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French heritage: iconic sites and food of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
This sheet presents cultural landmarks of French society. It looks in particular at the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Key points of the sheet
- The Fourvière basilica is the symbol of Lyon. It stands on Fourvière hill and was built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan.
- The basilica is known for its original style and its rich interior decoration: mosaics, stained glass, marble. From its esplanade, you can see an exceptional view over Lyon.
- In December, during the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières), the basilica and the whole city of Lyon are lit up. Millions of visitors come every year.
- Fondue savoyarde is a mountain dish that is popular in the French Alps. People enjoy it in winter in ski resorts.
- It is melted French cheese (comté, beaufort, emmental) into which you dip bread. The cheese is often flavoured with white wine and garlic.
Words to know
- Fourvière basilica (basilique de Fourvière)
- It is the symbol of Lyon, built between 1872 and 1884 on Fourvière hill.
- Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
- In December, during this festival, the basilica and the whole city of Lyon are lit up.
- fondue savoyarde (Savoy cheese fondue)
- It is a mountain dish from the French Alps: you dip bread into melted cheese.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Who is the architect of the Fourvière basilica?
In French, the language of the exam: Qui est l'architecte de la basilique de Fourvière ?
The Fourvière basilica is the work of the architect Pierre Bossan.
When does the Festival of Lights take place in Lyon?
In French, the language of the exam: Quand a lieu la Fête des Lumières à Lyon ?
The Festival of Lights takes place in December. The city of Lyon is then lit up.
What is fondue savoyarde made with?
In French, the language of the exam: Avec quoi fait-on la fondue savoyarde ?
Fondue savoyarde is a dish made from melted French cheese. You dip bread into it.
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More in this topic (Culture)
- French heritage: iconic sites and food of Île-de-France
- French heritage: landmark sites and food of Occitanie
- French heritage: landmark sites and food in Centre-Val de Loire
Source
Sheet “Patrimoine français : sites emblématiques et gastronomie d’Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.