Discover Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A region rich in history and diversity
Born from the 2016 territorial reform, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a vibrant new region that unites the distinct heritages of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. This dynamic region is a tapestry of historical provinces, stunning landscapes, and thriving industries.
Auvergne: A region steeped in history and natural beauty
Auvergne, once part of the Duchy of Aquitaine until 1271 when it became a Crown estate, is a region rich in history and tradition. Today, it not only encompasses the historic province of Auvergne but also includes portions of Bourbonnais, Velay, Gévaudan, Vivarais, and Forez.
This region is made up of four distinct departments: Allier (03 – Moulins), Cantal (15 – Aurillac), Haute-Loire (43 – Le Puy-en-Velay), and Puy de Dôme (63 – Clermont-Ferrand).
Nestled within the vast Massif Central, a region famous for its extinct volcanoes, Auvergne covers about 15% of France’s land area. The iconic Chaîne des Puys, formed around 70,000 years ago, has been sculpted by time, resulting in the rounded peaks, serene lakes, and rolling plateaus that define the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
The name “Auvergne” traces back to the Gallic tribe Arverni, known for their fierce resistance against the Romans under the legendary Chief Vercingetorix. Today, Auvergne’s continental climate and agricultural roots are complemented by a growing focus on winter tourism, featuring family-friendly ski resorts and summer adventures like mountain biking.
Auvergne is also home to 28 “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small Towns of Character), charming medieval towns recognized for their unique appeal. Despite being one of France’s smaller regions, covering 26,013 km² (nearly 5% of Metropolitan France), Auvergne is an industrial powerhouse. It hosts iconic names like Michelin and Dunlop, with Thiers proudly standing as the capital of cutlery.
The region’s natural resources extend to its prestigious food industry, fueled by renowned thermal springs such as Vichy-Célestins, Saint-Yorre, and Volvic. Auvergne is celebrated for its exceptional AOC cheeses, including Saint-Nectaire, Salers, Fourme d’Ambert, and Bleu d’Auvergne, as well as its high-quality meat products, featuring the Charolais breed and a variety of pork-based charcuterie.
With a population of 1.34 million, Auvergne may be one of the least populated regions in Europe, but its cultural and industrial contributions make it truly extraordinary.
Rhône-Alpes: A region where mountains meet innovation
Named after the majestic Rhône River and the stunning Alps, Rhône-Alpes stretches from the western foothills of the Massif Central to the eastern borders with Switzerland and Italy. This diverse region is beautifully framed by the serene Lake Geneva and the picturesque Lake Annecy.
Lyon—the beating heart of the region—was founded by the Gauls in the Rhône Valley long before the Romans arrived. It blossomed under Roman rule, becoming a crucial trading hub connecting Northern and Southern Europe. Today, Lyon remains a vibrant economic center, well-connected by the TGV line from Paris to Nice, and soon to link Turin by high-speed rail.
Rhône-Alpes, apart from the Duchy of Savoie, was integrated into the Crown estate in the late 10th century. Its strategic location makes it a major trade conduit from northern France and Europe to the Mediterranean, with the E15 motorway offering direct access to Spain. The Rhône Valley, combined with its proximity to Switzerland and the industrial strength of Saint-Étienne, positions Rhône-Alpes as France’s second most prosperous economic region, right after Paris-Ile de France region.
Economic powerhouse: The Lyon-Saint-Étienne-Grenoble triangle is a powerhouse of economic activity, significantly contributing to the nation’s GDP. Covering 43,698 km² and home to nearly 6.3 million people, Rhône-Alpes is divided into eight departments:
Ain (01 – Bourg-en-Bresse), Ardèche (07 – Privas), Drôme (26 – Valence), Isère (38 – Grenoble), Loire (42 – st-Etienne), Rhône (69 – Lyon), Savoie (73 – Chambéry), Haute-Savoie (74 – Annecy) and the Metropolis of Lyon (69M) which is also the regional préfecture.
Lyon is renowned for its exceptional gastronomy, while the Alpine regions are celebrated for their rich cheese varieties like reblochon, tomme de Savoie, and bleu de Bresse. Indulge in classic cheese-based dishes such as raclette, fondue, and gratin Dauphinois.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in numbers:
Area: 69,711 km2
Population: 7,695.264 (as of 01/01/2012)
