Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a region of France, created by the territorial reform of French Regions in 2014 by the merger of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. The new region came into effect on 1 January 2016, after the regional elections in December 2015. It is located in the central and eastern part of southern France and is the third largest region in metropolitan France in terms of area, covering 69,711 square kilometers, and the second largest in terms of population, with more than 7.9 million inhabitants as of the latest census.

Geography

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is bordered by the regions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the north, Centre-Val de Loire to the northwest, Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the west, Occitanie to the south-west, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to the south, and Italy and Switzerland to the east. The region encompasses a wide range of landscapes, from the Massif Central in the west to the Alps in the east, including famous peaks such as Mont Blanc, which is the highest point in Western Europe. The region also features several major rivers, including the Rhône and the Loire.

Economy

The economy of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is diverse and robust, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, and tourism. The region is known for its significant contributions to the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries, as well as being a major center for chemical engineering. The presence of several research institutions and universities contributes to its strong innovation ecosystem. Tourism is also a significant part of the economy, with the Alps offering winter sports resorts and the rural areas of Auvergne providing natural parks and thermal spas.

Culture

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has a rich cultural heritage, with its history reflected in its architecture, including Romanesque churches and medieval castles. The region is known for its culinary traditions, which include cheeses such as Bleu d'Auvergne and meats like Charolais beef. It is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic site of Lyon, the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, and the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena.

Administrative divisions

The region is divided into 12 departments: Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie. Each department has its own unique characteristics and contributes to the region's diversity.

Education

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a center for higher education and research, hosting several universities and grandes écoles, including the University of Lyon, Grenoble Alpes University, and École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. These institutions attract students and researchers from around the world, adding to the region's multicultural atmosphere.

Transportation

The region benefits from a well-developed transportation network, including high-speed TGV lines connecting its major cities to Paris and other regions, a dense network of motorways, and several international airports, such as Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The mountainous areas are served by a network of cable cars and ski lifts, facilitating winter sports and tourism.