Covering an area of ​​65,000 hectares, the Pilat Regional Nature Park covers two departments : the Loire and the Rhône. This park, which protects a large fauna and flora, also has the advantage of offering varied landscapes alternating pine forests, pastures and hillsides covered with vines. It is at the crest of the Partridge, at 1,432 meters above sea level, that the Pilat massif culminates. The many mountain bike trails and hiking trails, but also snowshoe trails and cross-country ski trails, in winter, will delight sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

And to benefit from a vast panorama on the valley of the Rhone and the Alps, direction the crest of the Oeillon whose summit is decorated with a table of orientation.

Situated in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the village of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is unusual in that it is the only village in France to occupy a former Carthusian monastery. The buildings of this monastery built in the 13th century are now home to a town hall, a school and houses.

Around 30 kilometres south of Lyon, on the banks of the Rhône, the archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal invites visitors to discover the Gallo-Roman remains of a neighbourhood from the Roman city of Vienne. Travel 2,000 years back in time to one of the most important cities in Roman Gaul!

Set in the middle of a 7-hectare park, where the ruins of ancient thermal baths, dwellings, workshops and shops can be seen, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, is divided into four distinct areas: the history of the site, the economy and crafts, mosaics, and daily life in a Roman house. As you explore the site, you can admire numerous scale models, as well as the collections yielded by excavations, consisting of superb mosaics, murals and everyday objects from Antiquity.

Temporary exhibitions, meetings and talks also take place there, as well as activities for children, mosaic-making workshops for adults, and events such as Vinalia, a festival of gastronomic cultures held in the last weekend of September each year.

As the largest animal park in the Rhône-Alpes region, the Peaugres Safari Park in Ardèche covers an area of 80 hectares and is home to more than 900 animals of nearly 130 different species, from every continent.

This fabulous site, open from mid-February to mid-November, composed of two parks, is explored following a trail by car and a trail on foot. Whether you are in your own vehicle on in an electric bus which is available in the summer, spend an hour meeting the animals of the African plains, the north American forests and the valleys of Asia. Then take a walk and explore the aquatic area, with its sea-lions and penguins, the Léonie farm, the monkey area, the hothouse with 1,000 hiding places for reptiles, frogs and insects, the educational play area Gitaki, devoted to local bio-diversity, or the Claws and Fangs (Griffes et Crocs) area, devoted to predators! A place to increase awareness of nature and the living world, to take children and adults on a real journey to the heart of animal life...

Vienne, located between the Rhône River and the hills, has been occupied since earliest Antiquity and is one of France's Cities of Art and History. It has preserved a rich built heritage from its long past, including monuments dating back to ancient times: the imposing Temple of Augustus and Livia built in 1BC; the vast 1st-century AD Théâtre Antique, one of the largest theatres in Roman Gaul; and the Garden of Cybele with its Gallo-Roman archaeological remains, among others. The city also boasts beautiful medieval heritage that you can discover by strolling through the old, narrow lanes and visiting the many listed buildings, including the Romanesque Saint-André-le-Bas Church with its superb cloisters decorated with carved capitals, and the Romanesque Gothic Saint-Maurice Cathedral, built from the 12th to 16th centuries, which has a breathtaking western facade with three Flamboyant-style carved portals depicting the holy history. Its luminous and harmonious interior features a long nave with three side aisles, Romanesque capitals and, displayed around the choir, Flemish tapestries portraying the life and martyrdom of St Maurice.

The Museum of Fine Art and Archaeology, housed in the old 19th-century corn exchange on Place de Miremont, contains collections of Gallo-Roman objects, French earthenware, and paintings dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

Not to be missed: climbing to the top of Mount Pipet where a chapel and statue of the Virgin Mary stand and there's a fantastic view over the city rooftops, Rhône Valley and, in the distance, Pilat mountain range!

The city also hosts a major music event, the Vienne Jazz Festival, in the prestigious surroundings of the Roman theatre every first fortnight in July. A must for all jazz fans.

The second largest market in France takes place in Vienne city centre every Saturday morning. Offering a host of local produce and specialities at over 5 km of stands, it's a gourmet's paradise!

With a rich mining and industrial past, the City of Art and History of Saint-Étienne has preserved an important heritage, notably from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The famous Jean-Jaurès square, decorated with a charming bandstand and lined with beautiful buildings such as the cathedral, the town hall and the Prefecture, the lively pedestrian shopping streets of the Saint-Jacques district, the picturesque Place du Peuple square, as well as the numerous museums of the city are just some of the places to be discovered.

The remarkable Modern Art museum - with more than 15 000 works! - houses one of the largest modern and contemporary art collections in France.

Dominated by the silhouette of a pit-head frame and surrounded by two slag heaps, the mine museum, on the site of Couriot mine shaft, takes visitors on a tour of a former mine through places such as the miners' changing room, the lamp room, underground galleries, the extraction room and power room.

Not to be missed either, the Museum of Art and Industry, and the Musée du Vieux Saint-Etienne local history museum.

Every other year in November is held the International Design Biennale, an event dedicated to the world of design and related professions.

Walkers will love the peaceful and unspoiled nature surrounding the town, particularly the nearby Loire gorges and Pilat mountain area.

It's impossible to admire all the works at the Saint-Étienne Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in one go! You will need several visits to see all of the 19,000 works on display to the public ... This is a real international institution in the field of modern and contemporary art, and is located on Rue Fernand Léger in the municipality of Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, close to Saint-Étienne.

There are 3,000 m² of exhibition rooms spread throughout the contemporary building, one of whose aims is to showcase the production of art and technology in the industrial era.

When it comes to paintings, there are works by Monet, Brauner, Magnelli, Léger, Picasso and more, and the department is completed by sections of older art, design and photography.

Visitors can also receive guidance as they discover the collections, through guided tours, workshops, experiments and "extra-mural" projects.

Good to know: a programme of temporary exhibitions showcases internationally renowned artists alternating with younger artists, with seasons devoted to European creativity and themed exhibitions.

In the small village of Hauterives, at the heart of the Drôme hills, one monument has been talked about around the world for over a century. It is here, within a lush garden, that Ferdinand Cheval, known as the Postman Cheval due to his job, built one of the most incredible works of art ever. This masterpiece of outsider art, built by just one man, was listed as a Historic Monument in 1969 by André Malraux as part of the naïve art movement. Even today, the Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace, which is admired by Surrealists like André Breton and Max Ernst, continues to inspire many artists.

Ferdinand Cheval began to build his palace in 1879 using stones he gathered on his rounds. He mainly found inspiration in books he read, nature and the postcards he delivered. The building has carvings of various monuments, mythological figures and animals of the world. Hindu temple, Egyptian tomb, medieval castle, mosque, Swiss chalet, tower of Barbary... Such are the creations that make up the palace. The walls are adorned with quotes and poems, one of which inspired the name of this exceptional work of art. In 1912, the Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace was finally completed, after 33 years' hard work!

Inaugurated in 2014, the museum adjoining the Ideal Palace documents the life and inspirations of this unusual character.

To complement your visit, another sight to see is the Postman Cheval's tomb at the municipal cemetery, which Ferdinand Cheval, at the age of 78, took 8 years to build and called "the tomb of silence and endless rest".

The successor to the Guimet Museum in Lyon, the Confluences Museum is a museum of natural history and societies housed in a futuristic glass, concrete and stainless steel structure on the Quai Perrache, at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers. Its aim: to give every visitor the keys to understanding the complexity of the world.

It is worth a visit for its structure alone, with its glass floor at the centre of the building, the "Crystal" to the north which is its main entrance, and the "Cloud" or main building comprising eight exhibition rooms.

Four permanent exhibitions, distinct but complementary, "Origins", "Societies, the theatre of humanity", "Species, the network of life", and "Eternities, visions of the afterlife", bring nearly 3,000 pieces to life on 3,000 m² of floor space: what are the origins of the Universe? Of life on earth? What is the place of humans in the chain of life? How are societies organised? What is the place of death in different civilisations? These are all questions that the Confluences Museum tries to answer, by encouraging dialogue between palaeontology, mineralogy, zoology, ethnography, archaeology, science and technology. But what could be more impressive than finding yourself face to face with the famous mammoth of Choulans, a camarasaurus, the Australian dugong or the mummy of Taubasthis?

Temporary exhibitions, digital and experimental spaces, and auditoriums are all among the activities to enjoy at this unmissable museum, to help us understand our world and explain it to young ones. They will no doubt jump at the chance to touch a rhinoceros skull or a lunar meteorite!

The ancient capital of the Gauls, Lyon was founded in the 1st century BC. The city has carried on developing ever since, and nowadays offers a remarkable architectural heritage. Let's set off to discover this city steeped in 2,000 years of history and home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lyon is famous for its historic centre, with treasures to amaze any visitor. Stroll around the picturesque streets of the old town, Vieux Lyon, spend some time in the Renaissance quarter, and admire the Cathedral of St. John. This Gothic building is notable for its four towers, 13th-century stained glass windows, Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of the Bourbons, bishop's throne and 14th-century astronomical clock. Don't miss the famous traboules, the inner passageways between streets that run through one or more buildings, containing tucked-away galleries, inner courtyards, ancient façades... The must-see Rue Saint-Jean is the main street in Vieux-Lyon, with a string of beautiful residences like the La Chamarerie mansion, the House of Lawyers or the Laurencin mansion.

Lyon also has a significant Roman heritage, exemplified by the remains of the Roman theatres. Located on the Fourvière hill, within the archaeological park which hosts the famous music festival Les Nuits de Fourvière every summer, they consist of a large theatre, the oldest Roman theatre in France, and the small theatre, the Odeon. Nearby, the Lugdunum Gallo-Roman Museum exhibits remarkable collections of sculptures, mosaics, jewellery and ceramics, as well as the famous Claudian Table, a bronze plaque inscribed with a speech given by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the year 48. At the top of the lush green hill is the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière, which overlooks the city. Built at the end of the 19th century, it has a richly decorated interior, as evidenced by the mosaics depicting the story of the Virgin. From the esplanade, you can enjoy a marvellous view over the city, and also over the Alps on a clear day. Continue to the Heights Park (Parc des Hauteurs), which offers many viewpoints over the Saône and the city.

Another of Lyon's hills, La Croix-Rousse, offers a village atmosphere at the top (le plateau) and picturesque slopes (les pentes). It was once the neighbourhood of the canuts, the specialist silk workers who made Lyon famous in the past. An ideal place for a stroll, La Croix-Rousse is full of sights to see, with its House of the Canuts, dedicated to the history of silk-making in Lyon, typical traboules, pretty shops, frescoes and trompe-l'oeil paintings like the impressive Wall of the Canuts. At the bottom of La Croix-Rousse, on Rue de la Martinière, you can admire the magnificent and unmissable Lyonnais Fresco.

Between the Rhône and the Saône, the Presqu'île invites walkers and shopaholics to discover its commercial streets lined with boutiques and its beautiful squares, including Place des Terreaux, Place Bellecour - the biggest in Lyon! - Place des Jacobins and Place Louis Pradel. Rue Mercière is an ideal place to indulge in Lyon's culinary specialities thanks to its many restaurants. In the midst of an urban renewal programme, the Confluence quarter dazzles visitors with its ultra-modern creations. The museum is a must-see, for its unusual architecture as well as its collections about the history of Earth and human evolution.

To unwind, nothing beats a walk in the Tête d'Or Park. A breath of fresh air in the city, featuring green spaces with century-old trees, a lake, a rose garden and a free zoo, this immense park attracts walkers, joggers and rollerbladers. The banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers are also ideal for pleasant strolls, as is Barbe Island in the middle of the Saône, where the remains of a Romanesque abbey will delight lovers of old buildings.

Lyon is also a major gastronomy destination. The authentic specialities served by the "bouchons" (small restaurants typical of Lyon), lovely brasseries and great Michelin-starred restaurants are proof of this. Located at 102 Cours Lafayette, in Lyon's 3rd district, the Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse is a covered food market with shops and restaurants offering excellent local products. This is the place to be for gourmets and anyone who loves good food.

When it comes to art and culture, Lyon offers a wide range of museums. You have the Museum of Fine Arts and its exceptional collections of paintings and sculptures; the Museum of Textiles and Decorative Arts, which houses the largest collection of textiles in the world; the Museum of Contemporary Art; the Puppetry Museum, which will delight children and adults alike; the Miniature and Cinema Museum with its incredible collection of objects used for special effects; the Museum of the Lumière Institute to discover the beginnings of the silver screen, and many more. Lyon Aquarium and Mini World Lyon are sure to please younger visitors.

The Festival of Lights in December is a magical and unforgettable experience. At night-time, the city's bridges, monuments and buildings are aglow with coloured lights. A magnificent spectacle not to be missed!

Founded in the city centre in 1801, in an old Benedictine abbey that is a listed Historic Monument better-known as the "Palace of St. Peter" ("Palais Saint-Pierre"), the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is one of Europe's most important museums.

Its collections cover a very long time period, ranging from ancient Egypt to modern art. In 70 rooms spread over three floors, visitors can discover countless masterpieces: three millennia of history in the Mediterranean Basin, from ancient Egypt to ancient Rome, in the "Antiquities" department; Byzantine ivories, painted Limoges enamel ware, Far Eastern ceramics and Renaissance earthenware in the art objects department; a medal room with 50,000 pieces; a graphic arts room; the main European pictorial art movements, from the Primitives to modern art, in the "Paintings" department; a remarkable collection of sculptures, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and more…

The museum has also added a novel twist by displaying 30 masterpieces of painting in gigapixels, from Courbet to Monet and Fragonard, through David and Poussin.

A very rich programme of activities and cultural events enables all audiences to discover the Art world in a personal way: themed discovery tours, including tours of the garden - a small miracle of peace and harmony - and the museum chapel, activities within the exhibitions, courses during the holidays, special tours for children with sketchbooks and pencils, and also discovery tours for families to learn all about art in a fun way…

Bordering the Rhône, opposite the Tain-l'Hermitage vineyards, stands the welcoming little town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, overlooked by the outline of the imposing 10th, 15th and 16th century Castle. You can admire this harmonious scene in peace from the Marc Seguin footbridge...

Once you have passed through the fine, nail-studded wooden door of the castle-museum, a former dwelling of the Lords of Tournon and now listed as an Historic Monument, you are able to explore its furnished rooms and important collections, which date from the Middle Ages to modern times. As well as tracing the history of the Counts of Tournon, the museum also concentrates on the arts and traditions of 19th and 20th-century Ardèche.

Those who like to walk will enjoy the opportunity to stroll in the garden of Eden, a verdant setting in a haven of peace, in the old town fortifications.

At the gates of Lyon and Saint-Étienne, the Lyonnais Mountains span the departments of Rhône and Loire, in the Massif Central foothills. This low mountain region offers varied landscapes of mountains and foothills, valleys, meadows, woods and forests, which will delight nature-lovers and athletes alike with its variety of outdoor pursuits. With its hundreds of kilometres of marked paths, hikers and mountain bikers will find plenty to keep them busy. For example, you can climb up to the Col de la Luère or the Signal de Saint-André to enjoy stunning views. From the latter, you will even be able to glimpse the Alps. For a relaxing day out or an adrenaline rush, head to Lake Le Ronzey in Yzeron or the Val d'Orzon climbing site in Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise respectively!

But the Lyonnais Mountains are also renowned for their built and industrial heritage. You will see many aqueducts, chapels, churches and old mills during your travels. To round off your adventure, learn all about the region's skills by visiting a former felt hat factory that is now the Hat Museum and Workshop, in Chazelles-sur-Lyon.

Called the Mastrou, or Ardèche Train, the Vivarais railway line is a metre gauge railway line for tourists, 33 kilometres long, connecting Lamastre and Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, near Tournon-sur-Rhône. The steam train and engine, both listed Historic Monuments, offer young and old the chance to explore the verdant Doux Valley, a conservation area with panoramic views which are inaccessible from the road.

A section of the Mastrou line can also be travelled by bicycle-rail (Vélorail), leaving from Boucieu-le-Roi. The line descends the Doux gorges for twelve kilometres, and the return journey is made by historic autorail. An excursion to be enjoyed as a couple, as a family or with friends!