This region is located in the south-east of France and borders both Switzerland and Italy. The capital city is Lyon and features the well known Rhône River, an important commercial river. The Rhône Valley is very popular for its wine production with steep slopes of vineyards scattered across the county side. The wine region is divided into two sub regions, the north and the south, both producing different wines. There are also many talented chefs situated in this region, producing some of France’s finest foods. The Rhône Valley is known as the gateway to the Alps where the highest peak is Mont Blanc.

Regional Hot Spots

• Chambéry is historically the capital of Savoy and being in the Rhône Valley, is home to many famous vineyards. The city also contains Lac de Bourget, which is the largest natural lake in France. Another famous landmark found in Chambéry is the Fontaine des Éléphants meaning Elephants fountains, which was built in 1838.
• Saint - Chamond is a large city located between the mountains in the north and the south. In 1880, the city became the capital of the lace industry and other fabrications such as silk. The Jardin Botanique de Saint-Chamond can also be found in the city and is a botanical garden featuring different gardens such as Japanese gardens, Italian gardens and herb gardens.
• Valence is known as the ‘sleepy city’ and is located on the banks of the Rhône overlooking the river. The city is quite popular due to its higher temperatures compared to nearby regions, enhancing the scents of eucalyptus and pine and provides the perfect stop off for wine tours. Valence also has narrow, medieval streets which compliment the historic buildings and museums.