Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is well-served by TGV: Paris-Lyon in 1h57 (the French record, historic LGV line 1981), Paris-Annecy in 3h45, Paris-Chambéry in 3h, Paris-Grenoble in 3h, Paris-Clermont-Ferrand in 3h30. Regional TER trains link Lyon to Annecy (2h), Chamonix (4h), Vichy (1h35). TGV Lyria links Paris-Geneva via Lyon in 3h10.
A car is essential for Alpine resorts, Auvergne volcanoes, Beaujolais, picturesque villages. Rental from €30-50/day in plain, €50-80/day for Alpine 4WD in winter. Motorways: A6 (Paris-Lyon), A7 (Lyon-Marseille), A40 (Lyon-Chamonix-Mont-Blanc tunnel), A41 (Lyon-Annecy-Chambéry), A89 (Lyon-Clermont-Bordeaux). Count 3h from Lyon to Chamonix, 1h30 from Lyon to Annecy, 2h30 from Lyon to Vichy, 4h30 from Lyon to Val d'Isère.
Airports: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS, France's 4th airport, 11 million passengers/year, international and European low-cost flights), Geneva-Cointrin (GVA, shared with Switzerland, direct access from Annecy and Haute-Savoie), Grenoble-Isère (GNB, seasonal winter flights), Chambéry-Aix-les-Bains (CMF, seasonal winter low-cost flights), Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne (CFE).
In Lyon, the TCL network (4 metro lines, 7 tram lines, buses, funicular to Fourvière) is very efficient (€1.90 ticket, €5.40 day pass). Bike-share scheme (Vélo'v). In Annecy, Sibra buses suffice (pedestrian centre). In Chamonix, the Mulet shuttle links ski stations (free with lift pass).
Cycling is highly developed: ViaRhôna (from Geneva to the Mediterranean, 815 km), Cantal à Vélo (300 km of loops), Lake Annecy tour (40 km waymarked). In winter, skiset buses link Lyon or Geneva to the main resorts (transfers about 2h, €50-80 return).
Read also
- Annecy, the Venice of the Alps — Lake Annecy, fortified old town and Palais de l'Isle: one of the most beautiful Alpine cities.
- France — Complete country guide: entry rules, regions, budget, gastronomy.
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur — The French South: Provence, French Riviera, Southern Alps.
- Grand Est (Alsace) — Strasbourg, Colmar and Alsace Wine Route to the east.