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Overview of Rhone-Alpes Vacation Rentals

Rhone Alpes Vacation Rentals to Explore Eastern France

The Rhone Alpes region is located on the eastern border of France. Named after the Rhone River and the famous Alps mountain range, it is the on the border of both Italy and Switzerland. Like all regions in France, it is made up of several areas, called departments. This region has eight departments: Ain, Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Savoie, Isere, Loire, Rhone and Savoie. Due to its proximity to the Alps and Massif Central mountain ranges as well as to the Mediterranean Sea, the region has many influences on its climate. It is known to be variable; summers can be hot and humid and winters are cold and snowy. The region’s mountains are an attraction for winter sports enthusiasts.

Vacationers in the region have a wide choice of options for accommodation. There are charming hotels, local homes offering bed and breakfast accommodations, or rental properties. Many tourists choose Rhone Alpes vacation rentals as an excellent alternative to hotels. These properties provide many advantages, such as much more space than a hotel room, the ability to relax in a home environment, and the chance to enjoy many luxuries provided in such properties.

Rhone Alpes Accommodations Are Ideal to Discover Lyon

With an international airport in the capital city of Lyon and major rail and road routes running through the region, Rhone Alpes accommodations are perfect for exploring this beautiful region of France. The capital city of Lyon, in the Rhone area, dates back over 2,000 years and is a popular area for vacationers. It is known for its spectacular architecture of Renaissance period buildings. This is France’s second city, after Paris, and is also known as the capital of French cuisine.

Among the many sights to visit in Lyon are the Roman ruins set along the hillside of Fourviere, the Fourviere Basilica, the theatre of Fourviere and the Gallo-Roman Museum. Dating from the Middle Ages and Renaissance period are sights such as the Cathedrale Saint-Jean and the Basilica of St-Martin-d’Ainay. These are just two of the many beautiful religious structures of the city. A not-to-be-missed attraction for visitors to Lyon is the area of Vieux Lyon. This medieval quarter has narrow, cobbled streets filled with shops and restaurants. There are also a variety of museums to explore, such as the Musee des beauz-arts de Lyon. This is one of the largest art galleries in France and is housed in a 17th-century former convent. On display here are works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Many of the parks and gardens in Lyon are free to visit, with the Jardin botanique de Lyon being one of the most popular.

Further City Attractions Around Rhone Alps Vacation Rentals

Other cities in the region are Annecy on the northern tip of Lake Annacy. This city dates back to the 10th century and has many unique attractions. The imposing Palais de I’Isle, or "old prison," is a 12th-century building that sits alone on an island in the center of the canal and one of the most photographed sights in France. Visitors here will also find the Rue Royale a great place to stroll among the many shops, restaurants, cafes, gardens and fountain.

The 13th-century city of Chambery is famous for the fortress of the Chateau de Chambery, and the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Hautecombe.

Click Rhone-Alpes travel guide on iGuide for additional French Alps helpful tourist information.

Rhone Alpes Villas Are Popular for Food Lovers

Rhone Alpes villas are ideal for those wanting to discover the incredible food of France. There are many local specialties on restaurant menus in this famous culinary region. Some of the most famous include Lyon sausage, a type of salami, known locally as "rosette." Many of the region’s menus are influenced by the mountainous Alps with dishes like fondue, raclette, gratin dauphinois and grain Savoyard. As with much of France, this region has its own special cheeses such as Blue de Bresse, Reblochon, Saint-Marcellin, Tomme de Savoie and Vacherin.

Of course, the region is also a famous wine producer and visitors should sample the local grapes. Beaujolais, Savoy and the world-renowned Cotes du Rhone are all made in this area, along with the liqueur, Chartreuse.