Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The region has diverse landscapes, a rich history and strong cultural identity
Regional capital: Lyon
Departments: Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Savoie, Haute-Savoie
Main Cities: Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Clermont-Ferrand, Chambéry, Annecy
Property prices
Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild apartments in the third quarter of 2025: Lyon €4,520 -0.8%, Grenoble €2,500 +4.3%
Median prices for non-newbuild houses in the third quarter of 2025: Lyon €400,000 -0.7%, Grenoble €361,000 -1.3%
(figures taken from the most recently available French property report (Jan 26) from the Notaires de France, % year-on-year change: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 / July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024)
Character of the region
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has diverse landscapes, a rich history and strong cultural identity. Its mountain ranges include the Alps and the Massif Central in addition to the (extinct) volcanic hills of the Auvergne, alongside cities including the capital Lyon, known for its gastronomy and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Population /density
8.2 million people across 69,711 sq km (Insee figures 2023 [latest available]) = approx. 12% of the population
Fact: It is the third-largest region and second most populous.
Weather
Cool winters (January average 4C) with potential for snow in mountainous areas / mild summers (July average 22C).
Local industries
Agriculture and tourism – the Alps make it France’s second most visited tourist region after Paris / Île de France. Manufacturing and tech too have established it as France’s second most important economic region, helped by sharing a border with both Switzerland and Italy.
Cities and towns
Lyon has a UNESCO-listed old town and is known as a food destination offering a high percentage of Michelin-starred restaurants alongside traditional ‘bouchon’ eateries. Grenoble is an academic centre, as is Clermont-Ferrand, bordered by the volcanic Chaîne des Puys. Annecy is a beautiful Alpine town.
Food and drink
Wine (Rhône Valley), mountain dishes (fondue Savoyarde, tartiflette, potée Auvergnate), cheese (Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Ambert), quenelles, salade Lyonnaise
Cultural points of interest
Lyon is rich in history and gastronomy, while lovers of the outdoors will appreciate the Gorges de l'Ardèche, the Auvergne volcanic hills and the Alps. Opportunities are rich for year-round outdoor activities across ski resorts and elsewhere, whether taking in Mont Blanc as the highest peak in the Alps or the waters of Lake Annecy.
Major transport points
Airports: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS), Grenoble Alpes Isère (GNB), nearby in Switzerland – Geneva (GVA)
Trains: the region has several railway stations, including those in Lyon, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Geneva, Annecy. TGV trains serve widespread locations throughout the region.
Motorways: key motorways include the A6 (north-south, connecting to Paris), A7 (continuation of A6 towards Marseille), A40 (east-west, connecting to Geneva and Italy), and A41 (connecting Geneva, Annecy, and Grenoble).