The Rhône department to discover

Visit Rhône departmentlocated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpesis a region rich in history, varied landscapes and culinary traditions. This department offers a multitude of tourist sites, dynamic towns and renowned gastronomy that will appeal to travelers in search of authenticity.​

Must-see tourist sites

Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica

Perched on the Fourvière hill in Lyon, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a masterpiece of religious architecture from the XIXᵉ century. It offers panoramic views over the city, and features sumptuous mosaics and a crypt dedicated to Saint Joseph.​

Old Lyon

Lyon's historic districtVieux Lyon is one of Europe's largest Renaissance ensembles. Its cobbled streets, traboules (covered passageways) and colorful houses bear witness to the city's rich past. The district is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.​

The Musée des Confluences

Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the Musée des Confluences is a museum of natural history, anthropology and civilization. Its futuristic architecture and interactive exhibits make it a must for fans of science and discovery.​

Parc de la Tête d'Or

France's largest urban park, Lyon's Parc de la Tête d'Or covers 117 hectares. It features a lake, a botanical garden, a rose garden and even a free zoo. It's a popular place to relax for locals and tourists alike.​

Beaujolais

A renowned wine-growing region, Beaujolais offers rolling landscapes and picturesque villages such as Oingt and Beaujeu. Wine lovers can sample local vintages and discover the secrets of winemaking.​

Landscapes and cities of department Rhône

Lyon

Capital of the Gauls, Lyon is a dynamic metropolis where history and modernity meet. In addition to its historic districts, the city is renowned for its gastronomy, festivals such as the Fête des Lumières and its renowned cultural institutions.​

Villefranche-sur-Saône

Located north of Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône is the capital of the Beaujolais region. Its lively town center, shopping streets and historic buildings make it a pleasant stopover for visitors.​

Tarare

Nestled between the Beaujolais and Lyonnais mountains, Tarare is a town with a rich industrial past. It's surrounded by lush landscapes ideal for outdoor activities.​

Oingt

Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Oingt is a medieval village built of golden stone. Its picturesque lanes, Romanesque church and dungeon tower take visitors on a journey back in time.​

The region and neighbouring departments

The Rhône is surrounded by several départements, enriching the diversity of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.​

The Ain

To the east, the Ain offers contrasting landscapes between Bresse, Bugey and the Pays de Gex. Its picturesque villages and natural sites make it a popular destination for nature lovers.​

Isère

To the southeast, theIsère is a department with many facets, from the Dauphiné plains to the Alpine peaks. Grenoble, its prefecture, is a dynamic city surrounded by mountains.​

La Loire

To the west, the Loire is marked by the eponymous river and the Forez mountains. Saint-Étienne, its main city, is known for its industrial past and contemporary design.​

Saône-et-Loire

To the north, Saône-et-Loire belongs to the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It's famous for its vineyards, Romanesque churches and rolling countryside.​

Gastronomy and culinary specialties of the Rhône region

Visit Rhône departmentin the heart of the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpesis a true land of gastronomy. Strongly influenced by the Lyonnais culinary tradition, it offers a variety of emblematic dishes, charcuterie, cheeses and desserts to delight gourmets. The Rhône's gastronomic reputation is based on its bouchons lyonnaisits Beaujolais wines and its local produce.

Lyon's bouchons

These typical restaurants offer generous, convivial cuisine. Specialties include :​

• Pike quenelle : a soft, pike-based pastry served with a Nantua sauce.​

• Brioche sausage : a cooked sausage wrapped in a golden brioche pastry.​

• Canut brains : a preparation made from cottage cheese, fresh herbs and garlic, often spread on bread.​

Typical Rhône and Lyon dishes

Rhône cuisine is marked by generous, convivial dishesoften based on popular tradition.

Pike quenelles

Visit pike quenelles are one of the region's most emblematic dishes. This fluffy pastry, made with flour, butter, eggs and pike, is usually served with an Nantua sauce (cream and crayfish), which enhances its flavour.

The sapper's apron

A surprising specialty, the sapper's apron is a typical Lyonnais dish. It consists of a piece of fat-double marinated in white winebreaded and fried. Accompanied by a gribiche or tartar sauce, it appeals to tripe lovers.

Brioche sausage

Visit brioche sausage is a cooked sausage coated with a soft brioche pastry. Served hot as a starter or main course, it is often accompanied by a green salad or potatoes.

Célestine chicken

A traditional speciality of Lyonnais cuisine, the Célestine chicken is prepared with mushrooms, ham and white wine sauce. This simmering dish is ideal for a warm and comforting meal.

Lyonnaise salad

Visit Lyonnaise salad is an essential entry point into the bouchons lyonnais. It consists of lardons, croutons, poached egg and frisée salad, topped with a mustard vinaigrette.

Lyon and Rhône charcuterie

The Rhône is renowned for the quality of its cold meatswhich play a central role in local cuisine.

The Lyon rosette

Visit Lyon rosette is a dry sausage made from selected pork, seasoned and matured for several weeks. Enjoy it in thin slices as an aperitif or on a charcuterie platter.

The Jesus of Lyon

Larger than the rosette, the jesus from Lyon is a traditional charcuterie with a mild, slightly peppery flavor. It is usually sliced thicker and served with farmhouse bread.

The sabodet

Visit sabodet is a pork head sausageflavored with spices and cooked in water. It is often served with potatoes or lentils.

The rennet

Originally from the Rhône Valley rennet is a small pork and herb terrine which can be eaten cold as a starter or hot with a salad.

Cheeses from the Rhône and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions

Although the Rhône region does not produce any specific cheese, it does benefit from the proximity of several great regional cheeses.

Saint-Marcellin

Visit Saint-Marcellin is a small soft cow's milk cheese with bloomy rind. Melt-in-the-mouth and creamy, it is often served with fresh bread or melted over potatoes.

Le Mont d'Or

Also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubsthis creamy cheese is typically consumed hot and melted in its wooden box, served with potatoes and charcuterie.

Rigotte de Condrieu

Small goat's cheese ripened in a bloomy rindthe Rigotte de Condrieu is produced in the south of the department, near the Pilat Nature Park. It develops subtle aromas of hazelnut and mushroom.

Rhône desserts and delicacies

Praline tart

An iconic dessert from Lyon's patisseries, the praline tart consists of a shortcrust pastry filled with a mixture of cream and melted pink pralines. Its sweet taste and bright red color make it a must-have specialty.

Lyon's bugnes

Visit bugnes are light, crispy doughnuts sprinkled with powdered sugar. Traditionally eaten for Mardi Gras, they are available in soft or thin and crispy version.

La pogne de Romans

Originally from Romans-sur-Isère, but very popular throughout the Rhône region, the pogne is a orange blossom scented brioche. Its soft texture and delicate taste make it ideal for breakfast or a snack.

Lyon's cushions

Lyon's emblematic confectionery, the Lyon cushion is a almond paste filled with chocolate and curaçao ganache. Its green coating and cushion shape give it an elegant look.

Rhône wines and beverages

Visit Rhône department is a land of prestigious winesThe vineyards of Beaujolais.

Beaujolais wines

Visit Beaujolaisin the north of the department, produces famous red wines, mainly from the grape variety Gamay. The most famous vintages include :

• Morgon A powerful wine with black fruit aromas.
• Fleurie An elegant wine with floral notes.
• Moulin-à-Vent One of the most structured crus suitable for laying down.

Côtes-du-Rhône

Although further south, the appellation Côtes-du-Rhône also influences the department's wine production, offering high-quality red, white and rosé wines.

Genepi liqueur

Enjoyed as a digestive, the genepi liqueur is produced from a mountain plant and has intense herbaceous aromas.

Conclusion

Visit Rhône gastronomy department is a clever blend of of Lyon's traditions and wine-growing terroirs. With its typical capsits tasty charcuterieits character cheeses and its gourmet dessertsThe region is one of the most gastronomically rich in France. A visit to the Rhône is an invitation to discover these culinary specialties that have made the department famous nationally and internationally.

FAQ - Rhône département

What are the must-see tourist sites in the Rhône department?

Visit Rhône department is packed with major tourist attractions. Among the must-sees are :

• Lyonwith the Basilique de Fourvière, Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île.
• Beaujolaisfamous for its vineyards and golden stone villages like Oingt.
• Parc de la Tête d'OrFrance's largest urban park.
• The Musée des Confluencesa modern museum dedicated to science and civilization.
• Villefranche-sur-Saônethe capital of the Beaujolais region, renowned for its shopping streets and historic heritage.

What are the characteristic landscapes of the Rhône département?

Visit Rhône department offers a wide variety of landscapes:

• The Beaujolais mountainswith their green hills and vineyards.
• The Lyonnais mountainsideal for hiking and offering superb panoramic views.
• The banks of the Rhône and Saône riversThe river is an ideal place for walks and river cruises.
• Golden stone villagesthat give the area its unique charm.
• The Lyon metropolitan areaa blend of historic heritage and urban dynamism.

What is the typical gastronomy of the Rhône department?

Visit Rhône department is a land of gastronomymainly influenced by the cuisine of Lyon. Local specialities include :

• Pike quenellesserved with a Nantua sauce.
• Brioche sausagea cooked sausage wrapped in brioche dough.
• The sapper's apronmarinated and breaded duck fat.
• Lyon's bouchonstraditional restaurants serving typical dishes such as salade lyonnaise and cervelle de canut.
• Beaujolais winesworld-famous Morgon and Fleurie wines.

Which departments border Rhône?

Visit Rhône department is surrounded by several départements offering a wide variety of landscapes and activities:

• Ain (01) Dombes: famous for the Dombes region and its ponds.
• Isère (38) A region rich in mountains and ski resorts.
• La Loire (42) The Forez mountains and the city of Saint-Étienne.
• Saône-et-Loire (71) known for its vineyards and Romanesque heritage.

Why is Lyon known as the capital of gastronomy?

Lyon is often referred to as capital of gastronomy due to :

• Sound rich culinary heritageThe company is supported by iconic figures such as Paul Bocuse.
• The presence of bouchons lyonnaistypical restaurants serving generous cuisine.
• The diversity of its food marketsincluding the famous Halles Paul Bocuse.
• Its privileged location, which gives it access to high-quality products from the surrounding regions.

What are the major events and festivals in the Rhône department?

Visit Rhône department hosts several major events:

• Fête des Lumières (Lyon) Every December, the city lights up with spectacular artistic installations.
• Beaujolais Nouveau Annual festival celebrating the arrival of the new vintage.
• Les Nuits de Fourvière A festival of theater, music and dance in the exceptional setting of Lyon's ancient theater.
• Contemporary Art Biennial a major artistic event in France.

Where are the best places to taste wine in the Rhône?

Visit Beaujolaisin the north of the department, is the ideal place for a wine tasting session. Among the best wineriessome of which are listed below:

• Château de Pizaya prestigious estate offering tastings and tours.
• Le Hameau Duboeufa unique wine museum.
• The cellars of Morgon and Fleurieto discover renowned vintages.

What leisure activities are available in the Rhône department?

Visit Rhône department offers a wide range of activities:

• Hiking in the Beaujolais and Lyonnais mountains.
• Bike rides along the greenways and banks of the Saône.
• Cultural tours in Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône and medieval villages.
• Wine tastings in the Beaujolais vineyards.
• Water sports on the Saône and Rhône rivers.

When is the best time to visit the Rhône department?

The best time to visit the Rhône depends on the activity you are looking for:

• Spring (March-May) The ideal place to explore vineyards and enjoy flower-filled landscapes.
• Summer (June-August) Perfect for festivals, hikes and outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September-November) Recommended for wine lovers, with the Beaujolais grape harvest.
• Winter (December-February) Christmas markets and winter specialities.