-Ferrand is the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of more than 80 volcanoes, spanning over 45km from north to south. Having been formed between 95,000 and 8,400 years ago, this chain is relatively young. They are what is called monogenic (“single use”) meaning that they were created during a short and unique eruption. Once that eruption was complete, they became permanently extinct. These volcanoes are also distinguished by their highly viscous magma that accumulated into a dome. Standing at 1,465m tall, the highest point along the chain is the Puy de Dome volcano from which the department gets its name. It was formed around 11,000 years ago and is classified as a “Grand Site of France.”
For a fun and educational day with kids, you should consider a visit to Vulcania en Auvergne. Located in Saint-Ours-les-Roches, in the shadow of Puy de Dome, this amusement park is completely themed around volcanoes. Over 7 million people have visited the park since it was opened in 2002. The idea was first proposed by French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft in 1986, but they tragically died while working near Mount Unzen in Japan in 1991. Former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing championed their idea and got to work to make it happen. The park has a mission to create a fun environment where visitors can safely learn about volcanoes through an immersive educational experience. Visitors will find creative and informative animations explaining volcanoes and other natural phenomena of our planet. In addition to rides, visitors can watch 5D films and experience interactive exhibitions with sound effects that will make them feel like they’re near an active volcano. The park is open annually from the end of March through mid-November. Audio guides are available in several languages. (If you’ve read many of our previous posts, you know that we highly recommend audio guides!)
Have a Wild Adventure in the Department of Ardèche – The department of Ardèche is located in the south-central part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Ardèche River passes through a series of gorges, providing both stunning views and water adventures.
Explore the Ardèche Gorges. Thousands of years of erosion have carved beautiful gorges into the landscape at the Ardèche Gorges Nature Preserve. Nature has even created a grand entrance of sorts. A beautiful natural arch - Pont d’Arc - stands at 60m high and 30m wide, spanning the river and inviting adventurers into the area. Since 1980, the site has been classified as a National Nature Reserve to protect the gorges, flora and fauna, and the natural habitats of animals. The Pont d’Arc is visible from the tourist route near the village of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. Visitors can hike, canoe, or take a flat bottom boat tour under the natural arch.
In the town of Peaugres, you’ll find a unique safari experience. At Safari de Peaugres, in the heart of the Ardèche, wildlife is on full display! Visitors can drive through portions of the park in their own car, allowing closer viewing of animals from Africa and the Americas in complete safety. It takes an average of one hour to explore this way, passing by rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes, black bears, and bison. There is also a walking path that wanders across a footbridge near the giraffes. You can venture through a glass walkway under tigers and lions (this attraction is particularly fun at feeding time when feed is thrown onto the tunnel). You can even book a night (or 2) in a treehouse that stands above the territories of the bears or the arctic wolves! In all, the zoo spans over 80 hectares and is home to over 900 animals. (Educational materials are printed in both French and English.)
Enjoy Nature’s Wonder in the Cantal Department – This department features some truly hot water and a town set atop volcanic magma! There’s also lots of nature to attract outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, and canoeing/kayaking.
The small village of Chaudes-Aigues is known for its 30 hot springs, ranging in temperature from 32°C to the hottest spring in Europe, the Par spring, with a water temperature of 82°C! This hot spring was used to create the first known geothermal house heating system in the world way back in 1332! Since 1854, use of the water system has been regulated but the system is still operational, bringing hot water to over 100 homes. The water is also used to supply the town’s pool and the thermal baths and fountains throughout the village.
The town of Saint-Flour is made of two very different parts. The lower part of the town sits on the banks of the Ander River while the upper part is situated on a rocky cliff of volcanic magma above. In the earliest days of its history, the cliffs formed a natural defense for the original medieval village. It is this upper part of town that brings visitors. The Place des Armes, which is the main square of the town center, was built using the black volcanic rock of the region, giving the facades a somber appearance. On Saturday mornings, the markets bring crowds of people shopping for produce and delicious Cantal cheese. Also located here is the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, a Romanesque style cathedral built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The cathedral is built from the same volcanic rock that adorns much of the town. Its twin towers welcome thousands of visitors each year. Inside, the cathedral features massive columns, vaulted ceilings, and stunning stained glass windows. It is classified as a historic monument.
Enjoy the French Alps in the Haute-Savoie Department – The Haute-Savoie department is best known for its winter sports and its abundance of ski resorts. We found that it is absolutely gorgeous during the fall shoulder season. We enjoyed beautiful fall colors and snow-capped mountain views when we visited during the month of October. We encourage anyone visiting France, to make a trip to this area, regardless of the time of year.
Chamonix is the most well-known ski resort town in the area. It was the birthplace of mountaineering and the host of the first Winter Olympic games in 1924. If you’re in the area, you will definitely want to spend at least one day exploring Chamonix. We really enjoyed venturing to the top of Aiguille du Midi, via the cable cars, to view Mont Blanc. Another popular activity is the Montenvers Train, an old-fashioned cogwheel train that takes passengers up the mountain to view the Mer de Glace glacier.
We chose to make the resort town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains our home base while we visited this part of the region. Saint-Gervais is best known for its thermal springs. In the early 1800s, its waters were analyzed and it was discovered that the high mineral content would make it capable of treating various ailments. From that moment, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains became a popular destination for those who wanted to take advantage of the healing properties of the thermal baths. It is also a popular ski resort destination. While Chamonix attracts much higher numbers of international visitors, Saint-Gervais tends to be a favorite holiday location for the French who wish to escape to the mountains for vacation. We absolutely adored this quaint town with its beautiful views, welcoming shops, delicious restaurants, and convenient location.
Another popular ski resort town in this department is Megève. Here, in addition to skiing, Megève promises to be a “children’s paradise” with tons of year round activities for families, including dedicated events like “Les Petits Princes,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “The Christmas Village.” The town takes great pride in creating a beautiful natural environment with blooming flowers and plants in the open areas around the village. It was the first village over 1,000m in elevation to be awarded a “4 Flower” Villes et Villages Fleuris de France (French Towns in Bloom) award, which is the highest level awarded each year. This is quite an accomplishment as gardening at high altitudes is particularly challenging.
Another town in this department that simply can’t be missed is Annecy. It is one of the few cities in France that is situated between a gorgeous lake and the snow-capped mountains. It is widely believed that Lake Annecy is the cleanest lake in all of Europe and it welcomes visitors to boat, swim, or just enjoy the year round picturesque views. Our day trip to Annecy happened on a rainy fall day. Despite the less than ideal weather, we found the lake and adjoining park to be beautiful and welcoming. You’ll definitely want to spend some time strolling through Old Town, crossing the Pont des Amours, and visiting historical buildings like Château d’Annecy, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d’Annecy, and Palais de l’Île.
Go Skiing in the Mountains of the Savoie Department – Like the Haute-Savoie department, the Savoie department is best known for winter sports, particularly skiing. It also has an excellent reputation for its cuisine, but we’ll cover the food of the entire region a little later.
Aix-les-Bains is located on Lake Bourget which is the largest and deepest lake in France. The town became popular as a spa resort in the 19th century and was favored by European aristocracy during an era of extreme extravagance. It is considered one of the best preserved “belle-époque” (literally “the beautiful age”) spa towns in France. Much of life in this town centers around the picturesque lake with its view of Mont Revard. In warm months, there are tons of water sports on the lake for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Chambéry is the department’s capital city. It lies between Chartreuse and Massif des Bauges regional parks and is located about 50km north of Grenoble. It is a lively university town with about 11,000 students adding to its population. In the heart of the old town is the Place Saint-Leger, which is dominated by the Fontaine des Marmousets and a 19th century sundial. A little farther away from the center of town is another fountain. The Fountaine des Elephants, which stands 17.6 m high, was built around 1838 to honor Général de Boigne who made his fortune in the East Indies. The fountain features four elephants forming a cross which represents the coat of arms of the House of Savoy. The town center is a great place to sit and have a meal while enjoying the brightly colored houses nearby.
Created in 1963, Vanoise National Park was France’s first National Park. It spans over 53,000 hectares and was originally created to protect the ibexes of the region. Today, it is home to France’s largest ibex colony! The scenery is stunning with mountain peaks rising over 3,000 meters. Glaciers, green valleys, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls can all be found here. (You might even see a golden eagle in flight.) There are over 400km of marked trails for hikers, making it easy to meander and enjoy the views, wildlife, and abundant species of plants.
Chartreuse Natural Regional Park is a 69,000 hectare park which straddles the Isère and Savoie departments. It is a paradise for nature lovers with its mountains, forests, limestone cliffs, gorges, and meadows. Summertime brings many outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and biking the numerous marked paths. You’ll even find climbers and hang gliders enjoying the park. In the wintertime, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Enjoy Unique Immersive Experiences in the Ain Department – The Ain department has some truly imaginative and family-friendly activities to entertain everyone. You can have an up-close bird encounter, enjoy a miniature world of trains, admire architecture, or immerse yourself in a Middle Age village or 15th century farm experience. There’s so much to do in this area!
The Parc des Oiseaux has the largest and most diverse collection of birds in Europe! They are committed to preservation, including efforts to preserve the Bearded Vulture (the most endangered vulture in Europe). The park spans 35 hectares and is home to over 2,500 birds. There are 20 unique enclosures that recreate the birds’ natural habitats, allowing them to flourish in a familiar environment. One of the park’s main attractions is their award-winning “Birds in Flight Show” which takes place in the park’s amphitheater and features 150 birds from more than 20 different species. The birds perform a choreographed flight, set to music, to the delight of audiences. Vultures, white pelicans, parrots, and ibises set to the skies overhead while some species, like the red-legged seriema, stay firmly rooted on the ground. While the show is free with park admission, it is recommended that you book your tickets when you arrive at the park for the day. (The park is open daily from mid-March to mid-November.)
The small village of Glandieu is home to a beautiful waterfall. Glandieu Falls comprises two successive falls that total 60 meters in height. The water cascades over moss covered rocks which affect the shape and direction of the falls, depending on how much water is currently flowing. The area is protected so it delivers a gorgeous natural setting for hikers to enjoy and is definitely family-friendly as there is a car park closeby. You can even enjoy the view of it from an outdoor table at the nearby café.
Pérouges Cité Médiévale is the only village in the Ain department to be awarded the “Most Beautiful Village in France” distinction. This tiny village is inhabited by 80 full-time residents who live within the walls of the city and another 1,200 residents who reside in the town. You will be warmly greeted as you time travel into a village with old world charm, ramparts, cobbled streets, half timbered houses, a church-fortress, and architecture straight out of the Middle Ages! This impeccably preserved village can be explored at your own pace or guided by a local expert. There are roughly 10 workshops of skilled craftsmen and artists on-hand to demonstrate the traditional techniques of pottery, book binding, screen printing, stained glass production, and many more. What a great educational experience to share as a family!
The Bresse Museum in Saint-Cyr-sur-Menthon is a unique farm museum dedicated to traditions of the Bresse region. The 40 hectare estate is a popular attraction that presents a cultural journey through 7 centuries of life in Bresse. It’s a family-friendly, immersive experience that stages exhibitions showcasing traditional clothing, farming tools, architecture, and daily life from the 15th century to today. The Bresse farm has been classified as a Historic monument since 1938 and was a fully operating farm until 1992.
The Miniature Train Museum of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne is a truly fun family destination in the Ain department. With over 1km of tracks, 30 trains, 400 carriages, and thousands of characters, this scale model exhibition will delight visitors of all ages. Patrick Crolle is the designer and builder of this amazing miniature world of trains. He began his passion project in the 1980s and spent thousands of hours creating and building before opening this unique museum in 2000. The museum has different hours of operation throughout the year so be sure to check before making the trip. This is definitely an affordable activity with adult admission being below 8 Euros and child admission under 5 Euros.
Pedal a Railway Cart in the Haute-Loire Department – Named after the Loire River that crosses the department, this area is best known for the town of Le Puy which is the starting point of the famed via Podiensis pilgrimage. Rich in agriculture, the world famed green Le Puy lentils are grown here and cattle, sheep, and goats graze the grasslands.
Basilica Saint Julien de Brioude is the largest Romanesque church in Auvergne. It was built on the tomb of the martyr Saint-Julien who became the patron saint of the city of Brioude. The medieval building can be seen from well outside of town with its bell tower rising high. Built with red sandstone, limestone, basalt, and gray and pink marble, its unique colors and textures are breathtaking. Inside, you can admire the beautifully preserved murals and 37 stained glass windows which were crafted by artist Kim En Jong and added in 2008. The floor of the Basilica is truly unique! Tiled from colored river pebbles, the stones combine to create a gorgeous masterpiece.
The Vélorail du Velay in Dunières is a unique family-friendly adventure. Visitors can take a 15km trek through Velay on a mountain railway. Up to 4 riders per cart pedal an electrically assisted rail bike through viaducts, tunnels, and long descents through the natural landscape of the countryside in the Velay mountains of the Haute-Loire department. Children under 1 are not permitted and children under 3 years old are provided with a car seat and an agent will assist with proper strap-in to ensure safety. This fun, outdoor activity provides light physical activity (the electrical assistance does most of the work) for the whole family to enjoy.
Discover the Amazing Cuisine of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region – There are so many wonderful foods to be sampled in this region of France. Pork is the most common meat, but the region is also famous for its Charolais beef. The beautiful mahogany cows in Salers provide milk for making cheese. There’s also fresh fish from the sparkling lakes and rivers, and game meats including venison, wild boar, and waterfowl. Tiny green lentils from Le Puy are grown on volcanic soil and have a distinctive and refined flavor. Mushrooms are found in abundance in the region’s meadows and forests (including my personal favorite - morels). There are also a number of berries - including lingonberry, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries - produced here. As you venture into the Alps, you’ll find more dishes featuring potatoes and other produce that can be grown successfully at high altitudes. Here are some of the noteworthy dishes and delicacies of the region:
French Chocolate Truffles – Made with only 4 ingredients, this recipe originated in 1895 in Chambéry (located in the Savoie department) and is simple, yet decadent and rich. The story goes that pastry chef Louis Dufour was missing key ingredients for his standard chocolates so he mixed crème fraîche, vanilla, and cocoa to create little round balls that he dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in cocoa. Most recipes now use heavy cream and will be dipped in either chocolate or cocoa, not both.
Gâteau Ardéchois (Chestnut Cream Cake) – This rustic recipe, coming from the department of Ardèche, makes use of the plentiful supply of chestnuts in the department. They are found pureed, roasted, candied, and made into chestnut cream. Chestnut cream is considered an ultimate winter treat in this part of France. This cake is a treasured local favorite!
French Gratin Dauphinois – Usually served during the winter season and featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked slowly in creamy milk until tender, the dish is a true local favorite. It hails from the Dauphine, a former province of southeastern France that includes Isère, Drôme, Haute-Savoie, and the Savoie departments. Dauphine cuisine is a mountain-style of cooking which uses produce that can be grown at high altitudes, including potatoes.
Soupe Vichyssoise (Creamy Leek and Potato Soup) – This soup that originated in the town of Vichy is made of onions, puréed leeks, potatoes, chicken broth, and cream. It is known to be served chilled in warmer months but is a comforting winter meal when served hot.
Coq Au Vin Blanc - Coq au vin is literally translated “rooster in wine,” but this “Blanc” version, which utilizes the dry white wine of the region, is lighter and brighter than the typical red wine iteration. Whole chicken is cut into 8 pieces and braised low and slow in white wine surrounded with traditional salty bacon, sweet onions, carrots, button mushrooms, whole shallots, and herbs.
Rhône-Alpes Raclette – This dish started in Switzerland and spread to Savoie. The name of this semi-firm cow’s milk cheese comes from the French word racler, meaning to scrape. It is served over pickles, potatoes, and charcuterie. Our host in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains treated us to an authentic raclette experience during our stay there. It was absolutely delicious!
The region has an abundance of locally produced cheeses. There are 5 PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses. The most well-known, Saint-Nectaire, is a soft, creamy cheese with a subtle hazelnut flavor made at high altitude in the Volcanoes Regional Nature Park and aged for 4-8 weeks. The production of the strong and spicy Cantal cheese dates back to antiquity. There are three different types with aging time affecting the intensity of the flavor. Bleu d’Auvergne has a woodsy aroma of wild mushrooms and cream. The recipe was created by a farmer in the mid 19th century who mixed blue mold from rye bread with raw milk. It is aged for 28 days. Fourme d’Ambert has a creamy texture and its production dates back to the 8th century. Salers is a legendary cheese with a light scent and a hazelnut flavor with floral notes that come from the flowers the cows eat in the Cantal mountains. It is aged for a minimum of 3 months.
You’ll also find some terrific wines with a huge range of flavor in the region. Côtes d’Auvergne wine is produced exclusively in the Puy-de-Dôme department. The soil, affected by the ancient volcanic activity and the perfect combination of ocean winds, humidity, and limited rainfall, all work together to bring a distinctive character to the wines produced there. Some other notable wines produced in the region include Beaujolais, Côte-Rôtie, Savoie, and Côtes-du-Rhône.
In addition to wine, the region is known for its vermouth. Vermouth de Chambéry is the French version of the Alpine fortified wine that originated in Turin (Italy). It was first made by Louis-Ferdinand Dolin who learned the process when visiting Turn in the 1820’s. It is made by macerating at least 30 Alpine plants, flowers, and spices in white wine. The drink has traditionally been used as an aperitif and sometimes even for medicinal use. Dolin’s Vermouth de Chambéry has become the gold standard by which all others are compared.
Wow! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve read the most comprehensive guide we have ever written. Clearly, we were impressed by this amazing region of France. As we travel, we find ourselves not only seeing and experiencing wonderful locations but also learning about all the things we still want to see. As a result, our “bucket list” grows faster than we can check items off. We’ve tried to provide a variety of both popular “can’t miss” locations as well as Uncommon Family Adventures for you to consider. We hope our list has given you a lot to think about when planning your trip to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region!
