| The stunning Rhône Alps region stretches from Lake Geneva in the north to Provence and the Cevennes in the south. This eastern corner of France is all about forests, mountains, rivers and fresh air, and Siblu’s holiday park, Les Rives de Condrieu, is the perfect exploring base. Even better, the climate is ‘Alpine mixed with Mediterranean’, so holiday here and you will benefit from reliably warm, sunny days in summer. And with Lyon a short drive away, there’s plenty of culture, shopping and urban delights to sample too. |
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A trip to the Rhone Alps is perfect for relaxing in a natural settings and discovering some of the most beautiful parts of France. Hop on your bike and explore the ViaRhôna cycle path: it’s an ambitious project that plans ultimately to lead cyclists from Lake Geneva to the French Mediterranean coast. Cycle a section of it while holidaying in the Rhone Alpes with Siblu, and along the way you’ll discover local villages, magical scenery and exquisite, regional cuisine… Speaking of cuisine, don't miss out on a trip to Lyon which is only a 45 minute drive from the holiday park and is famous for being the culinary capital of France. The old town is also a UNESCO world heritage site. If you appreciate wine you'll have to take a stroll to the nearby village of Condrieu, just outside our Siblu site as its famous for a unique floral white wine which you won't find anywhere else. |
Why choose the Rhone Alps?
Relaxation
This tranquil location on the banks of the Rhône river couldn't be better for a chilled-out break
Food and drink
Lyon is the culinary capital of France and the region is world famous for its wine and vineyards
Great for cycling
Check out the ViaRhona cycle path for an active family day out
Towns and cities
Lyon, Valence, Saint-Etienne, Vienne... loads of beautiful historic towns and cities to enjoy
Where to find them: Siblu Holiday Parks in France
Rhone Alps- Nature
The Roches de Condrieu Peninsula
Just opposite Les Rives de Condrieu 1 mile / 3km away, surrounded by the river Rhône is the pretty Roches de Condrieu peninsula, where families can bathe at the beach with supervised lifeguards on watch during July and August, and take part in various activities at the onsite watersports centre such as waterskiing and wakeboarding. If you’re looking to do something a bit more laid back, have a roll on the segways for hire to discover the beautiful surrounding nature.
Via Rhôna
The ViaRhôna cycle route is a fantastic way for couples and families to experience the French countryside in the Rhône Valley. Along the Lyon to Valence bike path, you’ll be able to discover towns with Roman roots, uncover pretty vineyards and dense orchards. For those biking it with little ones, just make sure you take greenways or the path from Givors, south of Lyon, as they are ideal for families and all levels of cyclist.
Chambery
What a beautiful view it is from Chambery. Situated at the crossroads of Alpine valleys, families can set apart one day out here to walk around the tiny preserved streets in the old town, visit the former residence of the Ducs de Savoie at the Chateau de Chambery, and taste the freshest cheeses, meats and local produce from the Alps at the Saturday market, Chambery is also a great base from which to go and see the largest natural lake in France, the Lac de Bourget, just 8 miles / 4km away.
Natural parks
With two natural parks – Vercors and Pilat – on the doorstep of campsite Les Rives de Condrieu, you could quite easily dedicate your holiday to a different outdoor pursuit each day, in the most amazing surroundings: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, canoeing, water-skiing – to name but a few! Within the Pilat natural park, don’t miss ViaRhôna!
Rhone Alps- Towns/Cities
Lyon
Lyon is the third largest town in France, and offers up a variety of fun and exciting ways to explore the city. Lyon’s history goes back to roman times, and there are many ancient ruins to see such as the Ancient Roman Theatre of Fourvière. But its silk manufacturing past, evident in the several traboules that still exist, allow you to wander through the interconnecting passageways between buildings once used by the silk craftsmen. Around Lyon, you’ll see charming tromp d’oeil murals that will have you looking twice. You also shouldn’t miss the amazing and unusual cloud of glass that is the Museum of Confluences, situated at the crux of the Rhône and Saône rivers. To get the best view of this city, walk up the hill to the dramatic and ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, where’ll you be rewarded with 180 degree views of the city and its rivers.
St Étienne
27 miles away / 45 km away from Les Rives de Condrieu is the stylish city of St Etienne. There are plenty of excuses for design buffs to visit museums such as the futuristic Corbusier Centre or the glittering Design City. As for those with families, you’d might like to put the Firefighter’s Museum on your list (more than 150 fire brigade vehicles are exhibited here) and have a look at the mesmerizing 3D 360 degree films about the skies and space at the Planetarium.
Valence
Valence is another city with Roman roots, and is characterised by the Valence canal running through the town. At its heart, kids will love exploring the stunning Jouvet Park, which is home to over 700 rare and varied trees, and provides impressive views over the ruins of the Chateau de Crussol. Just 20 minutes’ drive from Valence, another exceptional green spot can be found at the Jardin aux Oiseaux at Upie, a zoological and botanical park where you’ll find many birds of prey, parrot shows, inflatable playgrounds and a mini farm.
Vienne
Vienne is situated along the Rhône river, and is rich with Gallo-Roman monuments and ruins scattered all across it. Families can come and enjoy the sounds at the summer Jazz festival which takes place in late June and early July, or sample the local French flavours, like the pear brandy at the Colombier Distillery or visit the second largest market in France at the Saturday marché.
Rhone Alps- Culture/Attractions
Zoo at Saint Martin La Plaine
Discover the life of mammals, birds and reptiles close up here. To keep your kids entertained, come along and watch the wolf and gorilla feedings. What is interesting are the zoo keeper tours too, when all the family can find out about what it takes and means to care for the incredible creatures at this park.
Cimes Aventures
If the great outdoors and natural parks of the Rhône-Alpes leave you hankering for still more thrills, try Cimes Aventures, an adventure park in Septème packed with rope bridges, nets and even death slides!
Art and music
For a change in tempo, a musical interlude might just do the trick: why not take part in Vienne’s atmospheric summer jazz festival? As well as jazz, the nearby town of Vienne has impressive Roman remains, and some of the concerts are held in the Théâtre Antique. And don’t miss the Palais Idéal in Hauterives: an amazing 19th century folly built by eccentric postman, Ferdinand Cheval, in what’s been dubbed ‘naïve art style’. It truly has to be seen to be believed! For museums and art galleries check out The Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon which hosts works from Monet and Picasso or the Musée d’Art Moderne in St Etienne.
Food and drink
The delightful village of Condrieu lies on the banks of the Rhône as it sweeps southward and you can stroll to it from Les Rives de Condrieu campsite. It is also famed for its eponymous floral white wine that’s just waiting to be sampled.Lyon is a must-visit, at least once. You will eat well: it is famed for being the culinary capital of France!
Travelling to the Rhone Alps from Ireland
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PLANE Aerlingus offers direct flights from Dublin to Lyon airport and from Dublin to Geneva airport, both of which are within driving distance from Les Rives de Condrieu. |
Distance/driving time from Lyon Saint Exupéry airport
Les Rives de Condrieu
55 km/ 50 mins drive
Distance/driving time from Geneva airport
Les Rives de Condrieu
189 km/ 2 hrs 10 mins