Rhône-Alpes attractions

Thespians and theater enthusiasts shouldn't miss Lyon's historic Célestins Theater (Théâtre des Célestins, which has been operating for more than 200 years. Visitors can attend a performance, or uncover the theater's history on a behind-the-scenes tour. Enjoy the lavish foyer, ornate bar, and lovingly renovated red and gold auditorium.

Welcoming visitors to Annecy’s Old Town, the 12th-century Island Palace (Palais de l’Île) sits right in the middle of Canal du Thiou on a prow-shaped islet between colorful canal-side streets. Over the years, the landmark building has served as a courthouse, mint, prison, military barrack, and ducal residence.

Centered around the 254-meter hill of the same name, the Croix-Rousse district was the heart of Lyon’s 18th-century silk industry, with the influx of workers earning it the nickname ‘the hill that works’, while neighboring Fourvière was dubbed ‘the hill that prays’. The historic district makes a fascinating addition to a walking tour, with its unique traboules - narrow, tunnel-like passageways that served as the setting to the 19th-century silk-workers revolt - snaking between the historic workshops and running down to the riverside. Today, some of the traboules have been restored, most notably the Passage Thiaffait, which is now home to the ‘Village of Creators’ and lined with artist’s galleries, crafts workshops and fashion boutiques.The lively district retains its village-like atmosphere and is now crammed with bars, restaurants and cafes, many of which offer impressive views along the riverside. Additional highlights include the daily Croix-Rousse Market, the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, the landmark Gros Caillou (literally, a ‘Big Rock’) and the Croix-Rousse tunnel, a bus, bike and pedestrian route that burrows through the hill and is now the backdrop for a dazzling light and sound show.

With its diverse mix of ethnicities and burgeoning art scene, Belleville has made a name for itself as one of Paris’ most fashionably eclectic districts, drawing a hip crowd of young locals, students and creative types. Integrated into Paris in 1860, Belleville started life as a hilltop village, famed for its lively guingettes and surrounding vineyards, and the vibrant neighborhood still retains much of its original character.Today, Belleville is renowned for its sprawling Chinatown and abundance of international restaurants, quirky bars, independent art galleries and small music venues, while the hillside Belleville Park offers spectacular views over Paris. Additional landmarks include the churches of Saint Jean Baptiste de Belleville and Notre Dame de la Croix, the old aqueduct, the site of the old Belleville funicular and the birthplace of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.

The Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d'art Contemporain de Lyon is a beacon of modernity in an ancient city, showcasing works by emerging global artists. Enjoy three floors of galleries, rotating temporary exhibitions, and site-specific works. Dine alfresco on the terrace at the Café du Musée, or visit the bookstore for a souvenir.

Affectionately known as “the belly of Paris,” Les Halles was once the sight of Paris’s bustling central food market, where vendors sold fresh meats, fish, and vegetables. A focal point of Paris since the 11th century, the food stalls were dismantled in 1971 to make room for the newForum des Halles shopping center and metro station.

Before 1895, photography was cutting-edge technology. Then, the Lumière brothers changed image-making forever with the Cinematograph, which produced the first moving pictures. Visit the birthplace of this radical invention at Lyon's Lumière Institute (Institut Lumière, a museum, cultural space, and theater celebrating cinema's origins.

After the occupation of northern France by the Nazis in World War II, Lyon became the center of the French Resistance until a German crackdown in 1942. Learn more about the role this undercover organization played – and its brutal repression – at the Resistance and Deportation History Centre.

For a bird’s-eye view of historic Lyon, don’t miss the largest animated miniature park in France. At Mini World Lyon, explore four different worlds, around 1,000 mini buildings, and top sights such as Tête d’Or park and Fourvière Hill. You’ll also find a 3D cinema and unique temporary exhibits.

Beyond its pivotal role in the French justice system, the Lyon Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon is a marvelous architectural statement on the banks of the Saône River. The neoclassical detailing, fluted exterior columns, and river views make this 19th century building a worthy stop on a tour of Old Town Lyon (Vieux Lyon.

Chamonix’s Amusement Park is open year-round and offers plenty of family-friendly fun from giant swings, electric motorcycles, and water games in the summer to skiing, arcade games, and more during the winter months. The park’s most popular attraction is the exhilarating 4,265-feet (1300-meter long Alpine Coaster, which twists and turns down the mountainside.

All about the wine and the vine, the Hameau Duboeuf is a theme park in the heart of France’s Beaujolais region. Wander around the museum, learn about wine production, or play a round of mini-golf. This family-friendly destination is a fun place to explore wine while enjoying the scenic countryside.

Semnoz is one of the most famous mountains of the Bauges range in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in eastern France. It’s a skiing destination that’s also popular in summer for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. If sports aren’t your thing, the birds eye view over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountain peaks make visiting worthwhile.

Housed in the 20th-century Chamonix Palace, the Alpine Museum (or Le Musee Alpin celebrates the history of the Chamonix Valley and notable ascents of Mont Blanc. The museum’s collection of vintage mountain climbing equipment, old photographs, and maps draw visitors interested in mountaineering history and the development of tourism in the valley.

For a new-fangled take on old-fashioned entertainment, head to Futuroscope, the futuristic amusement park that offers high-tech interactive and immersive experiences for the whole family. Take in shows at IMAX and dynamic cinemas, hop on thrilling adventure rides, and learn about science and technology via engaging exhibits.

This family-friendly theme park dedicated to the history and science of volcanoes is set in the heart of Auvergne’s Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO-listed chain of dormant volcanoes in central France. Visit Vulcania to learn how volcanoes are formed, erupt, and eventually go extinct via interactive and multimedia exhibits and activities.

The Step into the Void (Aiguille du Midi Skywalk)is a glass room suspended 12,604 feet (3,842 meters) high on the summit of Aiguille du Midi mountain. Reinforced by strong steel and set on the edge of a steep cliff, the transparent box offers unobstructed views of Europe’s highest peaks, with nothing but air below.

The distinctive blue icefields of the Bossons Glacier (Glacier des Bossons hovers over the town of Chamonix just below the Mont Blanc massif. Once stretching from the Mont Blanc summit to the village of Les Bossons below, the glacier has retreated in recent years. With chairlift service and plenty of easy hiking trails, the Bossons Glacier is one of the most easily accessible glacier hikes from Chamonix.

Located 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) outside Chamonix city center, Lake Gaillands (Lac des Gaillands) is a man-made lake created in the early 1900s during excavation work for a nearby train line. The site quickly filled with water, creating an outdoor recreation area frequented by locals and visitors who enjoy hiking, fishing, and rock climbing at the lake.

Grands Montets Ski Area (Les Grands Montets) is the biggest and most popular ski area in Chamomix, boasting some of the largest vertical drops in the world at more than 6,561 feet (2,000 meters). Huge areas of the mountain are left ungroomed, making it a mecca for off-piste enthusiasts. The snow is exceptional here both early and late in the season.

Visitors of all ages will find plenty of ways to spend a fun-filled day at Walibi Rhône-Alpes. Thrill seekers can head straight for the roller coasters, while others might prefer the bumper cars, water rides, and petting zoo. Or, check out one of Walibi’s circus-style shows.

Perched in the shadow of Mount Salève, the Maison du Saleve is an 18th century farmhouse dedicated to showcasing the relationship between man and mountain. With exhibits, workshops, guided walks, hikes, and an exhibition for children, there are plenty of learning opportunities. There are also some incredible views — from the exhibit’s photography to the outlook over Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc mountains. The mountain has affectionately been called the “Balcony of Geneva.”La Salève has a long legacy of scientific study, and is also considered to be a birthplace of rock climbing and mountains expeditions. Permanent and temporary exhibits detail the history, study, and sports of the mountain. Guided walks in the nature around the museum allow for the best immersion in the surroundings, and bikers will appreciate the cycling paths weaving throughout. The whole experience is family-friendly and accessible from Geneva, which offers access via its city pass.

With a prime position in the foothills of the mighty Mont Blanc and with access to some of the best ski terrain in the French Alps, Megève is one of France’s most famous winter resorts. More than 290km of downhill runs and around 80km of cross-country trails, one of France’s largest ski schools and excellent facilities make Megève a top choice for both first-timers and experienced skiers, and it’s lavish reputation has made it a favorite haunt of wealthy Europeans, celebrities and royals.Dotted with rustic ski lodges and romantic chalets, Megève is undeniably atmospheric during the winter, with its historic buildings gleaming with fairy lights and horse-drawn carriages trotting down the cobblestone streets. Visit in the summer and it’s equally attractive, with a lively weekly market, a popular spa resort, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.