Things to do in Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: The Best Scenic Railroads

November 7, 2021 Diedre Savory

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. Ski Vallée Blanche, Chamonix

Montblanc GEIE, 100 Place de l'Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Patagoniatiptop
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

December - mid May The world famous 18km journey with 2800m of vertical descent through some of the most stunning glaciated alpine scenery rarely disappoints! Start altitude (Aiguille du Midi): 3777m Finish Altitude (Chamonix): 1050m Vertical Descent: 2727m Length: 18Km Season: Usually January to April This magnificent ski journey can be done in a short day by confident black slope skiers. Thanks to the height gain (2742m) given by the Aiguille du Midi cable car. The descent of the Vallee Blanche is often the highlight of a ski trip to Chamonix!

Inclusions: Harness, Avalanche Beacon, Mountain guide Fee up to 6 skiers

Exclusions: Personal Cable car and Train ticket, Personal Skiing equipment, Personal insurance, Backpack to attach the skis

Reviewed By Elise B

We had a fantastic 2-day hike in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc area with our guide Ella. Always friendly and helpful! I learned a lot about the region, fauna and flora and the wildlife. Saw some amazing landscapes. Unforgettable experience, thank you!

2. Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip from Geneva

Geneva Bus Station, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland KeyTours S.A.
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.2 based on 741 reviews

Cross the Switzerland-France border with an informative guide and marvel at the majesty of the European Alps on this Chamonix and Mont Blanc highest mountain in Europe day trip from Geneva. You'll drive through the Arve Valley to the pretty Alpine town of Chamonix. Ride the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi peak and enjoy breathtaking views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Take the scenic cog railway to Montenvers and see the spectacular Mer de Glace, widely considered the most famous glacier in France.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Cable car ride to summit of Aiguille du Midi (if option selected), Train ride to Montenvers (if option selected), Lunch (if option selected), Skip the line tickets, Guide if more than 10 people or driver guide for small groups

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Q6293INraquelp

People working there are nice but this doesnt mean (unfortunately) tours are good, organisation should be improved. Annecy was a beautiful place but you Can hardly hear the record they play during the tour with historic detaills and once in the city you are alone and free to explore on your own. I was supposed to go on a city tour as well which was cancelled and I got to know this once I was there ready to start... They found a place for me in a cheaper tour... Refunding me the difference and the driver forgot to pick me up to do the third part... Luckily I have a swiss phone so I could call the agency. Also would say they cant speak good English so it makes communication difficult.

3. Independent Chamonix and Mont Blanc Tour from Geneva

Geneva Bus Station, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland KeyTours S.A.
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 145 reviews

On this half-day or full-day independent tour from Geneva, cross the Switzerland-France border and visit one of the most famous villages in the French Alps, Chamonix, at the foot of towering Mont Blanc: highest mountain of Europe. Enjoy a scenic coach drive through the Arve Valley to the picturesque Alpine village of Chamonix, where you’re free to explore at your leisure. Ride up the cable car and discover a spectacular panoramic view of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps at 3842m ! Board the charming red cog railway up to Montenvers, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier is 4 miles (7km) long and averages just under a mile wide. Take a break and enjoy a lunch in the center of Chamonix 3 meals A local host will be in the village the whole day but you can spend and make your own plannind as you wish

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Local host in Chamonix village, Aiguille du Midi cable car ride (if option selected), Mer de Glace train ride (if option selected), 3-course Lunch (only if option with lunch selected), Skip the line ticket, Magnificient views on the Alps mountains, Visit the charming village of the Chamonix Mont Blanc village

Exclusions: Guide

Reviewed By Q6293INraquelp

People working there are nice but this doesnt mean (unfortunately) tours are good, organisation should be improved. Annecy was a beautiful place but you Can hardly hear the record they play during the tour with historic detaills and once in the city you are alone and free to explore on your own. I was supposed to go on a city tour as well which was cancelled and I got to know this once I was there ready to start... They found a place for me in a cheaper tour... Refunding me the difference and the driver forgot to pick me up to do the third part... Luckily I have a swiss phone so I could call the agency. Also would say they cant speak good English so it makes communication difficult.

4. Lyon Croix-Rousse City Tram Tour with Audio Guide

17 Rue Paul Chenavard, 69001 Lyon, France Lyon City Tour
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

3.9 based on 52 reviews

Lyon City Tram is a small touristic train which proposes atypical visits of the famous district of Croix-Rousse. The tour is audio guided and permits you to discover this "village in the town" and to admire several painted walls.

Inclusions: Audio-guided tour, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By mitsy58

due to pandemic we had decided the best way to explore Lyon was on foot, but in order to see it all we spent a day using the bus to get down to the Confluence & up to the Roman Ruins & Basilica. Drivers were very friendly, the audio guide is well presented (apart from some of the music intervals!!!) & very few passengers at this time. We took first bus at 10am & picked it up again mid afternoon after we had explored the Basilica & Roman Museum & walked the 1,000 or so steps down to old town for lunch.

5. Mythical Aiguille du Midi - Half Day

Experience Mont Blanc

Experience Mont Blanc offers the opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful places in Chamonix. It is not the Mont Blanc but the Aiguille du Midi, an iconic place that welcomes millions of tourists every year. In only 20 minutes and two cable car rides from the center of Chamonix, you’ll arrive at 3842 meters on top of some of the highest peaks in the Alps. There, enjoy jaw-dropping 360° views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, close enough you could almost touch them. Emotion and memories guaranteed ! For the daring, visit the recent and exhilarating attraction "Step into the Void"! A 5 sided glass box suspended 1000 meters above the peaks. Your enthusiastic mountain guide will teach you everything you’ll want to know about the glaciers and the peaks – aiguilles as they are called in French. | Activity not available during the annual site closure, from 2nd to 11th December, 2020. |

Inclusions: Cable Car round trip tickets, Private guide, Private experience, Happy memories

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Insurances

Reviewed By marinacarvajal

We went to Quentin's house (our guide's house) which is in the middle of the mountains and it was just amazing! We elaborated our own tartiflette and then ate it!! Such a gooooood experience! Thanks Quentin :D

6. Chamonix Mont Blanc Private Sightseeing Tour

Chamonix is the central town within the valley. Unlike many ski resorts, the town was not purpose built but blossomed from a small mountain village when two young English aristocrats visited the Priory of Chamouni in 1741. Their tales of the beautiful landscapes and glaciers resulted in multiple tourists coming to admire the Mer de Glace and Mont Blanc. Today Chamonix is a thriving town with numerous bars, shops and restaurants and has a reputation for being the sports capital of the world. Explore Unique views of the Alps and be impressed by the Highest mountain of Europe: Mont Blanc option : Trip only - Free time in the village Cable car - aiguille du midi or Brévent ( Depending on the weather) Mountain train Mer de glace

Inclusions: Private transport, Driver guide, Chamonix village walking tour, Cable car ( Aiguille du midi or Brévent if option selected), Mountain train Mer de Glace ( if option selected), Bottled water

Exclusions: lunch

7. Dijon & Beaune’s Truffle Escapade From Lyon

Venez Discover France (Lyon)

Our Dijon & Beaune’s Truffle Escapade immerses you in the culture, history, and cuisine of the stunning Burgundy region. Explore the city of Dijon, with its elegant medieval streets and gothic architecture, before creating your own Dijon mustard at the 200-year-old Fallot Mustard Mill. Journey back in time at the epic Hospices de Beaune, as you wander through the 15th-century wards and pharmacy. Top off your adventure with a lesson in truffle hunting, and sample some of the finest produce in Burgundy.

Inclusions: Exclusive Mustard Tasting, Exclusive Truffle Hunting & Tasting, Return TGV Train Tickets , Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Private transportation, Hospice de Beaune Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket

Exclusions: Lunch

8. Lyon, Beaune & Burgundy’s Vineyards From Paris

Venez Discover France (Paris)

Our Lyon, Beaune & Burgundy’s Vineyard tour will transport you back in time, to a world where castles, artisan wine, and ancient traditions ruled. Discover the breathtaking old town of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn why the city became one of the most revered wine centers in Europe. Visit three local vineyards, each with their own unique style and history, and sample authentic Burgundy wine straight from the cellars. Throw in a visit to the gothic masterpiece, the Hospices de Beaune, where you will be able to explore eerie 18th-century pharmacies and learn more about the building’s colorful history.

Inclusions: TGV Train Tickets, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Exclusive Wine Tastings, Hospice de Beaune Skip-the-Line Tickets, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By CulturalTraveller19

Myself and my wife had a fantastic time our guide was very knowledgable and accommodating. Although, it was during COVID-19 we felt safe and appreciate the precautions which were taken by Versailles and Venez Discover during our tour.

9. 2-Day Tour to Interlaken, Geneva and Chamonix from Zurich

Zurich Central Station (Sihlquai Car Park), Ausstellungsstrasse, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland KeyTours S.A.

Visit 3 places in 2 countries in 2 days. You will start in Zurich with a day trip to Interlaken where you can explore the glamorous resort. You can ride the mountain cogwheel train to Jungfrau or ride the cable car to Schilthorn during your free time. Transfer to Geneva, enjoy a 4* hotel (if option selected) with continental breakfast or book the hotel on your own. On the second day, visit the unique and amazing Chamonix Mont Blanc village, a must-see. Ride up the cable car to the Aiguille du midi for a unique experience. Return to Geneva in the afternoon and have a city tour. Discover the 1001 secrets of the international city with its famous fountain and see the United Nations.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Interlaken visit with tickets to Jungfrau or Schilthorn, Chamonix Mont Blanc and cable car, Geneva city tour, Transportation with driver guide, Accomodation 1 night if option selected

Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner

Reviewed By Q6293INraquelp

People working there are nice but this doesnt mean (unfortunately) tours are good, organisation should be improved. Annecy was a beautiful place but you Can hardly hear the record they play during the tour with historic detaills and once in the city you are alone and free to explore on your own. I was supposed to go on a city tour as well which was cancelled and I got to know this once I was there ready to start... They found a place for me in a cheaper tour... Refunding me the difference and the driver forgot to pick me up to do the third part... Luckily I have a swiss phone so I could call the agency. Also would say they cant speak good English so it makes communication difficult.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.