French Alps and Lyon

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2020 | After exploring the proud cuisine capital of Lyon — which, at least in its own mind, rivals Paris — we head for Chamonix, in the shadow of western Europe’s tallest peak: Mont Blanc. With the classic alpine resort as our springboard, we make some high-altitude cheese, then ride the lift up to the Aiguille du Midi and over to the border of Italy. And we hike the Tour du Mont Blanc — the trail that circles that iconic mountain. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #frenchalps

Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:

Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

[rajatjims]

So polite and humble. Reminding us of old days and not like today's travel travel videos are Excellent treat to watch

[kathyobrusanszki]

Rick Steves does such a great job adding the historical and cultural relevance to the sites of each region.

[bensev]

My problem with the Rick Steves films... they are too short!!! Loved this episode!!

[TravelingisFREEDOM]

This part of France looks magnificent, I hope I can visit it sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!

[swisssights]

The French Alps are as beautiful as the food in France is good. The area around mont Blanc is breathtaking! Big like from Switzerland!

[soumyajitkar]

For the tranquil traveller, Lyon makes for a wonderful alternative to Paris, and I say this as a Parisian. The Lyonnais are friendlier than the Parisians (arguably), the food scene feels more authentic and homely, the city is much more manageable and is the perfect gateway to fan out to Provence, Savoie or Bourgogne (Burgundy), or even Italy (Piedmont/Genova) and Switzerland.
Thanks for the characteristic warmth in the video Rick :)

[DianeNomadz]

What a wonderful episode! Thank you Rick for keeping our travel dreams alive!

[Chironex_Fleckeri]

So relaxing 🥱😌. I want to spend a half decade in France with an old 2CV. The French are lucky to have a country with so much of everything. History, culture, cuisine, the most beautiful scenery in Europe, technology, economy, a beautiful language.

[fakerating]

This was my all time favorite episode... it just had everything: city sights, historic sights, food, nature... can't wait to go back to Europe!

[monicacall]

Lyon is a beautiful place. Chamonix is too crowded and expensive for our tastes. The Vercors Region just south of Grenoble has beautiful views, fabulous hikes, food that’s to die for, and it’s much less crowded and much less expensive. The Resistance Museum is a must see. The French Alps and Lyon are my favorite parts of France.

[timmurphy]

Of all the zillions of places you have gone and shared with us on your Travels, this one is just INSPIRING in the upmost. I;ve been to Lyon and fell head over heels for the city, but didn't get to Chamonix or the French Alps. Your show has made me reach for my pack and head back to Lyon and walk the Tour de Mont Blanc! Thanks Rick.

[melsvids]

Thanks Rick and PBS for putting full episodes on YouTube! 👍🏼 I am planning my first trip to Europe for my 50th birthday in two years, hopefully everything will get back to normal to travel by then! I am watching all Rick;s videos and reading up on his travel guides..Hopefully Rick can get back soon to do new shows, post pandemic travel experience Europe soon.

[SAB-exde]

Rick Steves ignited the passion of Europe in me. I'll visit all the countries of Europe without fail. Someday sooner.

[danielstarnes]

Seeing Rick Steves in a Cascadia shirt makes me love him even more.

[worldcitizeng]

If I hike for 6 hours/day on high altitude, I will need to eat more than 1 sausage lol This episode is different, instead of a typical hotel, Rick was staying in a hut/hostel, the kind of environment I like. It will motivate me to hike when I know there's a cheese shop on the way! My first visit to Lyon was a day trip from Paris, then my second visit to Lyon was a 3 days stay, all I remember was all the hills I had to walked up to with my luggage!
Before 2019, I was planning my hike to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Thru my research, I learned that it's a very expensive trip. The 8 days hike must be guided, the crew will carry all the food/water, cookware etc to cook at each stop, set up tent etc. There's no hut like this trail, so the price tag was too high for me and I found out my knee injury prevents from this type of hike, it's a good thing I didn't commit to it. Instead, I went to spend 23 days in 2019 all over Turkey, including 3 days of sailing along the Turkish Rivera, I had a great time exploring a new country. During last year lock down, I was so glad I traveled all over the places in 2019.

[jennifergehring-treloar]

My 2yr old knows the Rick Steve's jingle already. We ❤ Rick Steves and when I travelled to Europe last, when I was pregnant with my child, he was my saviour! I knew what to look for and even how to do what I needed. Just fabulous. Thanks Rick!

[Piboon]

Many thanks to Rick and all the people involved in this video production. I have seen many, many videos of this channel, and never been disappointed in any. This episode is definitely one of the many best.

[mm.]

Humble, polite and classy, that’s how i like travel vloggers.

[Dashingdiva]

I love the hiking feature. I can do it vicariously through you and Cassandra!

[ck]

Another impressive Rick Steves episode!