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France, a country where every sunrise tastes like fresh croissants like Lake Annecy, and every sunset like a glass of vintage wine in Beaujolais. Between these moments lies the Auvergne-Rhine Alps region. It is a land where alpine peaks, vineyard valleys, medieval towns and gastronomy coexist.

When you’re planning a trip here, it’s not just about ticking off places — it’s about planning experiences that capture the beauty, adventure and charm of France in a week. Is it difficult? Yes, but not impossible. This 7-day Auvergne-Living Alps itinerary will be your guide to spa towns, UNESCO-listed cities, vineyard trails, and alpine escapes.

Why should you visit the Auvergne-Rhine Alps region?

Stretching from the Rhine Valley to the French Alps, this region is one of the most diverse and rewarding in France. Here’s why it should be at the top of your bucket list:

• Alpine Adventures: From the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc to hiking trails, ski resorts like Chamonix, and paragliding opportunities.
• Cultural heritage: Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval villages and landmarks are some of the best places to visit in France if you love to explore culture and heritage.
• Health and wellness: Thermal spas, mountain wellness retreats, and lakeside escapes.
• Gastronomy and wine: Wine tasting, AOC cheeses, Beaujolais, and Michelin star dining.
• Natural beauty: Lake Annecy, volcanic landscapes, and riverside promenades.

This combination makes the Auvergne-Rhine Alps one of the most versatile destinations in Europe.

7 Day Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Itinerary

Now that you’re ready to explore the best of Alpine France, let’s take a look at this 7-day Auvergne Rhône-Alpes travel itinerary.

Day 1: Start in Lyon: the gastronomic soul of France

You can start your trip in Lyon because where better than the food capital of France?

• Wander through Lyon, its cobbled streets, intoxicating. With courtyards of sania and hidden troubles (secret passageways).
• A taste of León’s identity in traditional bouchon, where hearty dishes like quenelles and coc au vin tell stories of generations.
• Stroll through Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocques, a gourmet market filled with charcuterie, artisan cheeses, and wines.
• Browse the Musée des Beaux-Arts and shop the beautiful Prisque Quarter with its 33 bridges.
• Ride the funicular up Fourvere Hill for a panoramic sunset over the red-tiled terraces.

Day 2: Beaujolais – A toast to Beaujolais wine country

For the second day, you will head to Beaujolais. This is the land where every glass is poured with pride, and every hillside view feels like a painting. If that’s not enough, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that it’s also one of the best places to visit in France!

• Explore Ongut (Place Beau Village de France), a golden stone medieval village often named the most beautiful in France.
• Wind your way through family-run wineries that offer private tastings and warm hospitality. For a more interactive experience you can also visit Himau Dubov.
• Try the vineyard tours in Moulin-Vent and Fleury.
• Spend the night at Chateau de la Chaise, a vineyard guest house surrounded by Bruvelli vines.

Day 3: Annecy: Venice of the Alps

Wake up to a postcard-perfect morning in Annecy, where the Alps glisten beneath turquoise lakes and pastel-colored houses glisten under flower-lined canals. It’s a city that just feels like a fairytale.

• Take a leisurely cruise on Lake Annecy (Europe’s cleanest lake), with the Alps mirrored in its turquoise waters.
• Wander through the Old Town, where pastel houses, flower boxes, and arcades line the streets.
• Visit Chateau d’Ancy for history and art exhibits.
• Treat yourself to savory lakeside dishes like rillettes and tarteflettes. This is one of the best things to do in France.

Day 4: Chamonix and Mont Blanc: A day at the top of Europe

This legendary hill town is a playground for adventurers, where the thrill of altitude meets the warmth of alpine charm. It is also where you get to see the highest peak in Europe.

• Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842m for stunning views of Mont Blanc.
• Dare to step on the glass skywalk? Next, try the famous steps into the void, and feel the thrill of standing high above the mountains.
• Take the historic Montenors railway over the mountains and reach France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace.
• Toulol Chamonix’s lively streets are full of cafes, bakeries and mountain gear shops.
• From hot chocolate to mulled wine, end your day with a relaxing après mountain drink, everything is absolutely delicious!

Day 5: Alpine beauty in Maggio

From the rugged adventure of Chamonix, glide into the refined alpine beauty of Maggiore and this charming region has some of the best things to do in France! Here you can:

• take a ride Rochebrune Cable Car For sweeping views of Mont Blanc and lush valleys.
• Wander through Village centerlined with luxury boutiques and traditional chalets.
• Open to a World class spawhere alpine-inspired treatments restore body and mind. It would be a great thing to do in France after five days of continuous travel.
• In the evening, don’t forget to have a treat Après-ski atmospherewhether by the fire in winter or on the sun terrace in summer.

Day 6: Alpine Adventures in Chamonix

This is a day to truly experience the Alps – whether you’re here in summer or winter, Chamonix offers endless ways to play in nature.

• Go to Brunate or Flaguere by gondola. These are two of the best viewpoints of the Chamonix Valley, with wide-open panoramas of Mont Blanc.
• In summer, you can go paragliding and soaring over the valley for an unforgettable view.
• For a fun way to experience snow without skiing, try a ski hike without skiing or dog sledding (winter).
• If you prefer something quieter, take a stroll along the trails at the base of the mountains.
• In the evening, you can easily relax in Chamonix town, browsing the alpine gear shops, patisseries and boutiques.

Day 7: Ten-El Hermitage: Farewell

What better way to end your Auvergne-Rhine Alps adventure than with fine wine and chocolate? These are a must on your trip to France!

• Start with a tour of the Hermitage vineyards, following the legendary slopes that produce France’s best Syrah wines.
• Taste excellence at one of Rain Valley’s most prestigious wineries, M’Chapotier.
• Optional: Take a gentle stroll along the Rhine, the vineyard terraces rising dramatically above you.
• Optional: Visit the Valrohona Chocolate Factory, a pilgrimage site for chocolate lovers around the world.
• Afterwards, head to Geneva or Lyon to catch your flight.

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End note

The Auvergne-Rhône Alps is a region that combines adventure, culture, gastronomy, and sheer natural beauty like no other. From the relaxing thermal baths of Vichy to the snowy heights of Mont Blanc, the picturesque canals of Annecy, and the legendary vineyards of Beaujolais, every day offers something unforgettable.

You can always create an itinerary to suit your comfort – whether it’s a leisurely pace with extra spa days or a more adventurous route full of mountain thrills. This 7 day itinerary is just a blueprint. The real magic comes from exploring the region in a way that speaks to your own sense of wonder, taste, and adventure.

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