Éco-Hôtels à Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

From the summit of Mont Blanc to Lyon's legendary bouchons — sustainable stays across France's most diverse region. Same price as Booking.com, 1 tonne de CO₂ éliminée par réservation.

Pourquoi Séjourner à Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is France's second-largest region and arguably its most geographically extraordinary. Formed in 2016 by merging the historic regions of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes, it stretches from the volcanic plateaux of the Massif Central in the west to the towering granite needles of the Mont Blanc massif in the east. Within its 12 departments and 69,711 square kilometres live roughly 8 million people — making it one of Europe's most dynamic regional economies and its most varied outdoor playground.

The region's eastern half is dominated by the French Alps, home to Mont Blanc (4,808 metres, the highest peak in Western Europe), the world-famous ski resorts of Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Courchevel, and Méribel, and the astonishing clarity of Lake Annecy — widely considered the cleanest lake in Europe. The Aiguille du Midi cable car ascends to 3,842 metres and offers a view that stretches across four countries. The Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometre trek circling the massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland, regularly appears on lists of the world's greatest long-distance hikes.

At the region's heart sits Lyon, France's third-largest city and its undisputed gastronomic capital. Lyon holds a UNESCO World Heritage designation for its Renaissance old town (Vieux Lyon), its network of traboules — hidden passageways threading through medieval courtyards — and the Presqu'île district between the Rhône and Saône rivers. The city's culinary reputation rests on its bouchons (traditional Lyonnais restaurants serving dishes like quenelles de brochet, tablier de sapeur, and andouillette), its extraordinary density of Michelin-starred restaurants, and its proximity to some of France's greatest wine regions: Beaujolais to the north, the northern Rhône Valley (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu) to the south.

The western half — the old Auvergne — is a different world entirely. The Chaîne des Puys, a chain of 80 dormant volcanoes stretching 32 kilometres across the Puy-de-Dôme department, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. The Puy de Dôme itself (1,465 metres) offers a panoramic view across this volcanic landscape that is genuinely unlike anything else in Western Europe. Clermont-Ferrand, the historic capital of Auvergne, is built from local black volcanic stone (pierre de Volvic) and is the global headquarters of Michelin. The surrounding countryside produces Cantal and Saint-Nectaire cheeses, Puy lentils (the only lentil with AOC status in France), and some of the purest spring water on the continent (Volvic sources from here).

Between these extremes, the region offers the crystal-clear rivers and dramatic limestone gorges of the Ardèche (including the famous Pont d'Arc natural bridge), the rolling vineyards and golden-stone villages of Beaujolais, the university city of Grenoble surrounded by three mountain ranges (Belledonne, Chartreuse, and Vercors), the medieval old town of Annecy with its Venetian-style canals, and the quiet thermal spa towns of the Allier and Haute-Loire departments. Chambéry, the historic capital of the Duchy of Savoy, and Valence, gateway to Provence, add further depth.

By booking through IMPT, every hotel night in this region removes 1 tonne de CO₂ vérifié — roughly 28 times the carbon footprint of an average hotel stay. With over 8 million hotels available worldwide and the same prices as Booking.com, there is no compromise involved. New members receive 5 € de crédit gratuit on their first booking, and every stay earns 5% cashback in IMPT tokens across IMPT's 25,000+ green-certified partner network.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes at a Glance

Que Faire à Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

A region where you can ski a glacier in the morning and dine at a Michelin-starred bouchon by evening. Here are the highlights across all 12 departments.

Lyon Old Town (Vieux Lyon)

UNESCO World Heritage Site with Europe's largest concentration of Renaissance architecture. Explore the traboules — hidden passageways connecting courtyards — and climb to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views over both rivers. The Musée des Confluences and the Halles Paul Bocuse food market are essential stops.

Mont Blanc & Chamonix Valley

Western Europe's highest peak at 4,808 metres. Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842 m for views across four countries. The Montenvers rack railway reaches the Mer de Glace glacier (7 km long). Chamonix itself is the birthplace of modern alpinism, hosting the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Lake Annecy

Often called the cleanest lake in Europe, Lake Annecy stretches 14.2 km with water so clear you can see the bottom at 10 metres. Cycle the 38 km lake circuit, swim from the public beaches, or paraglide from Col de la Forclaz. The medieval old town features the Palais de l'Île and the Château d'Annecy.

Chaîne des Puys Volcanoes (UNESCO)

A chain of 80 dormant volcanoes stretching 32 km across the Puy-de-Dôme department, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. Hike the Puy de Dôme (1,465 m) via the Sentier des Muletiers trail or take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway to the summit. The Vulcania theme park brings volcanology to life.

Gorges de l'Ardèche

A 30-km limestone canyon carved by the Ardèche River, anchored by the iconic Pont d'Arc — a 60-metre natural stone arch. Canoe or kayak the full two-day descent, or drive the scenic Route des Gorges above. Nearby, the Caverne du Pont-d'Arc (Chauvet Cave replica) displays 36,000-year-old cave paintings.

Beaujolais & Rhône Wine Country

North of Lyon, the rolling hills of Beaujolais produce elegant Gamay-based reds across 10 cru appellations including Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent. South of Lyon, the steep granite slopes of the northern Rhône yield legendary Syrah wines — Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, Saint-Joseph — and the rare white Viognier of Condrieu.

Grenoble & the Vercors Plateau

The "Capital of the Alps" sits at the confluence of the Drac and Isère rivers, ringed by three mountain ranges. Take the iconic Bastille cable car (the oldest urban cable car in the world, opened 1934) for sweeping views. The Vercors plateau to the west offers dramatic cliff roads, cross-country skiing, and Resistance history.

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Alpine Ski Resorts

The region hosts some of the world's largest connected ski domains: Les Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens — 600 km of runs), Paradiski (Les Arcs, La Plagne — 425 km), and the Espace Killy (Val d'Isère, Tignes). Season runs December to April, with glacier skiing at Tignes extending into summer.

Où Séjourner — Areas of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The region divides naturally into four distinct travel zones, each with its own character, landscape, and hotel scene.

Lyon & the Rhône Valley

France's gastronomic capital with a UNESCO-listed old town, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Excellent transport hub — TGV to Paris in 2 hours, international airport. Hotels from €70/night. Best for: food lovers, city breaks, cultural tourism. Nearby: Beaujolais vineyards (30 min), Vienne Roman ruins (30 min).

French Alps (Chamonix, Grenoble, Val d'Isère)

Accueil to Mont Blanc, the world's best ski resorts, and spectacular summer hiking. Grenoble is the main Alpine city with year-round life. Hotels from €80/night (off-season) to €200+ (peak ski). Best for: skiing, mountaineering, hiking, climbing. Access: Geneva airport (1 hr to Chamonix), Grenoble airport, Lyon (2–3 hrs).

Lake Annecy & Haute-Savoie

Europe's cleanest lake surrounded by mountains, with a charming medieval old town. Perfect for families — swimming, cycling, paragliding, and gentle lakeside walks. Hotels from €85/night. Best for: water sports, family holidays, romantic getaways. Annecy to Lyon is 1 hr 45 min by car, to Chamonix about 1 hr 40 min.

Auvergne & the Volcans

The quiet, green, volcanic heart of France. The Chaîne des Puys (UNESCO), medieval villages like Salers and Blesle, and some of France's best farmhouse cheeses. Hotels from €55/night — the region's best value. Best for: nature, hiking, authenticity. Clermont-Ferrand is the main city, 3.5 hrs from Paris by TGV.

Featured Éco-Hôtels à Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Real properties across the region. Every booking through IMPT removes 1 tonne of CO₂ — same price as Booking.com.

Hôtel Le Royal Lyon — MGallery

★★★★★ · Place Bellecour, Lyon

🌿 Eco-Certified Historic Central

Iconic luxury hotel on Lyon's largest square. Art Deco interiors, brasserie restaurant, steps from Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île shopping district. Part of the MGallery Collection.

From €150/night

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InterContinental Lyon — Hôtel-Dieu

★★★★★ · Hôtel-Dieu, Lyon

🌿 Green Engage Heritage Spa

Housed in the meticulously restored Grand Hôtel-Dieu, a 17th-century hospital on the banks of the Rhône. 143 rooms, rooftop bar with dome views, Epona restaurant. One of Lyon's most striking architectural conversions.

From €200/night

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Hôtel & Spa L'Impérial Palace

★★★★ · Lakefront, Annecy

🌿 Eco-Label Spa Lake View

Grand lakefront hotel set in 3 hectares of parkland directly on Lake Annecy. Full spa, casino, private beach access, and panoramic restaurant. 10-minute walk to Annecy's medieval old town.

From €140/night

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Le Hameau Albert 1er

★★★★★ · Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

🌿 Sustainable Michelin ★★ Spa

Chamonix's finest address — a 5-star Relais & Châteaux property with two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Alpine-chic rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, full spa, and direct views of Mont Blanc. Run by the Carrier-Maillet family since 1903.

From €250/night

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Hôtel Radio

★★★★ · Chamalières (Clermont-Ferrand)

🌿 Green Certified Art Deco Panoramic

A striking Art Deco landmark in Chamalières, overlooking the Auvergne hills. Gastronomic restaurant with panoramic terrace, elegant 1930s interiors, and easy access to the Chaîne des Puys. A destination hotel for architecture and food lovers.

From €95/night

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Park Hotel Grenoble

★★★★ · City Centre, Grenoble

🌿 Eco-Friendly Central Modern

Contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of Grenoble, near the Bastille cable car and the Isère River. Rooftop bar with mountain views, modern rooms, and walking distance to the old town, museums, and the train station.

From €85/night

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Walking & Hiking in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

From multi-day Alpine circuits to volcanic summit scrambles and riverside gorge walks — this region has some of France's most iconic trails.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

One of the world's greatest long-distance treks. A 170 km circuit around the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Duration: 7–11 days. Difficulty: challenging. Passes through alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and mountain passes up to 2,665 m (Col des Fours). Refuges and gîtes along the route. Best: late June to mid-September.

Chaîne des Puys Traverse

Walk through 80 dormant volcanoes on this 32 km ridgeline traverse across the Puy-de-Dôme department. The Sentier des Muletiers trail to the Puy de Dôme summit (1,465 m) takes about 1.5 hours. Link multiple volcanic cones in a day. Difficulty: easy to moderate. The Panoramique des Dômes railway offers a non-hiking alternative to the top.

Gorges de l'Ardèche Trail

A 24 km trail along the rim of the Ardèche Gorges from Pont d'Arc to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Duration: 1–2 days. Dramatic cliff-edge views over the limestone canyon, 300 m above the river. Can be combined with a 2-day canoe descent of the gorge itself. Best: April to October. Difficulty: moderate.

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Lake Annecy Circuit

A flat, family-friendly 38 km cycle and walking path circling Europe's cleanest lake. Fully paved, mostly car-free. Duration: 3–4 hours by bike, full day on foot. Passes through lakeside villages including Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, and Veyrier-du-Lac. Bike rental available from multiple shops in Annecy. Year-round.

Nearby Régions

Cities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Lyon

Gastronomic capital · UNESCO Heritage

Grenoble

Capital of the Alps · 3 mountain ranges

Annecy

Venice of the Alps · cleanest lake in Europe

Chamonix

Mont Blanc gateway · birthplace of alpinism

Clermont-Ferrand

Volcanic capital · Michelin headquarters

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Travel Guides

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