Rhône Alpes by train

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Fancy getting away for a short break, or perhaps a little while longer? Escape the doom and gloom and head to the wonderful Rhône Alpes region in France.

The Rhône Alpes region offers a variety of landscapes unique to France and is a fantastic mix of continental, alpine and Mediterranean. It is also the perfect place for visiting big cities with fascinating art, gastronomic delights, beautiful lakes and luxurious spas.

There are plenty of cities to choose from including Lyon, the gastronomic capital of the region; along with Saint-Etienne, Grenoble, Chambéry, Annecy and Valence. In all of these, you'll enjoy fascinating old quarters, some excellent restaurants and a vibrant cultural life. There really is something for everyone, and is easily accessible from the UK by modern, high-speed rail links.

Getting There

Most destinations in the Rhône Alpes region can be reached from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford International within approximately 5 - 6 hours. Your journey will start aboard the Eurostar from the UK to either Paris or Lille. For those watching their finances, standard class is great, but if you fancy treating yourself, first class or ‘Leisure Select' is definitely worth the extra. You'll get bigger, more spacious seats and a meal served during your journey.

Connect with a French high-speed ‘TGV' train in either Lille or Paris to continue onto your destination in the Rhône Alpes. Take advantage of the change of train in Paris and spend some time in the capital city before continuing on your journey. Whilst in Lille, a simple platform change provides a hassle-free journey.

There are TGV stations in Annecy, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Valence and other destinations in the Rhône Alpes region. You'll find these stations located very centrally, so there is no need for lengthy onward transfers when you get to your destination. Instead, arrive relaxed, ready to drop your bags at your hotel and start exploring this beautiful and diverse region.

Feast in France

You definitely won't go hungry in the Rhône Alpes - it's home to four of France's top-rated three-star Michelin chefs. Regional specialities include the famous ‘Volailles de Bresse' - the only poultry to be awarded the distinction of an AOC controlled appellation; orchards of peaches, apricots and cherries from the Rhône Valley; black olives from Nyons and Tricastin; truffles, raspberries, bilberries and chestnuts from the Ardèche; Grenoble walnuts and the pears of Isère.

Generally you'll find dried, cooked or smoked meats and sausages at the heart of many of the local dishes, along with freshwater fish such as trout, pike, perch and carp. The cheeseboard boasts delights that include Tomme and Reblochon, Blue de Bresse and Picodon. Wash a plate down with a glass of Beaujolais, a Côtes-du-Rhône or a Savoie white wine and then perhaps finish off with a glass of green or yellow Chartreuse. Sample the local specialities and sip a glass of local wine and you'll really get the taste for the region!

Scenery and shopping

With rivers, lakes, glaciers and streams as well as mineral and thermal springs, Rhône Alpes really is a place of pure well-being. Water refreshes both body and soul and it is the combination of calm and vitality, rest and activity that makes a stay in Rhône Alpes so delightful. There are around a hundred lakes and ponds scattered across the Rhône Alpes region. Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy are amongst some of the biggest and most impressive in France.

The region is also the ideal place for a spot of shopping. Head to Lyon and enjoy the picking up local specialities that you'll be pushed to find elsewhere, including saucissons de Lyon, chocolate cousins (chocolate in marzipan) and quenelles! If you're feeling flush, head to the Presqu'île area where you'll find chic department stores, or to rue August Comte for antique shops. For more information on the Rhône Alpes region, destination suggestions, what to do and how to get there, visit Rail Europe.

01 September 2009