Nestled between mountains, volcanoes and valleys, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France) is one of France’s greatest food and wine regions. With its renowned vineyards, iconic cheeses and wealth of local produce, it’s an ideal destination for gourmands !
Here’s an overview of what’s in store for you in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, to whet your appetite!
Article produced in collaboration with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
A journey full of flavours
Did you know that the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region boasts no fewer than 79 PDO products and 60 PGI ? So the concept of tourisme gourmand really comes into its own here ! To travel to this region is to immerse yourself in a territory by discovering its specialties, its know-how and its culinary traditions.
Whether you push open the door of a cheese factory to taste a straw-aged Saint-Nectaire, let yourself be guided through the cellars of Beaujolais or the Rhône Valley, or sit down at a Lyonnais bouchon, you get a taste of local conviviality.
This immersion takes many forms:
- walks in the vineyards,
- country picnics,
- meetings with passionate winemakers,
- participation in truffle markets
- discover authentic inns…
More than just a tasting, it’s an experience of sharing with producers and restaurateurs.
A region with a rich culinary diversity
If Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes enjoys such a reputation, it’s thanks to the incredible variety of its emblematic products.
Lovers of fromages will be delighted: with 20 AOC/AOP, the region leads France in this field. From creamy Bleu d’Auvergne to mighty Beaufort, Fourme de Montbrison or Saint-Nectaire, each valley has its own dairy treasures.
But the pleasures of the table don’t stop there. There’s also black truffle from Tricastin, green lentils from Le Puy, poultry from Bresse orolive oil from Nyons, not to mention chocolates from prestigious houses such as Valrhona or Weiss.
Added to this wealth is a true brewing tradition with nearly 280 breweries, as well as a world renown in the production of mineral waters such as Volvicand Evian.
Wine tourism
It’s impossible to talk about regional gastronomy without mentioning wine. With 8 AOP vineyards and world-renowned appellations such as Beaujolais, Vallée du Rhône and Savoie wines, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is an unmissable wine tourism destination. More than a thousand wineries and wine estates open their doors to visitors, enabling them to discover the diversity of grape varieties and the richness of terroirs.
Here, wine tourism is experienced in a thousand ways: bike rides among the vines, tasting workshops guided by oenologists, accommodation in the heart of the vineyards or festive events bringing together enthusiasts and producers. The region also boasts ten destinations with the “Vignobles & Découvertes” label, a guarantee of quality and diversity in the way visitors are welcomed.
La Vallée de la Gastronomie: a taste itinerary
If you’re looking for a complete experience, the Vallée de la Gastronomie – France is a must. Crossing Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes along the Rhône axis, it links Dijon to Marseille, offering a veritable itinerary of taste. On this route, every stop becomes a promise of discovery: lunch at a local inn, a visit to an oil mill, a truffle market or a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Between two snacks, explore the castles of Auvergne
As well as being a great gastronomic region, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous châteaux.
In the Auvergne region alone, some fifty castles open their doors to you on the Route Historique des Châteaux d’Auvergne.
Gastronomy driven by renowned chefs
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes’ renown is also due to the talent of its chefs. The birthplace of Paul Bocuse, the region perpetuates a culinary tradition of excellence, embodied today by more than a hundred starred chefs, including six with three Michelin stars.
READ ALSO: Origines, a Michelin-starred hotel restaurant in the heart of Auvergne
The mythical Nationale 7 illustrates this gastronomic wealth. For almost 400 kilometers crossing the region, it lines up renowned establishments such as La maison Troisgros in Roanne, La Pyramide in Vienne, La maison Pic in Valence or L’auberge de Paul Bocuse in Lyon. A veritable culinary journey in its own right.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes isn’t just for the eyes: it’s for all the senses. With its local produce, vineyards, chefs and welcoming producers, the region is the perfect embodiment of the French art de vivre. Bon appétit ! 😉
Article produced in collaboration with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
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