RHÔNE (69)
County of Rhône-Alpes
3215 km2.
About 1 445 000 inhabitants
Chief Town: Lyon
Sub-prefecture: Villefranche-sur-Saône
Surrounded by the mountains and the Beaujolais, confluence zone between river Rhône and Saône, the department is characterized by a richness and spectacular diversity. The population density is explained by the proximity of Lyon where 80% of the population is concentrated. Lyon, gastronomy capital has a strategic central position which make it shine throughout the national and even national territory. Thanks to its wine, the history of its sites, the diversity of its landscape, The Rhône department has an unrivalled prestige. Boosted by an international will, awaked by present (Satolas International Airport, TGV, Road network) and future links (Rhin/Rhône, Lyon/Turin), the Rhône is the driving force of the Rhône-Alpes region with famous universities, scientific and chemical centers. The department succeeds in combining precious elements, whose introduction in an intelligent touristic policy has played a great part in the first class ranking of the Rhône Alpes region.