Auvergne Rhone Alpes is a major administrative region in east-central France, created in 2016 from the merger of Auvergne and Rhone-Alpes. With Lyon as its capital, it is the second most populated and economically powerful region in France.
Known for its diverse landscapes—ranging from the volcanic Massif Central to the high Alps and Mont Blanc—it is a premier destination for tourism, skiing, and gastronomy.
Key Facts & Geography
Location: Borders Switzerland and Italy to the east.
Departments: Includes 12 departments: Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drome, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dome, Rhone, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie.
Cities: Major cities include Lyon (capital), Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, and Clermont-Ferrand.
Geography: Features the Alpine mountain range, the Auvergne volcanoes (Chaîne des Puys), and the Rhone/Loire river valleys.
Tourism and Culture
Winter Sports: Home to world-class ski resorts such as Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d’Isère.
Outdoor Activities: Popular for hiking, climbing, paragliding, and visiting lakes like Lac du Bourget.
Gastronomy: Known as the home of French gastronomy, with specialties like fondue, raclette, and gratin dauphinois.
Sites: Offers historical sites, including Roman ruins in Lyon and numerous ancient churches in Auvergne.
Economy
Industry: The region has a strong, diversified industrial base including electronics, biotechnology, chemicals, and energy.
Economic Impact: It is a major economic hub, contributing 11.4% to France’s national wealth.
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