Nestled between the Alps and the ancient volcanoes of the Massif Central, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers a dizzying array of landscapes and atmospheres. From ancient Roman cities to medieval stone villages, from hillsides planted with vines to vigorous ancient forests, the eye is charmed everywhere. This harmonious composition reveals the dynamism of a region with a thousand-year history, where people have forged their own identity from the elements that surround them. We invite you to take a curious stroll through some of France’s secret corners, away from the crowds.
Crossed by 2 major rivers that form a peninsula, home to a winding old town, Gallo-Roman remains and a slender, luminous basilica listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon can boast of being one of France’s most beautiful cities. But that’s not all! old and vibrant, it’s also home to futuristic architectural districts, an intense cultural life and an immense urban park, a breath of fresh air and a breath of nature in the city. Once you’ve wandered through the secret passageways of its traboules, admired the unobstructed view from Fourvière, descended the steep slopes of the Croix Rousse hill, pedaled along the banks of the Rhône to Confluence… you’ll be able to dine like nowhere else! Lyon is also, and above all, the world capital of gastronomy, thanks to its many Michelin-starred restaurants as well as its “bouchons”, with their unique cuisine and atmosphere.
For a great weekend, we’ve put together an original escapade combining walking, cycling, boating and public transport: for 2 days, you’ll discover all the city’s must-sees with a quirky, augmented perspective, and fall asleep lulled by the nightlife in the heart of the historic center. With more time to spare, we add the gourmet touch with a visit to Les Halles Paul Bocuse, a culinary mecca showcasing exceptional products.
Every wine lover knows the famous Beaujolais region… but fewer have ever visited the magnificent eponymous region to the north of Lyon (approx. 1 hour’s drive). It’s a hilly region, rising to just over 1,000 meters, divided between a vast area of vineyards to the east and an area of forest to the west, known as the Beaujolais Vert.
Whether by electric bike, vintage VW Combi or on foot, a leisurely stroll from hill to hill through the Beaujolais vineyards is a delight! We’ll take you through villages, châteaux and wineries in the land of the most famous wines: Moulin à vent, Julienas, Fleurie. Here you’ll meet winegrowers committed to agroecology, working to regenerate soil and restore biodiversity. And, of course, you can taste their top-quality organic wines! For an immersive experience, you can even spend a night among the vines in a comfortable Tiny house-style cabin, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and the peaks of the Alps in the distance!
Head for the southern Beaujolais region, romantically named “Golden Stones”, with its ochre-toned houses and rolling hills reminiscent of the Italian region of Tuscany. Several of these villages are classified as “les plus beaux villages de France”. It’s so good to get on a bike and pedal along charming little roads to take a break from each of these architectural wonders. As everywhere in the region, delicious food and wine pairings encourage you to linger at the finest tables…
The French have recently become infatuated with cycling… and are rediscovering their territory through this new prism. It has to be said that the potential of roads lost in the countryside, old towpaths, canals and unused railroads is impressive. This new fever has given rise to new itineraries dedicated entirely to bicycles, promoting gentle, itinerant tourism. It’s a great way to discover France from the inside, at a leisurely, stress-free pace, on safe roads. EIn Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, welcome to the region’s most beautiful “via”: the Via Fluvia, the Dolce Via and the voie Bleue, which make for incredible escapades in the countryside, between hills and valleys and along beautiful rivers. On these off-the-beaten-track itineraries, you’ll have time to savor the French way of life, and the chance to meet many new people.
