Welcome to Auvergne Rhone Alpes in south East of France

The Auvergne - Rhône Alpes region (External link) leads the way as France's foremost outdoor recreational area, from Mont-Blanc (4,810 m), the summit of the Alps, to the Chaînes des Puys craters including the mythical Puy de Dôme (External link) . It also boasts the highest number of non-coastal swimming spots, with large alpine and volcanic lakes. And all this surrounded by fragrant lavender fields (External link) .

Five reasons to visit Auvergne Rhône Alpes

  • Top mountainous region in Europe with the Alps: 80% of its territory is located in the mountains, with Mont Blanc (External link) being Western Europe's tallest peak.

  • It's France's leading region for off-coast swimming, with great mountain lakes like Lake Geneva (the largest natural lake in Western Europe), Lake Bourget (the largest lake of glacial origin), Lake Annecy, plus all the volcanic crater lakes in Auvergne ...

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Annecy in Auvergne Rhone Alpes

  • ViaRhôna (External link) , an 800-km long cycling route along the Rhône, runs from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast (External link) .

  • 826 km of cycling trails and greenways, including the famous Tour de France passes.

  • Two major rivers: in the East, the Rhône and its tributaries cross the region north to south, pouring into the Mediterranean. In the West, France's longest river, the Loire (External link) , runs along with its main tributary, Allier.

The Loire River and the Loire Department

The Loire (External link) , in Auvergne Rhone Alpes, is an immense natural area less than an hour from Lyon (External link) . This green space is divide by the Loire River, and enveloped by mid-sized mountains, the Pilat Regional Natural Park and the Forez Mountains.

The Loire Department is dedicated to working with influencers to help build up the area's popularity. They invite you to explore their little-known gem via its campaign, "Allez au Vert" go to the green outdoor, which promotes the Loire's great outdoors, its rich heritage, characterful villages and gastronomy.

Four reasons to visit the Departement Loire

  • Exceptional natural sites, like the Crêts du Pilat, Hautes-Chaumes, the ponds in Forez, and gorges in the Loire...

  • Gastronomy (External link) is top quality here. The Loire is known and renowned for its wide variety of farm products (cheeses, fruits, meats and wines), its well-stocked markets, several culinary specialties and undeniably talented chefs.

  • An off-the-beaten-path eco-tourism (External link) destination with enchanting contrasting landscapes: mid-range mountains, ponds, valleys between vineyards and the Loire River...

  • A large selection of unusual accommodation (External link) , all offering spectacular views and settings.

More info on Auvergne Rhone Alpes:
www.auvergnerhonealpes-tourisme.com (External link)