An introduction to the Rhone Alpes in France
Saturday, November 7th, 2009Attracting a large number of holidaymakers throughout the year, the French region of Rhone-Alpes is one of the most popular skiing holiday destinations, where you can find a number of superb Rhone Alpes apartments. Located right on the border with Switzerland, the stunning scenery of this region attracts a wide variety of visitors, and boasting over 700 kilometres of pistes on the stunning slopes of Mont Blanc (the tallest peak in Western Europe) as well as other famous skiing locations, it is no surprise that it is such a famed winter-holiday destination. For an extra slice of traditional charm as well as the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of the region, don’t be afraid to forego a traditional hotel stay and instead choose to rent a quality chalet or Alpine-style apartment, where you’ll enjoy all of the modern comforts you would expect.
A former host of the Winter Olympics and one of the most popular resorts in the Rhone Alpes, Chamonix continues to attract a huge variety of holidaymakers throughout the year, both for summer activities or the world-class winter sports. Chamonix chalets are an ideal choice for a family skiing holiday. In addition to all of the winter sports excitement on Mont Blanc, visitors to the Chamonix Valley can also enjoy a multitude of activities ranging from hill walking to the more extreme including paragliding. The large number of resorts that make up the Port du Soleil are well worth exploring as they offer countless opportunities to enjoy wintersports, with the area stretching from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to the stunning Mont Blanc.
Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes and vast number of attractions in the Rhone Alpes, and no matter your ability or budget, ski schools and equipment rental outlets are available, providing everything you’ll never to get on the slopes. Lyon, the capital of the Rhone Alpes, promises visitors a variety of early French architecture including the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Roman theatre. As it also provides an unrivalled and vibrant nightlife, Lyon is becoming an increasingly popular location for city breaks, and with the action and adventure of the Alps only a short distance away, it is an ideal option for a diverse holiday. Also worth a visit is the medieval city of Annecy, which is built on the banks of the river Thiou in the Haute Savoie department. Here you can find the Palais d’Isle Jail, which is said to be one of France’s most photographed attractions.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more relaxing holiday and you want to check into a luxury chalet, you’ll not be disappointed by the variety on offer in the region. Savoie holiday accommodation including apartments in Tignes and Haute Savoie holiday accommodation in the resort of Les Houches will be ideal for a quiet retreat that will also leave you close to the best of the skiing and snowboarding action and even if you don’t fancy taking to the slopes, a ride on the cable-cars cannot be missed. If you brave the slightly daunting trip to the top of Mont Blanc or the Motte Glacier near Tignes, you will be greeted by truly captivating views of the Alpine landscape. Less adventurous travellers would be wise to opt for a ride on the famous Mont Blanc Tramway, which will offer a beautifully traditional train journey through the rugged countryside.