Whether you want to unleash your inner Indiana Jones, cultivate your cultural side, or delight in the delicious dishes of the French Alps, Grenoble is a great destination idea.
In Grenoble, it is not uncommon to see people still in their climbing gear, wearing hiking boots, or decked out in a full ski suit in the tram (come winter, that is). Since three mountain chains surround the city, you are just minutes away from hikes, ski resorts, rock climbs, and more. The Bastille lets hikers begin their trek from the city center and Chamrousse is just half an hour's drive away.
With the internationally-recognized Musée de Grenoble art museum and the MC2: Maison de la Culture, Grenoble offers culture vultures all they could ever want to prey on. Smaller arts centers like La Bobine concert hall and an annual line-up of quality festivals like the Cabaret Frappé make Grenoble an attractive city when it comes to all forms of culture and arts.
After a day of exploring, let the aromas of Grenoble play to your palette. Traditional restaurants like La Table Ronde and l'Auberge Napoléon serve some of the city's best local fare. For something with an international flair, try any one of Grenoble's many Asian, African, or Middle Eastern restaurants. There is something for every taste and every budget.
9 Place Verdun
Grenoble's old library and museum, that is worth a quick peek...
2 Rue Très-Cloîtres
Go under the Place Notre Dame to discover the foundations of Grenoble and into the museum to learn about its history...
Quai de France
A rare rock climbing site right in the city, but you'll need some experience before tackling this one...
The Berges de l'Isère offer a well-maintained promenade for cyclists, walkers, and roller-bladers...
An interesting memorial above the city--many locals don't even know about this place...
1 Place de la Gare
Renting a bike can be a great way to see Grenoble--it's one of France's flattest cities...
Charmant Som
A great hike from spring to fall, with a view of the secluded Chartreuse monastery from the summit...
Place de Gordes
A popular park for locals of all ages, but especially students and families with small children...
Place Saint Bruno
This lively market is where you will find everything from food to jewelry to clothes and tea sets. The key word here is dig, dig, dig...
19 Place Sainte-Claire
Abandon the hypermarkets and do your grocery shopping here. The Halles Sainte Claire is Grenoble's best place for traditional market shopping with quality products, friendly vendors, and plenty of atmosphere...
Site Bouchayer-Viallet, 155 cours Berriat
Le Magasin, National Center for Contemporary Art, presents temporary exhibits by renowned contemporary artists. Many exhibits are created on site, taking advantage of the vast former industrial space...
Quai Stéphane Jay
This 18th-century fortress symbolizes Grenoble and is a must-see site for visitors to the city...
5 place de Lavalette
Thanks to its ancient and 20th century art collections, the Musée de Grenoble is considered one of Europe's most prestigious. Art lovers should not miss this one...
A sprawling outdoor park with enough green space for the whole city...
30 rue Maurice-Gignoux
The Musée Dauphinois, housed in a 17th century convent, presents Alpine life from an anthropological and ethnological point of view. Think of it as a crash course in mountain life...
12 rue des arts
An often-overlooked gem that delights kids and adults alike...
Lumbin-St Hilaire landing area
This paragliding school just 30 minutes from Grenoble offers complete gliding lessons as well as beginner flights with a certified instructor. See Grenoble from a whole new perspective—the air...
Place Victor Hugo, 38000 Grenoble, France