Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Holiday Packages

Situated in the heart of France, the Auvergne offers a variety of landscapes: from the summits of Cantal to the rivers and fields of Allier, from the forests of Haute-Loire to the volcanoes of Puy-de-Dôme, it is a succession of exceptional sites on a land shaped by fire and water.

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the Auvergne is a volcanic landscape par excellence. Its name comes from the word "Arvernes", a Celtic people who fought against the Roman invasion, winning an overwhelming victory over Julius Caesar at the Gergovie plateau, thanks to their famous chief Vercingetorix.

The possibilities for visits are countless: from medieval villages and castles to spa towns, such as Vichy and Volvic, from the snow-capped lakes of the Mont-Dore and Super Besse ski resorts, you will be spoiled for choice. You can also spend a day in the leisure parks of Vulcania and Pal, or discover the many rivers that dot the region. It’s worth making a detour to the Romanesque churches, like the one of Issoire, or the cathedral of Clermont-Ferrand. Finally, do not hesitate to climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, symbol of the Celtic god of war, or Puy Mary or Puy de Sancy, for a breath-taking view of the Massif Central.

A land of agriculture and cuisine, the Auvergne offers local dishes based on charcuterie: potée auvergnate, small salted lentils or cabbage soup. The region is also known for its cheeses: taste Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Salers or Fourme d'Ambert with bread and red wine from Saint-Pourçain, the oldest vineyard in France. To complete your intense days, you will always find a festival of traditional music or dance.

Located in the centre of France, the Auvergne is easily accessible by the A71 motorway from Paris (3 hours). Aulnat airport in Clermont-Ferrand offers flights to UK airports.

Q: Should I book a car while on holiday in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes?

A: If exploring the hidden treasures around the region of Rhone or elsewhere is your main objective this holiday, booking a rental car is a sensible move. With our handy guide to Cheap Car Hire in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, you'll be able to pick up a great set of wheels and journey around the countryside anytime you want. If you're going to be spending a large portion of time in the cities of Lyon or Saint-Etienne, public transportation is an easy way of getting from point A to point B.

Q: Which airports can I fly in to for a holiday to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes?

A: International flights to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes generally operate from one of these top airport terminals:

• Lyon (LYS-Saint-Exupery): 2,625 international flights per month.
• Grenoble (GNB-Grenoble - Isere): 67 international flights per month.
• Clermont-Ferrand (CFE-Clermont-Ferrand - Auvergne Intl.): 39 international flights per month.

Q: What are the most popular types of hotels for a holiday to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes?

A: You're spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. The most popular places are hotels. But if that's not quite right for you, you can also choose from apartments, residences, guest houses and much, much more.

Q: What does an Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes holiday booking with Expedia include?

A: Car and flight. Hotel and flight. Hotel and car. Car, flight and hotel. You get the idea. You can book as little or as much as you want, all in the one place. To make the most of your Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes holiday, look up our activities and attractions as well.

Q: What is the best way to save money on my holiday to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes?

A: We work hard to help you nab the best deals. So, when you combine your Flight and Hotel, you can be sure you're going to save quite a few dollars. Book your holiday with us and get to Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes with a little extra money in your pocket.

Q: What are the best things to do in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes?

A: When someone mentions Lyon, most travellers immediately think of Eurexpo Lyon. This much-loved attraction is definitely worth exploring.

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is well worth your time if Saint-Etienne is one of the cities you'll be visiting. It's highly recommended by travellers and locals alike.

If Grenoble is the city you have in your sights, you can stop researching. Make tracks to Museum of Resistance and Deportation to find out why both locals and travellers love it.