Best of golf and Lyon in France's Rhone-Alps region

France's Rhone-Alps region is one of 33 regions in the country and the second most golf rich. Located in France's southeast, it's made up of the lowlands and river bed of the Rhone, as well as the French Alps, anchored by Grenoble, home to Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Grenoble International Golf Club.

The golf varies from older clubs to new golf courses, though many were built during the boom of the 1980s. Located on the Rhone River, Lyon is France's second largest city and is a culinary and cultural center. The old town features Renaissance architecture dating back to the 14th century. Up into the hills, there are Roman forums and amphitheaters.

Here's a look at some of the best of golf and travel in the Rhone-Alps.

Correncons de Vercors Golf Club

At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, Correncons de Vercors Golf Club is nestled in the French Alps.

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Cafes in Lyon, France

For French cuisine, the city of Lyon is filled with "bouchons," casual, often outdoor eateries.

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St. Etienne golf course

St. Etienne is a hilly municipal golf course about an hour from Lyon that was built on a former mine and landfill site.

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Grenoble International golf course

One of the Rhone-Alps' top championship courses is the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Grenoble International.

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Golf Du Governors

Located 25 kilometers outside Lyon, Golf du Governors features two championship golf courses and hosts a European Challenge Tour event.

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Lyon, France

A view from the rooftops of Lyon's Renaissance district.

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A view of Lyon, France

The Rhone and Sonne rivers pass through Lyon.

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Opera House - Lyon, France

The city center of Lyon is easily walkable and includes such landmarks as the historic Opera House.

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Cour Des Loges hotel

The Cour Des Loges is an historic luxury hotel in the heart of Lyon, with buildings dating back to the 14th century.

Courtesy of Cour des Loges

Loire Gorges

The view of the Loire Gorges from St. Victor, near Saint Etienne Golf Club.

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Monastery - Lyon, France

Boats can discover an old monastery lies tucked within the Loire Gorges.

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