Top 5 Rhône-Alpes Car Tours: Scenic Routes & Reviews

Have you, that, considered a road trip through the French Rhône-Alpes region? This slice of France offers everything from breathtaking mountain scenery and cute, old villages to world-renowned vineyards. I think it makes it just the ticket for a memorable car tour. This guide highlights five outstanding routes, I mean each promises something a bit different. This way, you can discover the secret spots and make travel easier with a car in this amazing area.

1. The Route des Grandes Alpes: A Mountain High

The Route des Grandes Alpes is really well-known, but maybe that’s because it’s super amazing. Beginning at Thonon-les-Bains, right on Lake Geneva, the road zigzags down to Menton on the Mediterranean coast. Get this, along the way, it crosses a seriously massive sixteen mountain passes! With views that might actually blow you away. As a matter of fact, picture yourself heading upwards through the stunning Alpine scenery. I mean each turn seemingly revealing another jaw-dropping vista, too it’s almost constant beauty. Expect steep climbs, seriously tight hairpin bends, and viewpoints just screaming for photo opportunities, actually, some even come with platforms and railings!. It’s certainly not a drive you can do in a single day – take about five to seven, that is. Anyway, spend nights in captivating mountain villages like Chamonix. Plus, do get a look at Mont Blanc, it’s Western Europe’s highest peak! Really. A stop here is simply required for a truly good photo. Don’t worry. Your car does not need to be a 4×4, really. I mean the roads are actually in great shape. You’re more likely needing pretty decent brakes, you know, as you descend these peaks. Plus, anyway, it’s often quite good fun driving a twisting mountain road. Exploring roads with fantastic views is fantastic fun.

2. Annecy to Chambéry: Lakes and History

If that sounds exciting, get this, for something more relaxing, think about a trip from Annecy to Chambéry. Basically, these cities provide lots of charm and history, they really do. Just to let you know, Annecy, it’s sometimes known as the “Venice of the Alps,” features scenic canals and loads of colorful buildings. It’s just so cute, and offers what you really might think are photo ops at every corner. I mean get yourself to Chambéry, too, once the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. Do checkout the Château des Ducs de Savoie. You know, explore its historic old town. What about this?, on the way, consider winding roads along the shores of Lac du Bourget, anyway France’s largest natural lake! As a matter of fact, pause in Aix-les-Bains. You might like that it has a belle-époque vibe. Really experience the vibe and views. A dip in the lake. Yes. You might appreciate, that is. That said, the D70 is probably a quieter choice for avoiding heavy traffic; it really hugs the lake and has several lakeside picnic spots! The beauty almost just sits there, actually. Seeing French landmarks is good, really.

3. The Beaujolais Wine Route: A Taste of France

Any fans of wine here? Well, you just may like to travel the Beaujolais Wine Route! Basically, running through vineyards producing France’s most fun wine. Seriously. Here’s something: do begin near Lyon and just make your way upwards towards the Mâconnais area! Drive at a pace to experience vineyard landscapes, old churches, and cute villages. A wine tasting is essential. Well, is it? Many vineyards offer tastings direct from their cellar doors, and are good. Plus, do try Chiroubles or Moulin-à-Vent from some of the top growing locations, they just might strike you as special. Stop by places like Fleurie or Morgon, towns, right to admire local charm. Many display local art, yes they do. Food pairings go very well together, just try some saucisson sec! Maybe at a village deli for lunch. To let you know, plan ahead, you see! Book wine tours in advance especially around harvesting season, if you are thinking of taking it on. Also, the roads can be very narrow at points! Drive a small to medium car or the route could actually stress you out. Good pairings bring a great food experience .

4. Ardèche Gorges: France’s Grand Canyon

I feel the Ardèche Gorges might excite you. This dramatic area might make you believe you’re cruising somewhere in the American Southwest, which is just wonderful. That, driving the D290 is, well, almost everything: dramatic limestone cliffs that actually rise far, a flowing river far, very, far beneath you, too it’s amazing. So, there’re viewpoints at many intervals on the canyon rims to check out those amazing river scenes! It is all truly spectacular. Get yourself to the Pont d’Arc; it is basically a fantastic rock formation arching across the Ardèche River and then make some awesome photo stops. Just watch some folks swimming below, just great fun. What’s more, go canoeing or kayaking along the river. Well you don’t have to; rent equipment at multiple points along the way and maybe enjoy a trip along some gentle currents. Make time too, so do explore the area and visit cute old villages, because this has tons to do. For example, Balazuc has been known as one of France’s most beautiful villages. With its ancient houses clinging to the cliffside it offers pretty photo spots that actually stand out! Do make sure you arrive early especially during summer because you will not believe the tourist crowds and this can cause a bottle neck. Parking gets incredibly hard. Try going just off peak to enjoy the views better and get on with local living easier too. Learning the location is essential.

5. Vercors Regional Natural Park: A Wild Escape

Lastly, I should really suggest Vercors Regional Natural Park! Here the scale might genuinely astound you, that it boasts a pretty unspoiled and wild landscape, I mean if you want some proper escapism. Now then, this pre-Alpine range presents dramatic cliffs, vast forests, and canyons which all invite your total exploration. The Combe Laval road can be said to be very thrilling. Just so you know, dug into the side of a cliff, it allows spectacular views on, like, nearly every point in the drive, apparently. During the winter months it’s probably closed! So, that, anyway, do your homework. I’m talking research. Visit Villard-de-Lans! You could just like it as a well-known spot for activities, if you will. Anyway this charming mountain village really comes across with lots of open, outdoor pursuit possibilities. What’s more, walk or bike across the high plateaus. Be mindful that weather here is just able to swap swiftly. Bring clothes that go with several possible weather swaps because conditions turn fast. Taking note of conditions will save you time.