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Motorhoming in the Rhône
Motorhoming in the Rhône
Despite being the smallest department in the region of the Rhône Alpes, Rhône is by no means the least important. It combines history, architecture, culture and nature to offer something to everyone, has a taste for the gastronomy and is home to the Beaujolais.
If you’re doing a bit of motorhome travel in France and you find yourself in the Rhône, before you head south to sample the delights of Lyon, take the time to explore the ‘Voie Verte du Beaujolais’. These 11kms which have been developed for the pleasure of walkers, cyclists, or anyone wishing to profit from their surroundings, are an ideal way to discover the Beaujolais countryside. Between Saint Jean d’Ardières and Beaujeu you will pass through forests and prairies, alongside the vines planted on the hillsides and always accompanied by the sounds of the river flowing not too far away.
About 30kms north west of Lyon is the little village of Bagnols en Beaujolais. If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England it’s the sort of village that deserves a visit. This quite little village, famous of course for its wine, the Beaujolais, offers a superb panorama over the Azergues Valley, the hills of Tarare and the Alps of the Jura. The houses, built from a golden coloured stone date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Quarrying for this stone also contributed, along with the vineyards to the prosperity and history of the village.
Suffering in the past from a rather sad image of a grey industrial town and mostly known as being on the route for people leaving Paris and going south for their holidays, Lyon has managed since the 1980’s to transform its image. Founded in 43BC, the old town of Lyon has once again found its original colours following a campaign of restoration which started back in the 1950’s culminating in its recognition by UNESCO in 1998. Wandering through the alleys and going up and down the steps in this ancient quarter, you will encounter architecture in Gothic and Renaissance styles, some dating as far back as the 11th century.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, try one of the ‘authentiques bouchons Lyonnais’. A ‘bouchon’ is a term which has its origins, disputed between two camps, way back in history, basically used to mean a hostel serving good old, simple and authentic food in copious quantities. Look out for the label ‘authentique bouchon’ which will ensure you find yourself in one of the 20 best restaurants amongst around 300 which exist. You will be sure to be served the best local products and specialities and will be experiencing a real part of French heritage.
After sampling the local Beaujolais at your chosen ‘bouchon’, spend the night in one of the free Aires de Service in the Rhône before moving on to do some motorhoming in the Loire, motorhoming in Isère or motorhoming in Ain.
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