Rhône-Alpes is the biggest region of France set between Burgundy and Provence.
It comprises of 8 departments:
If you are looking to buy a property in this wonderful region then perhaps I can tell you a little more about it
The region is probably one of the most diversified.
You have all of the different varieties of landscapes that you could possibly imagine; sweeping plain; rolling hills; snowy mountains; woods teeming with wildlife; swimming and boating lakes; busy towns; picturesque villages and all criss-crossed by winding rivers that give fishing a whole new meaning.
There are 6 natural regional parks, more than in any other region and an absolutely spendid view of the Mont Blanc and the Alpes from many parts of Isère.
Sport opportunities abound:
- There are several golf courses in the region.
- You can windsurf; sail and water ski on the lakes.
- Canoeing or white water rafting down the rapids is a common sport here and attracts people from all over France and beyond.
- In summer the Alpes belong to the paragliders; rock climbers; mountain bikers and hikers.
- Paragliding was invented here and is very popular. “La coupe Icare” has gained a worldwide reputation and is the n°1 meeting place for professional, amateur and/or eccentric gliders.
- In winter the main sport is skiing which is accessible on a daily basis. All towns and many villages have their ski club for children and adults with outings every week.
- Rhône Alpes has the biggest skiing area in the world. There are hundreds of resorts big and small and there is something for everyone. Some resorts like Val Thorens, Chamonix, les 2 Alpes even offer summer skiing.
- Football is popular as is rugby as Bourgoin Jallieu has a very good team in the french league which has helped to develop this sport locally ( it is almost as popular as football in Isère ).
- Ice Hockey is commonly played in the Alpes and the main towns near them such as Grenoble and Chambéry.Children are often able to try out these sports at a very early age.
- Rhône-Alpes is renowned for its thermal spa’s for relaxing and relieving all sorts of aches and pains. Many towns and villages are also visited by people suffering from asthma as the clean mountain air helps to alleviate its distressing symptoms.
Rhône-Alpes also has the largest concentration of top restaurants outside of Paris and is very well-loved and much visited for its gastronomy par excellence.
The local wines are renowned throughout the world and are yet another reason for closer investigation of the area.