Dauphiné

Dauphiné is a historical province of France, located in the southeastern part of the country. It roughly corresponds to the present-day departments of Isère, Drôme, and Hautes-Alpes. The region is named after the title of Dauphin, which was historically held by the heir to the French throne. The Dauphin of France ruled Dauphiné as a semi-autonomous territory until its formal incorporation into the Kingdom of France in 1453.

The landscape of Dauphiné is characterized by dramatic mountain ranges, most notably the Alps. Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, is situated on its eastern border. The region also features significant river valleys, including the Rhône, Isère, and Durance. Historically, Dauphiné was a strategic area due to its mountainous terrain and its position as a gateway between France and Italy.

The capital of Dauphiné was Grenoble, a city known for its historical significance and its role as a center for administration and culture. Other important towns include Valence, Gap, and Vienne. The economy of Dauphiné has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly viticulture and fruit farming, as well as forestry and mining. In more recent times, tourism, especially winter sports and mountaineering, has become a major industry. The region's natural beauty and historical sites continue to attract visitors from around the world.