Download the around.us app
For a better experience, use our mobile application.

Secret spotted: unveiling Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes' hidden wonders

From the serene trails of untouched nature to the timeless charm of clandestine cultural sites, this curated collection takes you on a journey through hidden nooks and lesser-known locales of the breathtaking Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. These tucked-away treasures offer an authentic slice of French allure far from the tourist throngs.

Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval

Drôme, France

A unique palace created single-handedly by a postman over 33 years.

Cascade du Ray-Pic
Cascade du Ray-Pic

Ardèche, France

A striking waterfall erupting from basaltic rock formations.

Puy de Sancy
Puy de Sancy

Puy-de-Dôme, France

The highest peak in the Massif Central offering panoramic views.

Plateau d'Emparis
Plateau d'Emparis

Isère, France

An alpine plateau with rich biodiversity, offering a majestic view of the Écrins.

Château de Val
Château de Val

Cantal, France

A beautifully preserved castle perched on the edge of Lac de Bort-les-Orgues.

Yvoire
Yvoire

Haute-Savoie, France

A medieval village with remarkable floral decorations and Lake Geneva views.

Pont en Royans
Pont en Royans

Isère, France

Charming town known for its colorful hanging houses over the Bourne river.

Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Mont Gerbier de Jonc

Ardèche, France

Iconic mountain source of the Loire River with distinctive volcanic shape.

Grottes de Choranche
Grottes de Choranche

Isère, France

Striking caves filled with delicate stalactites and a subterranean river.

Maison Forte de Hautetour
Maison Forte de Hautetour

Haute-Savoie, France

A fortified house turned museum showcasing local heritage and history.

Notre-Dame de la Salette
Notre-Dame de la Salette

Isère, France

An important pilgrimage site with a basilica set high in the alpine mountains.

Gorges de l'Ardèche
Gorges de l'Ardèche

Ardèche, France

A series of gorges in the Ardèche river forming a stunning canyon.

Cirque de Saint-Même
Cirque de Saint-Même

Savoie, France

A natural spectacle with waterfalls and cliffs in the Chartreuse.

Marais de Lavours
Marais de Lavours

Ain, France

A preserved wetland ideal for bird watching.

Menhir de Pierrefiche
Menhir de Pierrefiche

Ardèche, France

A historic menhir located in Haut-Vivarais.

La Corniche du Drac
La Corniche du Drac

Isère, France

A panoramic route overlooking the gorges of the Drac and Lake Monteynard.

Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Maurienne
Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Maurienne

Savoie, France

Medieval cathedral with artistic treasures in the historic heart of Maurienne.

Château de Thomas II
Château de Thomas II

Savoie, France

Ruins of a medieval fortress located near Lake Bourget.

Fort l'Écluse
Fort l'Écluse

Ain, France

Former military fortress offering breathtaking views of the Rhône.

La Cascade de Glandieu
La Cascade de Glandieu

Ain, France

Picturesque waterfall cascading over 60 meters in Bugey.

Châtel-Montagne
Châtel-Montagne

Allier, France

Picturesque village with an iconic Romanesque church dating from the 12th century.

Moulin Richard de Bas
Moulin Richard de Bas

Puy-de-Dôme, France

The last historic paper mill in Auvergne, offering tours and workshops.

Château de Virieu
Château de Virieu

Isère, France

A medieval fortress that organizes guided tours and cultural events.

Mont Mézenc
Mont Mézenc

Haute-Loire, France

Volcanic summit offering hiking trails and panoramic views.

Monastère royal de Brou
Monastère royal de Brou

Ain, France

Masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art with princely tombs.

Abbaye de Charlieu
Abbaye de Charlieu

Loire, France

Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century with remarkable Romanesque sculptures.

Le Pic de Lizieux
Le Pic de Lizieux

Haute-Loire, France

A volcanic relief offering easy walks and an exceptional panorama.

Grotte de la Balme
Grotte de la Balme

Isère, France

Mysterious underground caves known for their intricate rock formations and legends.

Le Donjon de Montpeyroux
Le Donjon de Montpeyroux

Puy-de-Dôme, France

A well-preserved medieval tower offering panoramic views over the Allier valley.

Château d'Anjony
Château d'Anjony

Cantal, France

French fortress, is a gem of medieval architecture, renowned for its fascinating history and unique defensive style.

Perrière bridge
Perrière bridge

Haute-Savoie, France

Historic bridge in Annecy, is known for its charming structure and offers a picturesque view of the canal and the town's old houses.

Gorges de la Jordanne
Gorges de la Jordanne

Cantal, France

A picturesque trail winds through rugged landscapes with bridges over a lively stream.

Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval A unique palace created single-handedly by a postman over 33 years.

Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval A unique palace created single-handedly by a postman over 33 years.
Cascade du Ray-Pic A striking waterfall erupting from basaltic rock formations.

Cascade du Ray-Pic
Cascade du Ray-Pic A striking waterfall erupting from basaltic rock formations.
Puy de Sancy The highest peak in the Massif Central offering panoramic views.

Puy de Sancy
Puy de Sancy The highest peak in the Massif Central offering panoramic views.
Plateau d'Emparis An alpine plateau with rich biodiversity, offering a majestic view of the Écrins.

Plateau d'Emparis
Plateau d'Emparis An alpine plateau with rich biodiversity, offering a majestic view of the Écrins.
Château de Val A beautifully preserved castle perched on the edge of Lac de Bort-les-Orgues.

Château de Val
Château de Val A beautifully preserved castle perched on the edge of Lac de Bort-les-Orgues.
Yvoire A medieval village with remarkable floral decorations and Lake Geneva views.

Yvoire
Yvoire A medieval village with remarkable floral decorations and Lake Geneva views.
Pont en Royans Charming town known for its colorful hanging houses over the Bourne river.

Pont en Royans
Pont en Royans Charming town known for its colorful hanging houses over the Bourne river.
Mont Gerbier de Jonc Iconic mountain source of the Loire River with distinctive volcanic shape.

Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Mont Gerbier de Jonc Iconic mountain source of the Loire River with distinctive volcanic shape.
Grottes de Choranche Striking caves filled with delicate stalactites and a subterranean river.

Grottes de Choranche
Grottes de Choranche Striking caves filled with delicate stalactites and a subterranean river.
Maison Forte de Hautetour A fortified house turned museum showcasing local heritage and history.

Maison Forte de Hautetour
Maison Forte de Hautetour A fortified house turned museum showcasing local heritage and history.
Notre-Dame de la Salette An important pilgrimage site with a basilica set high in the alpine mountains.

Notre-Dame de la Salette
Notre-Dame de la Salette An important pilgrimage site with a basilica set high in the alpine mountains.
Gorges de l'Ardèche A series of gorges in the Ardèche river forming a stunning canyon.

Gorges de l'Ardèche
Gorges de l'Ardèche A series of gorges in the Ardèche river forming a stunning canyon.
Cirque de Saint-Même A natural spectacle with waterfalls and cliffs in the Chartreuse.

Cirque de Saint-Même
Cirque de Saint-Même A natural spectacle with waterfalls and cliffs in the Chartreuse.
Marais de Lavours A preserved wetland ideal for bird watching.

Marais de Lavours
Marais de Lavours A preserved wetland ideal for bird watching.
Menhir de Pierrefiche A historic menhir located in Haut-Vivarais.

Menhir de Pierrefiche
Menhir de Pierrefiche A historic menhir located in Haut-Vivarais.
La Corniche du Drac A panoramic route overlooking the gorges of the Drac and Lake Monteynard.

La Corniche du Drac
La Corniche du Drac A panoramic route overlooking the gorges of the Drac and Lake Monteynard.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Maurienne Medieval cathedral with artistic treasures in the historic heart of Maurienne.

Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Maurienne
Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Maurienne Medieval cathedral with artistic treasures in the historic heart of Maurienne.
Château de Thomas II Ruins of a medieval fortress located near Lake Bourget.

Château de Thomas II
Château de Thomas II Ruins of a medieval fortress located near Lake Bourget.
Fort l'Écluse Former military fortress offering breathtaking views of the Rhône.

Fort l'Écluse
Fort l'Écluse Former military fortress offering breathtaking views of the Rhône.
La Cascade de Glandieu Picturesque waterfall cascading over 60 meters in Bugey.

La Cascade de Glandieu
La Cascade de Glandieu Picturesque waterfall cascading over 60 meters in Bugey.
Châtel-Montagne Picturesque village with an iconic Romanesque church dating from the 12th century.

Châtel-Montagne
Châtel-Montagne Picturesque village with an iconic Romanesque church dating from the 12th century.
Moulin Richard de Bas The last historic paper mill in Auvergne, offering tours and workshops.

Moulin Richard de Bas
Moulin Richard de Bas The last historic paper mill in Auvergne, offering tours and workshops.
Château de Virieu A medieval fortress that organizes guided tours and cultural events.

Château de Virieu
Château de Virieu A medieval fortress that organizes guided tours and cultural events.
Mont Mézenc Volcanic summit offering hiking trails and panoramic views.

Mont Mézenc
Mont Mézenc Volcanic summit offering hiking trails and panoramic views.
Monastère royal de Brou Masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art with princely tombs.

Monastère royal de Brou
Monastère royal de Brou Masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art with princely tombs.
Abbaye de Charlieu Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century with remarkable Romanesque sculptures.

Abbaye de Charlieu
Abbaye de Charlieu Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century with remarkable Romanesque sculptures.
Le Pic de Lizieux A volcanic relief offering easy walks and an exceptional panorama.

Le Pic de Lizieux
Le Pic de Lizieux A volcanic relief offering easy walks and an exceptional panorama.
Grotte de la Balme Mysterious underground caves known for their intricate rock formations and legends.

Grotte de la Balme
Grotte de la Balme Mysterious underground caves known for their intricate rock formations and legends.
Le Donjon de Montpeyroux A well-preserved medieval tower offering panoramic views over the Allier valley.

Le Donjon de Montpeyroux
Le Donjon de Montpeyroux A well-preserved medieval tower offering panoramic views over the Allier valley.
Château d'Anjony French fortress, is a gem of medieval architecture, renowned for its fascinating history and unique defensive style.

Château d'Anjony
Château d'Anjony French fortress, is a gem of medieval architecture, renowned for its fascinating history and unique defensive style.
Perrière bridge Historic bridge in Annecy, is known for its charming structure and offers a picturesque view of the canal and the town's old houses.

Perrière bridge
Perrière bridge Historic bridge in Annecy, is known for its charming structure and offers a picturesque view of the canal and the town's old houses.
Gorges de la Jordanne A picturesque trail winds through rugged landscapes with bridges over a lively stream.

Gorges de la Jordanne
Gorges de la Jordanne A picturesque trail winds through rugged landscapes with bridges over a lively stream.