Natural and cultural spots in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

A postman built this palace between 1879 and 1912 using stones and materials collected during his daily mail route.

The waterfall forms through volcanic rock formations and drops 60 meters over black basalt columns from the Ardèche plateau.

At 1885 meters, this mountain stands as the highest point of the Massif Central with views across the Auvergne region.

This alpine plateau at 2000 meters altitude hosts numerous plant and animal species with views of the Écrins glacier massifs.

This 13th century medieval castle stands on a peninsula in the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir.

The 14th century settlement on Lake Geneva's south shore features historic stone buildings with flower gardens.

This 16th century town features multicolored houses built on rocks above the Bourne river.

The 1551 meter high volcanic mountain marks the beginning of the Loire river and displays a pointed shape.

The caves contain long white stalactites and a river flowing through the interior for 600 meters.

The medieval stone building houses exhibitions about mountaineering and the history of Saint-Gervais region.

The basilica stands at 1800 meters altitude and was built following a Marian apparition in 1846.

The river has carved a 30-kilometer canyon with limestone cliffs reaching heights of 300 meters.

The circular rock face in the Chartreuse massif forms four waterfalls that descend from a height of 200 meters.

The marsh area hosts more than 200 bird species and various plant species in a 474-hectare nature reserve.

The 4-meter tall upright stone from the Neolithic period stands on a granite base in the forest of Haut-Vivarais.

The road runs along the cliffs and offers viewpoints over the 72-kilometer-long gorges and the reservoir.

Romanesque cathedral from the 11th century featuring a Gothic cloister, carved choir stalls and a museum displaying liturgical objects.

13th century fortress with a square keep and curtain wall built on a hill overlooking the lake.

16th century fortification with underground passages and defense systems built into the Rhône gorge.

Natural waterfall 60 meters high between limestone cliffs in the Ain department.

The village contains a Romanesque church from the 12th century with stone facade and vaulted ceilings.

The paper mill produces handmade paper since the 15th century and demonstrates traditional manufacturing techniques to visitors.

The 11th century fortress features gardens, defensive walls and medieval interior rooms.

The mountain reaches 1753 meters in height and provides marked trails through basalt rock and alpine vegetation.

16th century Gothic church featuring ornate marble tombs and stained glass windows in French late style.

Religious building from the 9th century with Romanesque portal, chapter house and medieval stone carvings.

Mountain of volcanic origin reaching 1388 meters with marked trails leading to the summit.

Natural cave with underground lake, stalactites, stalagmites and limestone geological formations.

The stone tower from the 13th century rises 30 meters high near the Allier river. Visitors can see the valley from the top.

The military fortress from the 15th century contains four round towers and stone walls. Inside are period furniture and wall paintings.

The stone structure from the 16th century crosses the Thiou canal in central Annecy and connects two neighborhoods with old buildings.

The river Jordanne carved this canyon with vertical rock walls. A marked path extends 4 kilometers through the formation.