Ofcourse we all know Paris, Cannes and the Cote d’Azur in France, but do you already know the beautiful region Auvergne Rhône-Alpes? Looking for a bit more under the radar where you can experience the real French lifestyle? Here’s the ultimate 4 day travel guide to Auvergne Rhône-Alpes from what to do, where to stay and how to travel to this region.
In this beautiful region is known for its diversity. Because whether you love wine tasting in sun-drenched vineyards or discover a beautiful city like Chambéry, or prefer the sporting activities, you will find it all here. Get ready to feel reborn.
4 DAY TRAVEL GUIDE Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
- 1: Bourg-en-Bresse
- 2: Chambéry
- 3: Savoie Mont Blanc
- 4: Aix Les Bains
- How to travel to Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
- Hotspots Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
DAY 1 – 4 DAY TRAVEL GUIDE Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
My trip ‘on the move’ started in the charming town of Bourg-en-Bresse. About 40,000 people live in this charming place around the Jura Mountains. We went on a culinary tour through the center of Bourg en Bresse. One of the specialties is the Tarte Bressanne and the Bresse chicken. I visited Sougey farm and here we got to know the famous Bresse chicken.
Upon arrival, we immediately paid a visit to the gardens of the monastery of Brou. The royal monastery of Brou is formed of monastic buildings arranged around a church and three cloisters. This church is a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece, unique in France.
In the evening we had a lovely dinner at Mets & Vins. At this restaurant we first had a vegan cooking workshop and made small preparations which we were served afterwards. I spent the night in a 300-year-old coaching inn, which is now a very charming hotel. It is almost impossible to get any closer to the center and this hotel is very bright and fully equipped. You will also find a lovely little spa here at hotel Le Griffon d’Or where I sat in the jacuzzi until the late hours.
» Book this hotel too, here
DAY 2 – 4 DAY TRAVEL GUIDE Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
The second day we left from Bourg-en-Bresse to Chambéry, this drive takes about 2 hours. This city was really the highlight of this trip for me. It seems Chambery has all these cute little streets, squares and terraces on every corner of the street. You will find monuments, beautiful gardens and picturesque quarters. We had lunch in a beautiful square at le Grand Joseh. Highly recommended for a long late summer afternoon.
In the afternoon we cycled from the center to the vineyards of the Savoie. This ride took about two hours all the way up to the mountains. On top of the mountain we enjoyed a delicious wine tasting with beautiful views. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Savoie wines owe their typicity to their grape varieties, which are particularly suited to the climate and the limestone subsoil. Savoie’s second most important agricultural activity after cheese production, the Savoie wine industry boasts 23 grape varieties. After this wonderful afternoon, as if this were not enough, we had dinner in the castle Comte de Challes. We slept in hotel des Princes, a very pleasant and pleasant three star hotel right next to the famous Elephant fountain.
» Check the rates here
DAY 3 – 4 DAY TRAVEL GUIDE Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
The third day could not start better, namely with a visit to the indoor market halls of Chambery. Tastings were organized along the way with fresh fish and the most delicious cheeses. Including a smoothie at Botti Fruit and chocolate maker Cedric Pernot. After this we had a quick lunch with natural dishes at the vegan restaurant la Forge des Halles. From here it was time to leave this cute little town and goo ‘on the move’ to Aix-les-Bains in the Riviera des Alpes.
It was now time for a completely new experience, namely yoga paddle. The stand up paddleboarding yoga or sup yoga is originally from Hawaii and invented by yogi surfers, sup yoga is a fun way to perform yoga poses. I am really so excited about this activity and would love to do it again. I was completely calm on the water in the beautiful lake and the combination of yoga on the sup really great. Of course I am also very happy that I did not fall off and the view of Lac du Bourget is truly breathtaking. Also take the time to just float around on your sup. In the afternoon it was time to ride the e-bike around the lake. In the evening a lovely dinner at Bistrot du Port where I opted for one of the fish specialties; the mussels. Overnachting in het Golden Tulip hotel.
» Book this hotel too, here
DAY 4 – 4 DAY TRAVEL GUIDE Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
Unfortunately we have already arrived at the last stop of our trip. But safe the best for last they always say and we could not have concluded this trip in a better way than at Michelin restaurant La Martine. To begin with, we received a short cooking lesson and a unique look into the kitchen of Michelin star chef Marin. The location of the restaurant is really beautiful and it reminded me a lot of the Lago di Como in Italy. It is beautifully situated on Lake Bourget and even more beautifully decorated. Take a look at their website and make sure you reserve your spot in time.
From the restaurant we left for Geneva airport and flew to Amsterdam. Want to prolong your stay? Then also consider booking a nice Airbnb, book through this link, to get €25,- off your next trip.
HOTSPOTS Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
Budget-friendly: Yoga sup at Lac du Bourget
Enjoy the classics: Enjoy a delicious lunch at le Grand Joseh
A bit pricy: Have a wine tasting, in between the vineyards at the Domaine Xavier Jacqueline vineyard
Luxury, luxury, luxury: La Martine, high quality dining with a view
HOW TO TRAVEL TO AUVERGNE RHONE-ALPES
We travelled comfortably and sustainably with the Thalys to France and we went back by plane. Of course you can also rent your own car, or book a flight.
✈︎ » Lyon-Saint-Exupery, Geneva, Clemont-Ferrand Auvergne
Winter season: Chambery Savoie, Genoble Isere
🚅 »Thalys and TGV from Brussels to Lyon: 3hrs 45mins
TGV from Geneva to Lyon: 1hr 45 mins
TGV Paris-Lyon: 2hrs (30 TGVs daily)
🚗 » More than 1300 km of motorway make this region one of the most accessible regions. (around 9 hours from Amsterdam)
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