When to go — Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has two very different climates: degraded oceanic in the plain (Lyon, Beaujolais: 700 mm/year of rain), mountain at altitude (Alps: abundant precipitation, abundant snow from October to May above 1,800 m).

Spring (April-June) is variable. In the plain (Lyon), mild temperatures (12-22 °C), parks in bloom. In the mountains, snow melts gradually: valleys accessible from April, high passes and refuges open late May. May-June are perfect for medium-altitude hikes (Aravis, Bauges, Vercors, Sancy) and for city visits (Lyon, Annecy).

Summer (July-August) is high Alpine season: alpine pastures active (cows, shepherds), refuges open (booking mandatory), hikes accessible up to 3,000 m. Sea (Alpine lakes) at 22-24 °C, swimming possible. Festivals: Nuits de Fourvière in Lyon (June-August, antique theatre), Berlioz Festival at La Côte-Saint-André (classical music, August), Jazz à Vienne (July), Baroque Music Festival at Ambronay (September). Heavy crowds in Annecy, Chamonix, and Alpine resorts converted in summer. Lyon can experience heatwaves (35-38 °C in July).

Autumn (September-October) is exceptional in the mountains: golden larches at altitude (Chamonix valley, Maurienne, Tarentaise), flamboyant colours. In the plain, harvest in Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, Savoie Wines. In Lyon, Lumière Festival (cinema, October, Institut Lumière). Mid-October: first snows at altitude, refuges closing.

Winter (December-March) is the ski season. The French Alps are one of the most prized ski destinations in the world: 3 Valleys (the world's largest domain, 600 km of pistes), Espace Killy (Val d'Isère + Tignes, 300 km), Paradiski (Les Arcs + La Plagne, 425 km), Portes du Soleil (200 km), Évasion Mont-Blanc (Megève + Saint-Gervais). Chic resorts: Megève, Courchevel 1850, Val d'Isère. Family: La Plagne, Les Saisies, Châtel. In Lyon, Festival of Lights (8 December, 4 days, 4 million visitors) is the most visited French cultural event after Cannes. Ski season runs from December to late April (May at high altitude).

The Auvergne (Puy de Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire) has a harsher continental climate: hot summers, cold and snowy winters. Modest ski resorts (Mont-Dore, Super-Besse, Le Lioran).