Much more to Rhone-Alpes than Mont Blanc
Comments |
On a clear day, it seems, you can see Mont Blanc wherever
you are in the Rhone-Alpes region of France - including, they say,
from the 15th tee of the municipal golf course in Saint-Etienne,
writes Jeff Fuidge.
While the alps provide some of the best skiing in Europe, there
is much more to this popular region which stretches east to the
Massif Central and south to Provence.
Whatever your interests and whether you choose to stay for a
weekend or a week, you can guarantee you'll still need more time to
see, experience and taste what's on offer in this fascinating part
of France.
There is something for everyone, with sailing, kayaking or
fishing on the many lakes and ponds, glacier hiking, mountain
climbing, cycling and golf to name a few.
For the less energetic, a visit to the fortified medieval town
of Perouges or discovering the unique architectural gems in the old
quarter of Lyon and the must-see Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière
will keep you busy and intrigued.
To
make sure you don't miss a trick in this fascinating city an
official guide, which can be booked through the Rhone-Alpes tourist
board, is a must. But if your prefer to see the city in your own
way there is plenty of information available at www.rhonealpes-tourism.com
The region is also one of the major wine-producing areas of
France and trips and tastings at the vineyards producing vintages
like Brouilly and Saint Amour or the more popular Beaujolais or
Cotes du Rhone are easily arranged.
Food also plays a huge role in any French city and Lyon is no
different. There's a choice to suit every taste and pocket with
gourmet delicacies in Michelin-starred restaurants to the
traditional, simple fare of the many bouchons Lyonnaise in the
region's capital Lyon. I dined at the extremely popular Cafe des
Federations in rue Major Martin (Tel 04 78 28 26 00) and enjoyed a
delicious array of local dishes. Be warned, you need to book in
advance as there's never an empty seat.
The only
problem you face is deciding when to visit. With the spring comes
the incredible array of colourful flowers in the foothills of the
alps or the sensational aromas of the lavender harvest in June or
July. Meanwhile, up to the end of October you can still enjoy some
warm sunshine and the late grape harvest in the Savoie which
produces delicious sweet golden and bronze Cote du Rhone wines.
Getting to the Rhone-Alpes is easy. You can take advantage of
the daily flights from most London airports or if you have an
aversion to airport departure lounges, take the Eurostar to Lille
and from there another high-speed train will take you into the
centre of Lyon itself.
There are plenty of hotels to suit all pockets. The quirky
three-star College hotel (www.college-hotel.com) with
rooms from 115 Euro per night. The hotel is on the site of an old
school and the hotel is themed with little desks in the breakfast
room and white-tiled bathrooms.
If you fancy a real treat, the five-star oppulence of the Cour
des Loges (www.courdesloges.com) in the old
part of the city offers sumptuous decor and spectacular rooms and
suites from 300 to 505 euro per night or an appartement
at 618 Euro per night.
In Perouges, you can also stay in the medieval splendour of the
lovingly restored buildings in the Hostellerie (www.hostelleriedeperouges.com)
with prices starting at 124 euro per night for two people.
So once you're settled into your hotel, you can seek out the
local sights or hire a car and do some Mont Blanc spotting of your
own.
Monday, November 09 2009
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.