Things to do in  Rhône-Alpes

Soaring up the rocky peak of Aiguille du Midi at 12,605 feet (3,842 meters), the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car is one of the highest in Europe. Setting out from Chamonix, the cable car has two stages, culminating in an elevator ride to the summit with spectacular views over Mont Blanc and the surrounding French and Swiss Alps.

Picturesque, colorful, and with astounding views of the countryside, this village in the Vaucluse couldn’t be more charmingly Provençal if it tried. Perched atop towering red cliffs and one of the world’s largest ocher quarries, Roussillon’s dramatic setting and historic Old Town have earned it a place among France’s most beautiful villages.

At the foot of Fourviére Hill, the historical streets of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) offer a welcome change of pace from the modern city across the river. With elegant medieval churches, Renaissance-era monuments, and pastel-painted facades, this is Lyon’s most atmospheric district.

Towering 15,531 feet (4,734 meters) above sea level, Mont Blanc is Europe’s highest peak and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Straddling the border of France and Italy, this iconic peak is considered the birthplace of modern mountaineering. Enjoy the endless hiking and mountaineering opportunities and the thrilling views from the heights.

Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Old Town Lyon (Vieux Lyon) and Place St-Jean to discover the Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean). Among the draws of the 12th-century cathedral are stained-glass windows and a 16th-century astronomical clock. A top Lyon attraction, Cathédrale St-Jean is a must-see for Old Town visitors.

Lyon’s major hub and one of the largest public squares in France, the Bellecour Square is located in the heart of the city on the Presqu'île peninsula. Spanning 15 acres (six hectares), the pedestrianized square is a popular meeting place—as well as part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses several key Lyon districts.

Surrounded by the dramatic heights of Massif des Bauges Natural Park, Lake Annecy appeals to leisure travelers and watersport enthusiasts with its clear, turquoise waters,. On its shores, the lush Jardins de l’Europe and Annecy's historic Old Town add to the postcard-worthy scenery.

Lyon Opera House (Opéra National de Lyon) is an arts hub and architectural gem noted for its combination of a modern shell and 18th-century facade. To fully experience it, attend a performance—from musical theater to dance. But whether it's to marvel at the building, or see a show, a visit to the opera should be on your Lyon itinerary.

Dominating the skyline in the city of Lyon, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is one of Lyon’s most recognizable buildings. With a fairytale castle exterior and ornate gilded interior, it attracts visitors from all over the world, especially those interested in sacred architecture.

Perched above Annecy’s Old Town, Annecy Castle (Château d'Annecy) was the princely residence of the Counts of Geneva between the 13th and 17th centuries. After years of neglect and multiple fires, the restored castle is today a historic monument housing the Alpine Lakes Regional Observatory and the Musée-Château d'Annecy Museum.

Tête d'Or Park was designed by landscape architect Denis Bühler and opened in 1856. It’s home to one of France's leading botanical gardens, with more than 20,000 plant varieties, where you’ll find an international rose garden and a zoological area devoted to species of the African plains.

Welcoming visitors to Annecy’s Old Town, the 12th-century Island Palace (Palais de l’Île) sits right in the middle of Canal du Thiou on a prow-shaped islet between colorful canal-side streets. Over the years, the landmark building has served as a courthouse, mint, prison, military barrack, and ducal residence.

Affectionately known as “the belly of Paris,” Les Halles was once the site of Paris’ bustling central food market. A focal point of the city since the 11th century, the food stalls were dismantled in the 1970s to make room for the Forum des Halles shopping center and metro station. Completely renovated in 2010, the undulating glass-and-steel covering—known as La Canopée—is one of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture in the city.

Lyon’s covered Les Halles Market (Les Halles Paul Bocuse has been open since 1970. They’re named in honor of Paul Bocuse, a legendary figure on both the French and international cooking scene. More than 95% of the shops are run by business owners who really know their products.

With its diverse mix of ethnicities and vibrant art scene, Belleville is among Paris’ most fashionable and eclectic districts, which draws a hip crowd of young locals, students, and creative types. It’s also a hub for the French capital’s dynamic street art movement and boasts one of the hottest food scenes in the city. It’s worth making the trip out here from central neighborhoods for the Eiffel Tower views alone.