List of Famous people born in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Olivier Merle is a former French rugby union footballer. He played as a lock. He was known by several nicknames, including "La Merluche" and "Le Massif Central". He was known for his violent play and after headbutting Ricky Evans the Welsh prop in Paris causing a ruck to collapse on him breaking his ankle, resulted in his being sued successfully in the courts for damages. This was the first case of its kind and BBC video evidence was used in court. After that he never played for France again.

Gaëtan Perrin is a French professional footballer who currently plays for US Orléans as a midfielder or as a striker.

Émilie de Turckheim is a French writer. She is a cousin of actress Charlotte de Turckheim.

Adrien Gouteyron was a French politician and a member of the Senate of France. He represented the Haute-Loire department and was a member of the Union for a Popular Movement Party.

Thierry Repentin is a French politician. He first served as the Junior Minister for Vocational Training and Apprenticeship and then as Secretary of State for European Affairs in the Jean Marc Ayrault II government from 2013 to 2014. In addition, he has been the mayor of Chambéry since 2020.

Yann David is a French professional rugby union centre and winger currently playing for Castres Olympique in the Top 14. He played two seasons for Bourgoin-Jallieu before joining the toulousians. He is 1.85m tall and weighs 105 kg. David studied at the private school St.Joseph Bourgoin-Jallieu. He has also participated for Dieux du stade in 2007. He played 30 matches for Bourgoin scoring 6 tries before joining Toulouse in 2009. In 2010 he was a replacement for the final as Toulouse won the Heineken Cup.

Jean-Pierre Marcon was a member of the National Assembly of France. He represented Haute-Loire's 1st constituency from 2007 to 2012 as a member of the Union for a Popular Movement. He was the substitute candidate for Laurent Wauquiez in the 2007 election and replaced Wauquiez when he was appointed to the government. He did not contest the 2012 election.

Frédéric Protat is a French former professional motorcycle racer. He was the 1991 250cc French superbike champion.

Yves Nicolin is the Mayor of Roanne. He was a member of the National Assembly of France, representing the Loire's 5th constituency from 1993 to 2017 as a member of UDF, UMP and then the Republicans.