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Things to do in Rhone-Alpes

Our most recommended things to do in Rhone-Alpes

Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

1. Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Choose a 1-day ticket for this Lyon hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour and discover the city’s landmarks and monuments. With 12 stops on the Green Line, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the sights of Lyon from an open-top double-decker bus. Hop on and hop off as many times as you like as you see the main attractions of the city, such as the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, the district of Vieux Lyon, the Halles Paul Bocuse with local products, or the Parc Tête d’Or to admire the most beautiful roses. Organize your itinerary any way you like at your own pace. The Green Line offers a 1-day ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus. Green line stops: • Place Bellecour • Terreaux • Mur Peint • Palais de Justice • Vieux Lyon • Perrache • Musée des Confluences • Berges du Rhône • Théâtres Gallo-Romains • Fourvière • Parc des Hauteurs

From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

2. From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics. In Chamonix, experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix, marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. Spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activities: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

3. Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

Journey through more than 2,000 years of history on a river cruise of Lyon, and discover the rich heritage of the multifaceted city where ancient and contemporary treasures combine. Board the pleasure boat for an in-depth tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire symbolic monuments from another perspective as you are carried along the Saone River for 1 hour. See the Renaissance buildings of Vieux Lyon, the focus of political and religious power in the Middle Ages. Admire the bold architecture and learn about exceptional moments that have shaped the city's destiny. Listen to an informative commentary of Lyon through the centuries from your guide. 

Chamonix: Tandem Paragliding Flight

4. Chamonix: Tandem Paragliding Flight

Meet the pilot in Chamonix at the paragliding school to begin your tandem flight adventure. The pilot will prepare the equipment and ensure everything is in order. You’ll be provided with a helmet and a harness, which is the harness in which you will be seated during the flight. Next is a briefing about what is expected of you during take-off and the flight. After ensuring you are properly equipped, staff will take you to the cable car, and with your pilot you'll continue up to the take-off site. Then, all you have to do is enjoy your flight. Take in spectacular alpine views as you fly over Le Brevent, Chamonix, and maybe even a glacier.

Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon

5. Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon

Escape to Lyon’s famous wine country on a half-day tour to Southern Beaujolais and enjoy the wonders of this region, in a small group. Famous for its Beaujolais Nouveau, the region offers also unique and charming little golden stone villages. Leaving from Lyon, your passionate driver and guide will take you through the hills of this wonderful region, which is often compared to Tuscany. Start the day with an introduction to wine-tasting in a beautiful and scenic setting, where you will be told all about the notion of 'Terroir'. Then, enjoy a stroll in the charming golden stones medieval village of Oingt and learn more about the history of Beaujolais. Continue in a family winery to discover more wines and learn all about the secret of French wine-making while having the traditional 'machon', the silk workers breakfast. This tour is the perfect opportunity to learn all about the Beaujolais region and it’s wines in a fun and friendly atmosphere with scenic views all along.

From Geneva: Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train

6. From Geneva: Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train

Board a bus from Geneva to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and in 90 minutes, arrive at this Alpine village to discover the beauty of the mountains. In the morning, ride up the cable car to the summit. At more than 3842 meters, be impressed by the Majestic Mont-Blanc and all the peaks around you. If you are feeling adventurous, take a breathtaking step into the void. Three glass walls, the glass floor, and glass ceiling panels give you a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of free air directly under your feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier, with the greatest descent in Europe, from a dramatic perspective.  Snap some incredible landscapes from one of the numerous panoramic terraces, or warm your hands around a coffee from the shop. Head back to the village, and take a freetime to put your sensations back together before you take the Mountain train Montenvers to discover the Ice Sea. This is the largest glacier of France, featured in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. If it's open ( not garanteed) Take the steps down to visit the Ice Caves. Enjoy the museum and the view from the panoramic terrace, before you head back.

Lyon City Pass: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

7. Lyon City Pass: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

With the Lyon City Card, the gates to France's second-biggest city are open! Save time and money while discovering its secret alleyways and magnificent museums. Visit 23 museums for free with your Lyon City Card, and make the most of 48 things to do and 25 discounts which cover the whole of Lyon's cultural offerings. You'll also get complimentary access to Lyon's public transport, as well as access to bike tours, visits to the Fine Art Museum, river cruises, and much more. Have fun! Museums and temporary exhibitions : • Priority access to Musée des Confluences • Fine Arts Museum of Lyon • OL Museum (football team) • Gadagne Museums: history of Lyon and puppets of the world • Modern Art Museum (open only for temporary exhibitions) • Contemporary Art Institute (only open for exhibitions) • Museum of Gallo Roman Civilization • Museum of Textile ( renovation till 2026) • Lumière Museum • Fourvière Museum of Religious Art • Printing Museum • Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation • Little Guignol Museum • Museum of Cinema and Miniature • Tony Garnier Urban Museum • Museum of Henri Malartre’s Automobile • Gallo Roman Museum of St Roman en Gal • Ampère Museum • Electricity Museum • La Sucrière at pôle Confluence (open only for temporary exhibitions) • Doctor Mérieux Museum Marcy l’Étoile • Eccly - Espace Culturel du Christianisme à Lyon • Cultural Judaïsme Institute Visits and activities (depending on availabilities – check for times): • Guided walking tours by the Greater Tourism Office (reservation necessary) • A visit to the roof of the basilica of Fourvière (April-November) • Cruises on the Rhône and Saône Riviers with Lyon City Boat (April-October) • House of Canuts • Silk Museum (Soierie vivante) • Mini World priority access • Lyon City tram reduction Shows (limited number of spots, reservation advised): • Guignol Theater in Lyon • Compagnie des Zonzons (Guignol) • House of Guignol • Guignol theater Grand Hotel Dieu • Un Gone de Lyon (Guignol) • Planetarium Public transportation included: The liberty offer gives you access to Lyon’s bus, metro, funicular railway, and tramway networks. Valid for24h, 48h, 72h or 96 hours, depending on the validity of your card. Discounts with Lyon City Card: • Shows: National Opera of Lyon (except end of year shows), Célestins’theatre, Lyon’s theatre, theatre of Nouvelle Génération, Théâtre National Populaire, Maison de la danse, Comedie Odeon, Improvidence theatre. • Visits – tours: Cyclopolitains (tours by bike), guided bus tours, biked guided tours by Lyon City Bike, Lyon le Grand Tour, Fourvière France Aventures, Aquarium du Grand Lyon, Segway Tours, Léo & Go cars location service, Lyon Tuk Tour, Lyon City Tram, babysitting Marypop, Coddy Games urban escape game, Restaurant boat Hermès • Option: Vélo’v (rent a bike ). • Shopping • Galeries Lafayette Part Dieu: Services privileges: shopping bag and accompaniment by a personal shopper on appointment, 3 macaroons offered with purchase of 40 euros or more. • Printemps: Welcome champagne in the private area and privileged support by a personal shopper • Confluence Leisure Center: Special offers at 32 stores and round trip with the cruise ship • Hard Rock Coffee shop: -10% purchase of 40 euros or more and Onlylyon Hard Rock pin offered • The Village: One-day VIP pass offering VIP lounge reception, photo shooting, skip-the-line and welcome gift with preferential rate on private transport

Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour

8. Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour

Sample delicious food on a 4-hour tour of Vieux Lyon with a local guide, and discover some of the highlights of the city's oldest district along the way. Learn more about the secret traboules (passageways) used by the silk merchants and weavers in former times.   Meet local food heroes at 5 different tasting stops and hear all about their produce. Sample about 14 different dishes and ingredients to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses. The samples you'll taste will be equivalent to a typical lunch. As you taste your way through the town, explore the medieval streets and see the Cathedral of St. Jean and the famous passageways. Your local guide will show you the highlights of the city and the most authentic spots to grab a bite to eat.

Annecy: 1.5-Hour Segway Tour

9. Annecy: 1.5-Hour Segway Tour

Experience the charm and beauty of the alpine town of Annecy from a different perspective on a 1.5-hour guided tour by Segway. Get a short training session on the easy-to-use personal transporters to ensure you feel confident before you set off. Make your way down to the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy, surrounded by the mountains of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Be seduced by the various gardens bordering the lake, and hear the story of the town as you take souvenir pictures of the scenic landscapes and historic buildings. Admire the magnificent hotel of the Imperial Palace where Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and the singer Edith Piaf were all guests. Enter the medieval Old Town and discover its amazing network of canals and tiny streets. End at the Thiou River which, at just 3.5 kilometers long, is one of the smallest rivers in France.

From Geneva: Full-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

10. From Geneva: Full-Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

How does it feel to be at the foot of the highest mountain in Europe? Find out, with reliable transport from Geneva to Chamonix Mont Blanc. Board a bus and enjoy the 75-minute drive by motor-coach through the picturesque Arve Valley to the typical Alpine village at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc. Enjoy your day as you stroll in the little streets full of charms of Chamonix. Enter in a local shop to discover the local flavors as Mountain Honey, cheese or charcuterie. Try a fondue or a raclette in once of the numerous restaurants of this well-known ski resort. Discover where the first Olympic Games of winter started in 1924. Situated at the border between France and Italy, this town is famous for its tunnel under the mountain, which joins the 2 countries. Enjoy the activities available in this little town before you head back to Geneva. If you choose the cable car option you can enjoy the ride up to the Aiguille du Midi and be amazed by the view. In the afternoon, take advantage of the mountain train and discover the Ice Sea.

Frequently asked questions about Rhone-Alpes

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Other Sightseeing Options in Rhone-Alpes

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What people are saying about Rhone-Alpes

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,140 reviews

The organization up to the entrance was very well planned. The castle itself is really worth seeing. The audio explained everything very well. if you're on vacation nearby, you should definitely see this magnificent castle. The parks are also beautifully landscaped. Alone the magnificent fountains, which unfortunately were not yet in operation.

Professional guide on the way from Genève to Chamonix and an awesome day skiing. The information about the stay and return was great!

It was a nice day trip to do from Geneva. It was well organized, but a tight schedule. The day is well filled.

Best trip I have ever been on. Well worth every penny and perfectly guided

Had a fantastic day beautiful village and a great informative guide