Rhones Alps

FRENCH RHONE-ALPS REGION, land of traditions at Europe crossroads.

Informative Rhone-Alps newsletter 2005

We are very pleased to send you our second newsletter of the year and we wish you a successfull fall season !

This time we will take you to the Annecy Region and the Grands Alps Mountain Road.
For a unique experience in French Alps sceneries, traditions and culinary samplings.

Summary :
	- Annecy the "Venice" of the Alps - The Aravis Mountains - The Classic Tour and Grand Alpine Road - Packages - Hotels - For more information : Contact us - Order brochures

ANNECY Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”

The town was born 2,500 years ago, when settlers chose this prime location on the banks of a magnificent lake crowned by surrounding mountains extending from the “Semnoz” crestline to the “Aravis” pre-mountain range.

Its windy cobblestone streets leading to historical houses by the water front, its stone bridges over the river heading itself towards the blue waters of the neighboring lake, were all part of the Annecy’s nickname of “little Venice” of the Alps .Its ideal central location adds an additional asset to this dynamic town with a rich cultural background.

More detail on Annecy

ARAVIS MOUNTAIN RANGE

Aravis range is made of a variety of environments such as high altitude valleys and plateau and summits reaching up to 8200 feet such as the “Pointe Percee” and as high as 7200 feet at “Mont Charvin” to the west.This area’s countryside is unspoiled and village people made a point to preserve their authentic cultural heritage. Rich and green pastures favor the development of dairy farming involved in the making of the famous “Reblochon” cheese.

More detail on Aravis

ITINERARIES Classic Tour and Grand Alpine Road

Visit the ANNECY region in a classic 3 days tour; you will discover charming mountains villages and EVIAN city, whose mineral waters are famous all over the world.

Then cross the Alps through the GRANDS ALPS MOUNTAIN ROAD. From Thonon to Menton, the grand Alps mountain road stretches over 400 miles, passing through 16 passes over 6000 ft high with an accumulated 50,000 feet total denivelation and open from June to October for bike, motorbike and car access.

Along the way, you will enjoy the amazing flora and environment contrasts, from alpine wild life plants and trees to glaciers at the Iseran Pass not withstanding the arid slopes of the Lautaret to finally reach the olive tree Mediterranean groves.

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PACKAGES – PRODUCTS

Experience the great Alpine environment for a full week, while staying in local charming mountain chalet hotels, with a choice of unusual outdoor activities such as: rock climbing, tree top canopying, canyoning over the " Angon" water falls, white river rafting or mountain biking in Giffre' valley between Sixt and Samoens.
You may choose a more peaceful way of sampling the beautiful Alpine sceneries by hiking along one of the many posted mountain trails accompanied by a local native guide during a 5 days stay. And finally, a authentic stay in a charming chalet, in the heart of the mountains will allow you to discover the village of La Clusaz, its rural surrounding (visit of the alpages), and its hearty local mountain food specialties.