Top Things to do in Rhône-Alpes
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Things to do in Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: The Best Sightseeing Tours
From the rare truffles of the Drôme to the vineyards of Beaujolais, the Rhone-Alps reveal the treasures of French cuisine. Gastronomic pleasures are complemented by the lush countryside, filled with fields of lavender. UNESCO-designated Lyon has first-century Roman ruins and the 19th-century Basilica of Fourvière. Forts and castles dot the landscape around Grenoble. Work off excess calories on the slopes of Chamonix and Megève. Visit during fall to take advantage of the grape harvest and many festivals.
Restaurants in Rhone-Alpes
1. Rhône Valley Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Lyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
On the tour, you will discover the history of wine in this essential region and enjoy some great wine tastings with Syrah-based appellations (Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph) and Viognier-based appellations (Condrieu).
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Wine tasting
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By kstich4
We’d give Olivier more points if we could. He met us downtown Lyon and we took the long drive out to Bourgogne and had pleasant conversation the whole way. We visited a premier vineyard, a couple tasting rooms, and a couple region specific wine attractions and Olivier answered all of our questions along the way. We had a delicious lunch in a small town where we also did some sightseeing. Olivier has our full hearted recommendation for anyone looking to do a wine tour out of Lyon.
2. Beaujolais Region Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Lyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
There’s a saying in Lyon that the third river flowing in Lyon is… Beaujolais wine. Enjoy this full day tour to discover this beautiful region: the rolling hills and vineyards of the Beaujolais region. You will have the opportunity to taste various local wines, not only the world-renown Beaujolais, but also the other types of wine produced in this area, as well as meeting professional wine-makers.
Inclusions: Wine tasting, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By mikeF5327YZ
My wife and I, our two adult children and their partners met Olivier at our rental apartment in Lyon for a full day in the northern Rhone Valley. We visited three outstanding wineries and tasted a variety of wines, including some delicious Cornas and an unusual white Chateau-neuf du Pape. We met with the winemakers in each case and learned about the history of the wineries. Olivier gave us a lot of history of the region. Two of the three wineries were able to ship purchases to the US. One referred me to their US importer. All do carry-out purchases, of course, so our apartment is stocked. We made a lunch stop at a very nice restaurant on the Rhone. We started at 9am (earlier than normal, as crowds were large due to Women's World Cup games in Lyon). We were back by 6pm. None of the wineries we visited were crowded; there were a couple of other small groups at two of them, but we still had a very nice private tour experience. We were the only people at the third. Olivier's English is great. He was able to accommodate our largeish group with no trouble. He knows the region and has studied wines and the industry. He was born and grew up in Lyon, so has lots of good advice for the city and surrounding activities. He is flexible and can tune the itinerary to suit the customer. Highly recommended!
3. Winter Ski Tour: Annecy City and Wine Degustation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit the “Pearl of French Alps” - Annecy City, where you can learn about it’s rich history, see the city and relax at a cafe in the beautiful old town. To learn more about the region’s traditions, try local wine and find out what food suits it the best. While on this tour you will visit Annecy Castle and Palais de l’Ille plus the Palais de l’Ille museum.
Inclusions: Transportation by air-conditioned minibus, Free Wi-Fi on board vehicles, Hotel pick-up/ drop-off, Tour assistant to help you in Annecy city, Wine degustation, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees
Exclusions: Food and drink, Tickets to museum
Reviewed By Tobe H
Excellent transfer from Geneva Airport to Les Saisies and back again. Drivers were personable, polite and most importantly, very good at driving in heavy snow. Will use them again, much cheaper/hassle free than renting your own car and stressing about the conditions.
4. Private Gourmet Tour : Halles Paul Bocuse Covered Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Immerse yourself in the very heart of the covered market to discover the best of local cuisine. High place of the Lyonnaise gastronomy, the covered market of Les Halles Paul Bocuse, is a must to discover the culinary culture and flavours of the city. Strolling through the market with your epicurean guide you will taste the best produce of the region which show the excellence of the producers but also creativity of the local cuisine. You will learn all about the « Mères Lyonnaises » and the little anecdotes around stared chefs and local specialities in a fun and convivial atmosphere. The gastro-nomic reputation of Lyon will no longer have secrets for you. We will have multiple tastings: from the traditional quenelle to the numerous cheeses and charcuterie, including sweet treats such as pink pralines and “Coussin de Lyon”. Tastings vary based on the season, but every tour is a real culinary delight for you taste buds !
Inclusions: Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By J_from_Dusseldorf
I unfortunately cannot recommend this tour operator. I booked a tour with them and got the information that the tour was fully refundable. Given the Corona crisis, I had to cancel my tour. After the initial information that refunds need a bit longer (which I fully understand), nothing happened. I still haven´t received the refund after months and I have not received any information when/if this will happen at all, either. Any attempt to contact the company is being ignored. Neither do they answer to messages nor phone calls. Very disappointing...
5. Vienne & Côte Rôtie Private tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Wine lovers, you will fall under the spell of the beauty of this vineyard and the quality of its wines. An authentic tour with a cultural and gourmet discovery. Discover the famous Côte-Rôtie vineyards with this half-day tour which combines cultural discovery and tastings of local specialities and wine. Your passionate driver-guide takes you to the heart of the roman city of Vienne, where you will discover antic and medieval buildings. You will also enjoy a gourmet stop where you will taste the local charcuterie and cheeses and wine. The tour will continue with a visit of a family-run winery in the Côte-Rôtie vineyard. You will stroll in the wines and get a chance to meet with the winemaker and exchange with him. Of course, you will have a wine tasting of several wines. The Côte-Rôtie vineyard will no longer have secrets for you!
Inclusions: Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Food tasting
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By J_from_Dusseldorf
I unfortunately cannot recommend this tour operator. I booked a tour with them and got the information that the tour was fully refundable. Given the Corona crisis, I had to cancel my tour. After the initial information that refunds need a bit longer (which I fully understand), nothing happened. I still haven´t received the refund after months and I have not received any information when/if this will happen at all, either. Any attempt to contact the company is being ignored. Neither do they answer to messages nor phone calls. Very disappointing...
6. Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Begin your local French culinary experience with a walk through the town's open farmer's market with your host, a passionate foodie. Meet Alexia's favorite vendors, discover regional organic produce and locally crafted cheese and purchase a few ingredients that you will use during your cooking class. Return to Alexia's home kitchen in her Bohemian chic apartment in a leafy and peaceful residential neighborhood of Annecy with a view of the mountains. During your cooking demonstration, watch as Alexia prepares a modern, globally influenced French meal - dishes such as local ricotta cheese with herbs or a beet spread on organic sourdough, salad (Alexia style) and farm-raised chicken with Thai flavored vegetables and rice - that you will share together at the dining table over wine.
Inclusions: Private market tour and cooking demo with your host Alexia, Home-cooked lunch, Gratuities, Wine, Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By LLG1972
Delightful morning/afternoon learning about regional French food and wines and discussing all things related to food, France, and travel. Walked through market and tasted food not easily available in American grocery stores (cheeses, meats, and some fruits too). Loved getting a local perspective on food and Laurence was kind, patient, and gracious with all our questions/conversations. Absolutely loved it!!
7. Lyon Old District : Private Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This private walking tour will take you to the most famous landmarks of UNESCO world heritage site, Lyon. Expert, multilingual guides create the ideal tour for first time visitors. Being a private tour, it can be tailored to your own personal interests if you specify them at your booking. Experience Lyon, France’s famous gastronomic capital. This tour is perfect for the first time visitor to Lyon. Get a summary of Lyon's old district: one of France’s most beautiful and historical cities. The tour will take you through the enchanting neighborhood of Saint-Jean. and you'll also be taken through Lyon’s famous ‘Traboules'. Here, your expert guide will explain the fascinating history behind these ancient underground passageways a true highlight for many visitors to Lyon. If you have a mobility issue/ reduced mobility please let us know after you have made your reservation, so that we can adapt this tour to you. We are happy to have you with us!
Inclusions: Live Tour Guide
Exclusions: Bottled water, Gratuities, Entrance fee to monuments or museums
Reviewed By Pia G
Interesting tour presenting a good overview of Lyon. Good start of a weekend visit. Best stop was Basilisque Fourvière.
8. ANNECY | Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit one of the cutest cities of the Rhône-Alpes region of France: Annecy. It's situated in the Alps, so if you love skiing this is the place for you. Today, you can enjoy a private walking tour of Annecy with a private guide who will take you to all the spots that interest you most! Also known as the "Second Venice," Annecy has plenty of beauty in store. See the Palais de l'Isle, which was a prison in the 12th century, and for something completely different, move on to cross the bridge of lovers. Another must-see is the gleaming lake of Annecy, inarguably a city highlight. Before you end your day in Annecy, you are also recommended to visit the Old Town, a lovely area full of quaint cafés to keep visitors well-fueled and busy. If there is any place in particular you would like to go but it is not mentioned in the tour description, just ask your guide and he or she will be happy to take you wherever you want to go.
Inclusions: Services of an expert guide during a private guided walking tour
Exclusions: Any entrance tickets - Transportation
Reviewed By Pia G
Interesting tour presenting a good overview of Lyon. Good start of a weekend visit. Best stop was Basilisque Fourvière.
9. Private Tour of Parc de la Tête d'or in Lyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
105 hectares, including a 16 hectare lake, three million visitors per year, 8,800 trees, 6,500 m2 of greenhouses, 30,000 rose bushes, a 3.9 km tour, the names of 10,600 dead for France engraved on a monument, 800 animals cared for by 21 agents and nearly a hundred gardeners ... Can we summarize a park such as that of the Tête d'Or by a few figures? The answer is absolutely NO. For this reason, let yourself be advised by your passionate guide who will tell you about all the wonders that this magical park hides. Combining a structured route to discover the different secrets of the park. Through its origins and its history, its botany and its curiosities we will discover this magnificent park and in the background we will discover the history of the city of Lyon. The tour includes two options: the walking tour for group tours and a pedicab option (maximum 2 people) for people with reduced mobility.
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By sophiesF5934YZ
highly recommended in order to discover the old town of Lyon. I was the only participant of the day, but the guide didn't mind of it. He explained enthusiastically important facts of the history of Lyon. Very pleasant experience ! 신청했던 다른 투어는 일방적으로 캔슬당했는데 이 가이드는 매우 친절하게 투어를 진행했습니다. 리옹 여행 첫날에 신청해서 구시가지를 훑은 덕분에 남은 여행이 더욱 알찼습니다.
10. 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Health and safety commitments: The tours have been suited to meet all of your requirements and provide you with a safe tour experience. Once you are comfortably seated in the electric pedicab, begin a tour of Lyon with a local guide who is passionate about the city. Learn about the history of Lyon from Roman times to the Renaissance and discover the city from another angle, in the heart of the historic districts. Discover the old town of Lyon, "Vieux Lyon", part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” On an extended 2-hour tour, visit the area of "Presqu'île", which is at the heart of the city and continue along the banks of the Rhone to enjoy a panoramic view of the hills of Fourviere and Croix-Rousse. Hear stories, historical facts, and anecdotes, as you explore some of the highlights of the city. Up to 2 adults and one child under 6 years old. 1 or 2-hour guided tour.
Inclusions: Explore Lyon by pedicab on a private and guided tour, Outdoor activity with a panoramic view, Hydroalcoholic gel and masks available, Equipped with a protective glass between the driver and his passengers, Pedicabs disinfected between each visit, Free for children under 6 years old
Exclusions:
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