2026 Rhone-Alpes Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Grenoble’s got that mix of city life and mountain magic. One moment you’re in a buzzing square with cafés spilling onto the pavements, the next you’re craning your neck at the peaks that wrap around the place. There’s a cable car that zips you up to the Bastille for those “wow” views, and the rivers cut right through the heart of the city. It feels lively but laid-back, outdoorsy yet cultured – basically, a city that can’t quite sit still. #GrenobleVibes #MountainCity #FranceExplorer #adventuremoments

Cruising the road from La Chambre to Allemond is like ticking off a bucket list of alpine legends. You weave through quiet valleys, past waterfalls and villages that seem frozen in time, then suddenly you’re staring up at Col du Glandon or Croix de Fer like, “yep, I’m really here.” The climbs sting, the descents fly, and every turn feels like it’s been drawn just for cyclists. It’s not just a road, it’s a pilgrimage. #cyclinglife #alpsadventures #roadtoglory #adventuremoments

Fort Victor Emmanuel looks like it was built to impress and intimidate – and honestly, it still does. Perched above the Maurienne valley, its endless staircases and stone walls seem to stretch forever. You can wander through tunnels, climb up battlements, and imagine what life was like for soldiers posted there in the mountains. The views are unreal – snow peaks on one side, deep gorges on the other. It feels half history lesson, half adventure playground. #FortVictorEmmanuel #AlpineHistory #EpicViews#adventuremoments

Tucked away in the French Alps, the Pont du Diable near Fort Victor Emmanuel is one of those places that makes you stop and just go “wow.” The old stone bridge hangs over a gorge so deep it almost feels unreal, with turquoise water crashing far below. Walking across it, you get that mix of history and adrenaline – especially with the fortress looming above. Not touristy, just raw, dramatic scenery and centuries-old engineering. Totally worth the detour if you’re in the Maurienne valley. #FrenchAlps #HiddenGems #PontDuDiable#adventuremoments

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, and it’s where I first learned to ski—an unforgettable mix of exhilaration, sore legs, and fresh mountain air. Even late in the season, the snow was superb, with wide, well-groomed runs perfect for beginners and plenty to challenge the more experienced. I've been lucky to cut my skiing teeth here and have fallen down on plenty of the green and blue runs before getting confident enough to tackle the reds and a couple of the easier blacks; the magic carpets make it a great place to learn for beginners! The resort is ski-in, ski-out almost everywhere, so the mountains are literally on your doorstep. Being part of the world-famous Three Valleys means endless variety—hundreds of kilometres of pistes to explore without ever repeating the same route. Off the slopes, Val Thorens keeps the energy high. The nightlife ranges from lively après-ski terraces to late-night clubs, all buzzing with the end-of-day glow of people who’ve spent hours in the snow. It’s a place where you can learn, improve, and fall in love with the mountains—all in one trip. We rented our gear from one the Skiset shops dotted about in Val Thorens, they had a great modern system for sizing you to boots and a wide selection of boots and skis. If you're after nightlife, Le Malaysia Val Thorens is the place to be, an underground nightclub underneath the town square, open til late! #westerneurope #adventuremoments #skiing #france #aprèsski #nightlife

When visiting the famous Annecy Lake in France, you should not visit Annecy alone! Usually, you get off at Annecy Station, but if you take a bus from there, you can arrive at Talloires in 40 minutes Talloires has a different charm from Annecy It is a place where mountains and lakes come together in harmony, and you can also swim in the sea!! 📍 Talloires, France #European travel#France travel

#singapore I had the opportunity to visit Riviere which is a luxury residential apartments next to Singapore river that goes up to 36 storeys high. It was where the formal zouk out was. 
Their pool is at the ground level and at the sky garden you could see a 360 view of the city skyline even Marina Bay Sands! Or the surrounding area such as the Havelock area (hotels).

Though the city views are mostly blocked by plantations, my assumption is for safety.

The rooftop features, a huge jacuzzi that you can even lay down in just like a sun bed. I also saw hot spa and a really huge trampoline. 


𓂄 𓂄 La Serre is a western restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating at Kwun Tong Waterfront. The interior is like a small glass house, and the outdoor seating is pet-friendly. It’s not too hot on summer nights with the sea breeze. 𓇤 Shrimp Fettuccine $148 Everyone exclaimed as soon as it was served. The whole plate of spaghetti was green, which was very special. It turned out to be rocket juice. It does have the unique sweet aftertaste of rocket, with a hint of garlic, and is flavorful without being too strong. 𓇤 Pork Taco $168 Using Japanese pork cartilage, it is tender and tasty. Served with tortillas and salsa, it is sour, spicy, appetizing and filling. 𓇤 Cosmopolitan $98 Cocktail I ordered Cosmopolitan. Vodka base, with Triple Sec and Cranberry Juice, a beautiful wine red color, sweet and sour and easy to drink. 𓇤 Berries Combination $78 For the mocktail, I ordered Berries Combination. Cranberry juice as the base with fresh blueberry and strawberry pulp, topped with blackberry syrup and soda water, refreshing! 𓂁 𓂁 📍Shop 1, G/F, 90 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong #weekendtrip #foodie #goodplacesinhongkong #goodplacesinsummer #hongkongfood #kwuntongfood #petfriendly

Lake Forest, in the Thousand Island Lake area, is an up and coming development that has lots of different activities to do within the area of beautiful mountains and lakes. There is a small railway line that can take you to the different attractions, which are still being built, but we stayed near the high rope obstacle course which offers 2 types of physical difficulties. There are also food and washroom facilities available #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #tripblazers

I'll be honest: I didn't expect to encounter a Norwegian omelet in the Alps of Chamonix. Yes, the one that's not an omelet at all, but a luxurious dessert with a fire show! And so I'm sitting in the cozy Rose Du Pont restaurant, looking at the menu, and I see: "Omelette Norvégienne." How could I pass it by? The history of this dessert is a real culinary mystery. It turns out it was invented in the 19th century at the Grand Hôtel de Paris. The chef, inspired by science (and the World's Fair was raging at the time), conceived the idea of ​​combining "ice and fire." Ice cream under fire? It sounds crazy, but a genius of pastry art found a solution: he covered the ice cream with whipped egg whites, poured a generous amount of liqueur on top, and... set it on fire! Did he achieve what he envisioned? Probably not. But the result was something truly brilliant – delicate ice cream on a genoise sponge cake, topped with an airy meringue flambéed with Grand Marnier liqueur. The taste is magical. The sight is mesmerizing. But here's the question: why "omelette"? And what does Norway have to do with it? Personally, I have a theory: the whipped whites resemble scrambled eggs, and "Norwegian" because something cold, like the Norwegian fjords, meets a flame, like the Northern Lights. #hôtellesaiglonschamonix #chamonix #francetravel #france #chamonix #france #chamonix #france2026 #restaurant #restaurant #rosedupont

#skitrip Chamonix is a seminary for those who worship at the altar of verticality. It offers not runs, but curricula—its campus an immense, scattered collection of glacial bowls, couloirs, and serac-strewn faces. Here, the beginner's hill exists only to prepare the body and mind for the final exam: the sheer, silent, and humbling syllabus of the high mountains. The town's legendary bars and shops are the refectory and library of this seminary. Conversations are less about thrills and more about conditions, routes, and the quiet respect earned through a successful descent. The final lecture is always delivered by the mountain itself. You graduate from Chamonix not with a degree, but with a permanently altered understanding of what skiing truly demands and what it can, at its absolute limit, become.

At the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a legendary destination for mountain lovers. It blends dramatic alpine scenery with a rich skiing heritage. • Challenging slopes and iconic off piste routes 🎿 • Stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif ❄️ • Lively town atmosphere with alpine charm 🍷 For thrill seekers and nature lovers alike, skiing in Chamonix is a powerful and unforgettable alpine experience. ✨ #skitrip

#skitrip Chamonix feels iconic the moment you arrive. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, including Mont Blanc, the scenery alone is unforgettable. The ski areas here are spread out, offering a mix of challenging terrain and more relaxed runs. I enjoyed how the experience felt adventurous yet grounded in tradition. The town has a lively mountain spirit, with plenty of cafés to unwind after skiing. Chamonix is perfect for travelers who appreciate strong alpine character, breathtaking views, and a ski destination with real history. #travel2026 #travel

Lyon 3-Day Itinerary Recommendation | Must-See Historical Sites, Urban Culture, and Stunning Architecture in the Rhône-Alpes Region! If you're planning a trip to the heart of the Rhône-Alpes in January, and Lyon is the perfect starting point—don't worry, you won't be disappointed! This 3-day itinerary not only lets you experience the captivating atmosphere of this historic city but also intersperses ruins, modern architecture, arts and culture, and everyday life, offering distinctly different scenery regardless of the weather. Important: Lyon isn't particularly cold in winter, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a jacket! 🗺️ Itinerary Highlights— This itinerary highlights: Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière (Lyon Cathedral), Fondation Fourvière (Catholic Foundation), and the ruins of the ancient Roman theater. From the magnificent white Notre-Dame Basilica to the empty stone steps among the ruins, the city's history and modern life blend perfectly. ——🏛️ Recommended Attractions —— 1️⃣ Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière Address: Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France Opening Hours: 07:00 - 21:30 year-round This landmark church in Lyon stands atop a hill, overlooking the entire old town and the Rhône River. Its exterior is snow-white and magnificent, while the stained glass windows and gilded domes inside are particularly worth admiring. It's recommended to visit in the morning when there are fewer crowds, making it easier to capture stunning, empty scenes. 2️⃣ Fondation Fourvière Adjacent to the Notre-Dame Basilica, it showcases Lyon's religious art and historical artifacts, making it an excellent supplementary stop for understanding local culture. On a rainy winter day, a 1-2 hour visit is recommended to experience Lyon's unique religious history. 3️⃣ The Roman Theatre (Théâtres Romains de Fourvière) Located at the foot of the hill, it offers a vast and expansive view on a clear winter day, occasionally revealing modern French architecture alongside ancient Roman ruins. The theatre features expansive stone steps and a plaza, perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to experience the unique blend of historical atmosphere and urban life. Tip: It's advisable to bring a portable raincoat, as Lyon's winter weather is unpredictable, and a rain shower can add a touch of mystery. ——🤳 Travel Insights & Tips—— January in Lyon is ideal for a slow-paced trip. Whether it's the spacious theatre on a sunny day or the serene church on a rainy day, the atmosphere is incredibly soothing. For stunning panoramic city views, it's recommended to climb Fourvière Hill at dawn or dusk; on a clear day, the morning mist creates a dreamlike cityscape. During my trip, I experienced the relaxed and romantic spirit of Lyon: jogging along the theatre trails in the morning and chatting at a small café near the Notre-Dame Basilica in the evening. With fewer tourists in winter, the sightseeing is less stressful. —🍽️ Dining & Transportation Guide— Transportation: We recommend taking the four-line metro or the city's small cable car to the Fourvière hill. You can also walk along the way to experience the charming alleyways and local flavors. Food Recommendations: There are many small restaurants in the streets of Lyon's Old Town (Vieux Lyon). We suggest trying "Bouchons Lyonnais," a local home-style restaurant, for dishes such as braised offal and onion soup. —📌 Additional Useful Tips— 1. The Notre-Dame Basilica is open until 9:30 PM. We recommend visiting during the day; the evening is ideal for watching the light show or the sunset. 2. Remember to bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes if it rains. 3. The theater ruins are spacious and windy, so bring warm clothing in winter. 4. The main attractions are not far apart and can be visited on foot, making it suitable for a leisurely half-day trip. #Lyon3DayTrip #RhôneAlps #AncientRomanTheatre #WinterEurope #CityTravel #JanuaryDestinations2026

#skitrip Méribel blends traditional alpine style with a well-connected ski area. The slopes are suitable for different skill levels, and moving between runs feels seamless. I enjoyed the wooden chalet-style village, which added warmth to the overall experience. Ski days felt active but not overwhelming, and evenings were calm and cozy. Méribel is a great option if you want a classic ski resort that balances comfort, scenery, and variety. #travel2026 #travel

#skitrip Chamonix in winter feels calm and cinematic. Snow settles softly on rooftops while the mountains stand quietly in the background, creating a clean and balanced alpine scene ❄️✨. The town is easy to explore on foot, with warm cafés, small shops, and open viewpoints everywhere 📸. Even simple moments — morning light, slow snowfall, evening streets — feel special here. Unrushed, scenic, and peaceful. Chamonix winter = gentle alpine atmosphere ✔️❄️ #Chamonix #WinterAlps #MountainViews #TripMoments

Courchevel in the Rhone-Alpes is the ultimate winter dream spot—perfect powder, majestic pine forests, and chalet vibes that make you feel like you’re in a snow globe 🏔️✨ Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just a cozy escape, this place delivers big time! Must-See Place: Courchevel Aventure Address: Maison de la Montagne, 110 Rue de la Croisette, 73120 Courchevel, France Hours: 09:00–19:00, all year round Get your thrill at Courchevel Aventure! Try their snowmobiling, dog sledding, insane zip lines, or book a guided off-piste adventure—absolute must if you love pushing limits. Locals say to go early morning for the best snowy scenes and smaller crowds. At night, stroll by the wooden cabins surrounded by pine trees, glowing under Christmas lights—pure mountain magic. 🌲❄️ Skiing and Snowboarding: The area is a paradise for all levels, with easy access to world-class slopes right from the village. Rent gear nearby and be sure to check slope conditions daily (ask at your hotel for insider tips). Food: Eat like a local—try Savoyard fondue, tartiflette or grab French pastries from bakeries along Rue de la Croisette. For serious après-ski, pop by Le Tremplin (in the center)—legendary for hot chocolate and mulled wine. Getting Around: The local ski shuttle is free and runs between main lifts and hotels. Walking everywhere is easy, especially with scenic snowy paths. Pro tip: Book your activities early on trip.com to secure spots, especially during peak season! Layer up—temps drop in the evenings, but the village stays sunny most winter days. #CourchevelDream #RhoneAlpes #WinterWonderland #SkiTrip #FrenchAlps

From the sharpest peaks to the softest snow in the valley, Chamonix really is in a league of its own. Slide 1: Standing in the shadow of giants. Slide 2: High altitude meets village charm. Slide 3: Finding peace in the Alpine architecture. The Reality: Mostly just walking around in awe of how close those mountains actually feel.#chamonix #mountainview #chamonixalps

#europetrip There’s a section on the north side of the garden with wooden lounge chairs facing the mountains and the sea. I sat there for thirty minutes just staring at the horizon. It’s one of the few places in the French Riviera that feels truly "above the fray." The sound of the wind whipping around the cliffside and the absolute lack of car noise makes it a prime spot for a mental reset. If you need to clear your head, this 429-meter perch is the place to do it.

#europetrip Let’s talk logistics: this is a vertical hike. To get to the garden, you have to navigate the steep, winding stone paths of the village of Èze, and then keep climbing once you pay your entrance fee. It’s a legitimate workout. If you’re wearing flimsy flip-flops, you’re going to regret it. Wear decent shoes with grip. The reward for the climb is the breeze at the top and the view, but make no mistake—you’re going to earn it. It’s the ultimate "leg day" with a view.

#europetrip If you’re the kind of guy who likes to see the whole map from the highest point, this is your spot. You’re standing on the ruins of a 12th-century castle looking down on the wing-tips of planes landing in Nice. The vantage point is unparalleled; on a clear day, you can see all the way to Corsica. It feels like a defensive lookout—which it was—and standing at the peak gives you a genuine "king of the world" sensation. It’s not just a garden; it’s a strategic overlook.

#europetrip For any guy with a drone (though check local flight laws first, as they are strict here) or a high-end camera, this is the "final boss" of locations. The contrast between the spiked, green cacti in the foreground and the deep, infinite blue of the Mediterranean in the background is a cheat code for great photos. The "Earth Goddess" sculptures by Jean-Philippe Richard add a cool, atmospheric element to the shots. It’s a high-yield location for anyone looking to document their trip with some epic scale.

#europetrip At the very summit, you’re walking through the literal ruins of an ancient fortress that was dismantled by the soldiers of Louis XIV in 1706. You can see the heavy stone foundations and imagine the defensive layout of the place. Integrating a botanical garden into a destroyed castle is a brilliant move. It gives the site a rugged, historical weight. You aren't just looking at plants; you’re looking at the bones of French military history reclaimed by nature.

#europetrip As someone who appreciates how things work, I found the microclimate of this cliffside fascinating. The garden is split into a south side (hot, desert-like) and a north side (cool, humid with ferns and waterfalls). It’s an incredible bit of natural engineering that allows two completely different ecosystems to exist on the same rock. Walking from the sun-baked cacti into the cool, shaded grotto on the north side is like switching between two different continents in about fifty steps.

#chinaadventures My visit to Chamonix in the French Alps was a breathtaking adventure. Surrounded by towering peaks, including the majestic Mont Blanc, the scenery felt like a postcard come to life. Riding the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi offered panoramic views that left me speechless, with glaciers and snow stretching endlessly. The town itself was charming, with cozy cafés and alpine architecture adding warmth to the crisp mountain air. Whether strolling through the streets or hiking scenic trails, Chamonix blended thrill and tranquility perfectly. It’s a destination that inspires awe and invites reflection amidst nature’s grandeur.

This 20 minute train ride which starts in Chamonix and climbs to Montenvers Station is famous for its vintage charm and alpine views.

Chamonix is a place that feels touched by magic, where every moment is framed by the towering beauty of the Alps. My day began with the incredible Aiguille du Midi cable car, rising higher and higher until the town became a tiny speck below. Reaching the viewpoint was unforgettable the crisp air, the sharp peaks of Mont Blanc, and the endless panorama made it feel like standing on the very edge of the sky. Back in town, Chamonix’s vibrant streets overflowed with charm. Colorful boutique shops, cozy bakeries, outdoor gear stores, and lively cafés created a warm and energetic atmosphere. Every corner felt alive, with visitors and locals blending into a cheerful alpine rhythm. Exploring the town felt like stepping into a postcard, full of character and delightful surprises. One of the most peaceful and beautiful stops was Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc. The church stands gracefully against the backdrop of the mountains, offering a moment of calm and reflection. Its architecture, soft stone colors, and serene interior create a gentle contrast to the bustling streets outside, making it a perfect place to pause and absorb the spirit of Chamonix. To complete this magical day, I enjoyed an outstanding meal at Rose du Pont. The dishes were full of flavor, fresh and beautifully prepared, and the beverages were perfectly paired. The warm atmosphere and attentive service transformed dinner into a memorable experience truly a must-visit spot. Chamonix captures the heart with its views, its charm, and its unforgettable tastes. A day here lingers long after you leave. #montblanc #chamonix #frenchalps #travel #exploring

📌 Highlights: First + Jungfrau, 72 waterfalls, Switzerland's most beautiful lake district, GoldenPass train through the Alps 🧀 Day 1 | Zurich → Spiez → Thun → Lauterbrunnen 📍 Spiez: The town is nestled on the shores of Lake Thun, with its "Tiffany Blue" waters. 📍 Thun: A tranquil town in the lake district, quintessentially Swiss. 📍 Lauterbrunnen (Highlight!) ✨ A fairyland known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls" 🍽 Must-try for dinner: Cheese fondue Restaurant Weidstübli A highly-rated fondue restaurant in Lauterbrunnen. Warm atmosphere, extremely high ratings. 🏔 Day 2 | Snow Mountain Trekking! First + Jungfrau + Wengen 🔥 The most exciting day in the Swiss Alps! 📍 Grindelwald First Mountain Instagrammable: The thrilling Cliff Walk glass walkway Mountain Carts: Thrilling but safe rides down the mountain. Perfect for photos on a sunny day. 📍 Grindelwald Terminal The most convenient station for connecting to Jungfraujoch. Restaurants, shopping, and beautiful scenery. 📍 Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) Highly recommended: Buy tickets at the counter; Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount. Must-see: Ice Palace, snowfield, Sphinx viewpoint 📍 Wengen A car-free town nestled on a hillside. Explore Coop in the evening and buy snacks and chocolates. 🚂 Day 3 | Golden Pass Experience Brienz → Lungern → Lucerne → Zurich 📍 Brienz Brienz - One of the departure stations for the GoldenPass Line. The lakeside cabins and villages are exceptionally beautiful. Be sure to take plenty of photos of the lake views. 📍 Lungern (A must-stop on the internet!) Postcard-perfect Swiss scenery. The villages, lakes, and mountains look like they were created by AI. Highly recommend stopping to take photos. 📍 Lucerne - The world's saddest lion statue (Lion Monument) is a must-see. 📍 Finally, return to Zurich. 🎟 Transportation | Swiss Travel Pass - Highly recommended! ✔ Unlimited train rides ✔ 25% discount on the Jungfraujoch Line ✔ Also valid for boats and buses ✔ No need to plan, go wherever you want! 👉 3-day pass perfectly covers your itinerary. 🍫 In conclusion: Swiss temperatures are unpredictable, so be sure to bring a jacket. Try to climb the Jungfraujoch on a sunny day.