Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Holidays

Mountains, markets and Michelin stars – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the French region that’s got it all, with scenery that'll knock your ski socks off and food that’ll ruin you for life.

Highlights

• ⛷️ Winter wonderland goals: Home to the French Alps, this is your go-to for world-class skiing, snowboarding and hot-choc-by-the-fire energy.

• 🧀 Cheese, glorious cheese: Birthplace of gooey legends like Bleu d’Auvergne, Saint-Nectaire, and Raclette. Basically, it’s a foodie’s dream.

• 🏞️ Volcanoes and valleys: Auvergne’s ancient volcanic parks offer hiking heaven and Insta-worthy views.

• 🏙️ Lyon – the culinary capital of France: We’re talking bouchons, bakeries and bistros galore, all served up with a side of UNESCO-listed charm.

Getting around

This region is massive (think: bigger than some countries), but thankfully, getting from ski slope to cityscape is a breeze. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is your main international hub, with direct links to the UK and beyond. There’s also Grenoble, Chambéry and Clermont-Ferrand airports if you’re heading to the mountains or volcanoes. Once you’re in, the train network is top-tier – high-speed TGVs will whisk you between cities like Lyon, Grenoble and Annecy in under two hours. Buses and regional trains help you reach those fairytale alpine towns, and if you're hiring a car? Get ready for scenic drives through mountain passes and countryside straight out of a chocolate box.

Things to do for families in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

There’s family fun at every altitude in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. In the Alps, ski resorts like Les Gets, La Plagne and Morzine are brilliant for beginners and kids, with snow parks, sledging zones and ski schools that make learning to carve feel like playtime. Not a snow fan? Try the Vulcania theme park in Auvergne – it’s volcano-themed (yep, really) and combines rides with fun sciencey stuff that’ll have the little ones wide-eyed all day. Down by Lake Annecy, you’ll find pedal boats, shallow beaches and traffic-free cycle paths – perfect for summer stays. And Lyon Zoo (free entry!) inside the city’s beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or is a hit with kids and adults alike. Basically, you’ll run out of time before they run out of energy.

Things to do for couples in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

If you’re after romance, this region brings the ooh la la. Start with Lyon – stroll through its Renaissance old town, sneak kisses under the traboules (secret passageways!) and share a bottle of Côtes du Rhône over candlelight in a riverside bouchon. Head east to Annecy, a town so picturesque it looks made-up – think canals, pastel houses and snow-capped peaks in the background. In winter, snuggle up in a log chalet in the Alps after a day on the slopes and a fondue feast by the fire. In summer, go hiking in the hills of Vercors or picnicking beside a glacier-fed lake. Fancy something different? Try a hot air balloon ride over the volcanic landscapes of Auvergne. If that doesn’t win you major romance points, nothing will.

Things to do for groups in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Calling all crews – whether you’re here for ski madness or vineyard hopping, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has big group energy. Start with the French Alps: Chamonix, Val d’Isère and Les Deux Alpes are buzzing with après-ski action, from mulled wine on the terrace to DJs spinning at altitude. Not winter? Not a problem. Come summer, these mountain towns morph into adrenaline playgrounds – think white-water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking and more. Prefer to keep things chilled? Organise a wine tasting in Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône, where you can swirl, sniff and sip your way through sun-drenched vineyards. City break more your thing? Lyon’s nightlife, from cool cocktail bars to riverside clubs, gives Paris a run for its money – and without the tourist faff. Cheers to that.

Things to do for foodies in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Right. Let’s talk food. Because if there’s one reason to visit this region, it’s to eat your way through it. Lyon is basically the Beyoncé of French gastronomy – expect traditional bouchons dishing out pork terrines, quenelles and dreamy praline tarts, plus no shortage of Michelin-starred magic if you're feeling fancy. Head into the mountains and it’s cheese central: Raclette, fondue and tartiflette are the holy trinity here, best enjoyed after a day of skiing (or just because it’s Tuesday). Auvergne brings the rustic charm – earthy lentil stews, saucisson, and more cheese (yes, even more cheese). Wine-wise, you’ve got it all: Beaujolais for the light reds, Côtes du Rhône for the bold stuff, and local Alpine whites that pair perfectly with – you guessed it – cheese. Top tip: come during Lyon’s September food festival for a full-on flavour fiesta.