Rhone-Alpes Rendezvous: A 2-Day Cultural Journey

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by Anthony

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Rhone-Alpes 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day cultural journey through the enchanting Rhone-Alpes region, where history and beauty blend seamlessly. Begin your adventure in the timeless streets of Lyon Old Town, a characteristic neighborhood that promises a glimpse into the city's rich past. Dedicate an hour to meander through its quaint alleys before heading to the majestic Fourvière, a church that stands as a testament to Lyon's architectural splendor, where you'll spend two reflective hours. On your second day, dive into the heart of Vieil Annecy, a neighborhood brimming with charm that warrants a leisurely half-day exploration. Continue your immersion in local culture with a brief visit to the Palais de l'Ile, a historic gem nestled in Annecy, for half an hour. Conclude your trip with a tranquil two-hour retreat to the shores of Lake Annecy, a serene escape that offers both relaxation and picturesque views. This itinerary promises a perfect blend of exploration and tranquility, curated for those who wish to experience the essence of Rhone-Alpes.

Top 6 Hotels in Rhone-Alpes
TOP 1
Hyp'Hotel
Hyp'Hotel
hotelStar
2/5
18 reviews
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TOP 2
Ekho Hotel Grenoble Nord Saint Egrève
Ekho Hotel Grenoble Nord Saint Egrève
hotelStar
2/5
23 reviews
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TOP 3
Novotel Grenoble Nord Voreppe
Novotel Grenoble Nord Voreppe
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4/5
46 reviews
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Hotel Campanile Grenoble Nord - Saint Egreve
Hotel Campanile Grenoble Nord - Saint Egreve
hotelStar
3/5
28 reviews
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Ibis Budget Grenoble Sud Seyssins
Ibis Budget Grenoble Sud Seyssins
hotelStar
2/5
67 reviews
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Campanile Grenoble Sud - Seyssins
Campanile Grenoble Sud - Seyssins
hotelStar
3/5
30 reviews
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Day 1: Exploring the Historic Charms of Lyon

1

Lyon Old Town

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Kickstart your Rhone-Alpes adventure by stepping back in time with a visit to Lyon Old Town. Nestled in the heart of the city, Vieux Lyon is a picturesque neighborhood that exudes old-world charm. Spend an hour wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, and you'll be enchanted by the Renaissance architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect introduction to the region's rich history and sets the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Attraction Info

  • Vieux Lyon, 69005 Lyon
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Les Trois Domes
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Le Passage
Le Passage
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L'Alexandrin
L'Alexandrin
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L'art et la maniere
L'art et la maniere
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N'Cafe Lyon Confluence
N'Cafe Lyon Confluence
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2

Fourvière

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After immersing yourself in the quaint allure of the Old Town, elevate your Lyon experience quite literally by heading to the majestic Fourvière. Dominating the city's skyline, this grand church is not just a place of worship but a symbol of Lyon's cultural and historical significance. Allow yourself a couple of hours to explore the intricate interiors and, if you can, catch a panoramic view of the city from its heights. The serenity and architectural grandeur of Fourvière will leave you in awe and provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets below.

Attraction Info

  • Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
4.6/558 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding58 Reviews
5th arr.Vieux Lyon
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|0.31km from Fourvière
4.3/5109 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent109 Reviews
5th arr.Vieux Lyon
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3.7/58 Reviews
5th arr.Vieux Lyon
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|0.37km from Fourvière
4.2/514 Reviews
4.2/5Very Good14 Reviews
5th arr.Vieux Lyon
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|0.4km from Fourvière

Day 2: Charming Annecy - From Historic Streets to Lakeside Serenity

1

Vieil Annecy

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Begin your second day in Rhone-Alpes with a half-day exploration of Vieil Annecy, a picturesque neighborhood that embodies the essence of old-world charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Annecy-le-Vieux, where the colorful facades and quaint boutiques offer a delightful visual feast. This historic quarter, with its canals and archways, invites you to lose yourself in its timeless beauty, creating the perfect start to your day.

Attraction Info

  • Annecy-le-Vieux
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5 day
  • Open 24 hours

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Le Ramoneur Savoyard
Le Ramoneur Savoyard
4.1/5 · 15 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
Chez Frantz
Chez Frantz
4.6/5 · 14 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
La Romana
La Romana
4.3/5 · 16 reviews
3.8 km from attraction
The Craic
The Craic
4.3/5 · 12 reviews
0.4 km from attraction
L'Olivier
L'Olivier
4.3/5 · 88 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Bistrot Vincent
Bistrot Vincent
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2

Palais de l'Ile

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Next, enrich your cultural journey with a visit to the iconic Palais de l'Ile, nestled within a 0.5-hour walking distance from Vieil Annecy. This emblematic building, set on a tiny island in the Thiou canal, has been a prison, a courthouse, and now stands as a testament to Annecy's rich history. Its unique architecture and the role it has played in the town's past make it a must-see attraction that captures the spirit of the region.

Attraction Info

  • 3 Passage de l'?le, 74000 Annecy
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open on Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-12:00pm,2:00pm-5:00pm
9 min,0.72 km
3

Lake Annecy

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Conclude your day with a tranquil 2-hour retreat to the stunning Lake Annecy. As France's third-largest lake, it offers a serene escape with its crystal-clear waters and majestic mountain backdrop. Whether you choose to lounge by the shore, partake in water sports, or simply take a leisurely boat ride, the lake's enchanting atmosphere is the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the beauty of Rhone-Alpes.

Attraction Info

  • France
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
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4.4/5Excellent69 Reviews
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Top Things to Do in Rhone-Alpes-2024

TOP 1
Lyon Old Town
Lyon Old Town
4.7/5 · 215 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,805 review
Highlights:
Lyon's old town is located on the right bank of the Saône River, at the foot of the Fourviere Mountains. It was a fishing village in ancient times. In the 15th century, it became one of the largest silk production areas in the world. In the 17th century, it was the economic and cultural center of France. Stroll through the old city and travel back to the Middle Ages. Today, there are still many old buildings from the 15th to 17th centuries. Many medieval, Renaissance and classical houses are connected to each other. The streets are paved with cobblestones, and walking in it seems to be back in the Middle Ages. There are many boutiques, handicraft stores, restaurants, and cafes along the street. Don’t forget to look up at the buildings on the street while shopping. The colorful little houses are very bright, the monster-shaped drains, and the odd-shaped stone carvings carved into the window lattices. All give the old town the same charm. The main attractions are recommended Saint-Jean-Principal Cathedral. To visit the old city of Lyon, you may wish to start from the Saint-Jean-Principal Cathedral on the Saone. The facade of the church is in a gorgeous spire Gothic style, and the entrance is decorated with 280 square ornate squares. Relief. The astronomical clock located in the north wing of the church will ring the bell at noon at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00, and the little people in the clock will come out to "appear". The International Museum of Miniature Film Art is located on the Avenue Saint-Jean not far from the cathedral. This small and exquisite museum contains a variety of miniature film scenes from all over the world. When you are in it, it is like stepping into a country of Lilliput. interesting. Lyon City and Puppet Museum The Lyon City and Puppet Museum, located in the north of the old city, is also very popular. It has a complete collection of puppets from all over the world. After visiting, you can take a break in the museum garden, have a cup of coffee, and experience this long history. city of. Creative market and art market If it falls on a Sunday, you can also go to the creative market and art market to the east of the Puppet Museum (Marché de lacréation et Marché artisanal). On Sunday morning, from 6:00 to 13:00, artists from Lyon will gather at Here, you can sell your own works, such as paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, etc., if you like it, take it home. Fourvière is the cradle of Lyon and the birthplace of Christianity in Lyon. There are paths winding upwards in the mountains, but it is more labor-saving to take the ropeway up the mountain, starting from the Edouars Commette square. The "Mountain of Prayer", the birthplace of Christianity, houses the Baroque Church of Our Lady of Fourviere, built in the 19th century, as well as the Lyon Roman Theatre and the Gallo-Roman Culture Museum. The terraces on the top of the mountain are a good place to overlook the panoramic view of the city. Here you can also see the peninsula area that gathers in the middle of the two rivers. It is also a good place to enjoy the night view at night. There are also many authentic Lyon traditional restaurants (Bouchon) in the old town. Lyon's traditional dishes are mainly pork, and you can eat a very authentic Lyonian dish for about 30 euros, including Salad Lyonnaise, pork sausage (Saucisson), pig water (AndouillettesTripes) and so on.
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TOP 2
Evian Town, France
Evian Town, France
4.6/5 · 66 review
Highlights:
The town of Evian, famous for its mineral water, is an upscale resort on the shores of Lake Geneva. Walking along the sidewalk by the lake, the exquisite buildings from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, such as the City Hall and the Spa Treatment Center, stand one after another, reminding people of the prosperous era of France. Evian's Water Source (Source de Cachat) is located near the city center, and people can taste the gushing water at will. Take a cruise on Lake Le Mans to Lausanne, Switzerland, in just 30 minutes. There are the French Alps on one side and the Swiss grape fields on the other. Walking on the lake while looking at the scenery on both sides is a relaxing thing. Evian Town is the birthplace of Evian water and the only place in the world where you can taste Evian water for free. There are 4 public drinking water points in Evian town, and Evian water flows for many years for the people in the town to drink for free. In the early morning or at dusk, residents of the town will line up to fill up drinking water. It only takes a dozen seconds to fill an empty 2-liter bottle, while the 200-ml bottle of Evian water in the town store sells for 2.3 euros. It is said that many people living in Switzerland will drive an hour here on weekends, fill up with enough water to drink for a week and then leave.
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TOP 3
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
4.7/5 · 99 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 7,009 review
Highlights:
Lake Annecy is located in Haute-Savoie, France, at the foot of the Alps, and is second only to Lake LacduBourget in France. Due to strict environmental management measures implemented in the 1960s, Lake Annecy is known as the clear lake in Europe. Lake Annecy has become a popular tourist destination for its famous water recreational activities. Lake Annecy was formed 18,000 years ago during the melting of Alpine glaciers. Many small rivers originating from the surrounding mountains stretch for more than ten kilometers into Lake Annecy, which provides sufficient water for Lake Annecy. Walking and cycling on the shore of Lake Annecy, or swimming and boating in the lake, overlooking the rolling Alps in the distance, is undoubtedly one of life's great joys. The French Enlightenment thinker Rousseau once spent "the good 12 years" of his life in Annecy.
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TOP 4
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
4.7/5 · 63 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,263 review
Highlights:
The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is housed in a 17th- and 18th-century original Ecclesiastical abbey building on the south side of Place de la Ferro. It has been open to visitors since it was repaired from 1988 to 1998. Its collections range from ancient Egyptian relics to modern art, and it is one of the more important art galleries in Europe.
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TOP 5
Fourvière
Fourvière
4.7/5 · 130 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,717 review
Highlights:
Fourvière is a symbol of Lyon, the cradle of Lyon and the birthplace of Christianity in Lyon. Tourists can walk or take the cable car up the mountain. The top of the mountain is the commanding height of Lyon, where you can overlook the whole city of Lyon, and it is also a good place to enjoy the night view. There is a Catholic Church of Our Lady of Fourviere on the hill, built in the 19th century in Baroque style. On the south side are the Roman Arena and the Roman Gallic Museum.
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Rhone-Alpes 2 Days Itinerary