Top 5 Rhône-Alpes Car Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
Are you dreaming of that amazing trip across the French countryside? The Rhône-Alpes region, with its blend of rolling hills, tall, snowy mountains, and attractive towns, is just, just the spot to do that. This guide hands you my reviews and top suggestions, offering everything you need to get ready for an unforgettable road trip.
1. The Route des Grandes Alpes: A High-Altitude Adventure
The Route des Grandes Alpes, that is a legendary drive, crosses the French Alps from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva to Menton on the Mediterranean. So it is packed with jaw-dropping mountain vistas and winding roads that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. This tour usually takes about four to seven days, giving you ample chance to really take in all the wonderful sights and sounds.
Along the way, you will climb over several very well-known mountain passes like the Col de l’Iseran and the Col du Galibier. This road climbs to a great height. It goes across some rather striking scenery. Be prepared for winding roads. Also, check weather conditions, since snow might just affect pass accessibility, very. Accommodation options range from little hotels to cute, comfortable bed and breakfasts. It depends on just where you end up at night!
Don’t forget to just take in the local delicacies as you travel! You will see things such as cheese fondue or raclette in picturesque villages. In the summertime, it’s just beautiful; during the winter, you may want snow tires. I like going in September, though that would be, as a matter of fact, right after that summer rush, just before the snow comes.
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2. Lyon to Grenoble: A Gastronomic and Historical Escape
Begin in Lyon, often referred to as that food capital of France. Also, take a bit of time going through that old town or eating at a local “bouchon.” Next, just make your way towards Grenoble, in the heart of the Alps. You know, this tour offers a blend of rich history and delicious experiences, usually spanning about three to five days.
En route, do visit Pérouges, a neat, very cute medieval town. See the Chartreuse Mountains. When in Grenoble, stop by the Bastille. The spot has overlooks where you get to have excellent scenic panoramas. What to expect? Really great cuisine; it mixes the feel of a bustling city together with relaxing moments outside in nature.
I recall stopping for lunch close to the Isère River and really just getting a quiet experience from that local ambiance along with very awesome cuisine, of course! That’s when it really just struck me: that peaceful mix is why this part of France always has me coming back again and again.
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3. Annecy and Lake Geneva Loop: Lakeside Luxury
Begin in that “Venice of the Alps,” so called, that’s Annecy, a charming town with canals and a crystal-clear lake. Going along Lake Geneva and enjoying towns such as Yvoire, then returning through the mountains; you may just wish to enjoy it more!
That circuit, it normally runs two or three days; you go to the medieval Chateau d’Annecy and you get awesome views of the water. Yvoire, with its medieval design and flowered balconies, looks straight from a postcard. Lake Geneva does call with options of sailing plus those tranquil shoreline views.
We once rented out a boat, then spent the afternoon floating on Lake Geneva with basically nothing on our agendas aside from just those spectacular surroundings, some nearby wine, as well as some tasty cheese; this really made me start loving, and cherish those little experiences in life all the more.
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4. The Vercors Regional Natural Park: Nature and History
Take that detour into the Vercors Regional Natural Park; then see the very awesome, gorgeous scenery, very striking cliffs, then explore some local heritage, too. Aim, too, to spend 3 to 4 days, approximately.
Some highlights might possibly comprise seeing the Combe Laval scenic road – this amazing thing that looks to just hang from a cliff! Very fascinating caverns just wait within that Massif du Vercors. Another thing you just need to do would be touring villages commemorating French Resistance operations conducted in the Second World War.
The trip’s highlight to me just had been climbing that dizzying D518 – more aptly named that Combe Laval road! What’s interesting is how engineers, some time in the 1800s, constructed such roads hugging cliff sides for kilometers while making such drives both stimulating as well as thrilling!
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5. The Ardèche Gorges: A River Runs Through It
See France just by driving all alongside Gorges de l’Ardèche: that’s a remarkable canyon! You’ll wish to devote a couple of days going between some landmarks. That’s a very picturesque road trip when I can, just between natural arches, scenic sites plus places where you might just consider engaging with those activities alongside such waters.
Spot some of the high spots? A spot called Pont d’Arc forms just one impressive rock entrance. When you visit it, you may decide that it’s suitable enough to photograph! You will then just like drifting over some tranquil Ardèche! Those scenic overlooks come about where one can obtain stunning vistas of all those river cutting down underneath!
Stopping close by at Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, for instance: That gives this feel like something that remains in place! In addition: One can hire canoes/kayaks from such river shorelines so there’s just opportunities regarding participating with such setting instead, just taking scenery. Oh? Did anybody tell you to bring those swimming gear?!
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