Grenoble City Breaks

A guide to Grenoble

At the confluence of the raging Drac and Isere Rivers in the foothills of the French Alps lies the bustling city of Grenoble. It is a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors, be it adrenaline sports, skiing or summer mountain trekking. Grenoble also offers the visitor a wealth of fascinating history to explore. Besides the rugged mountain scenery, the most imposing attraction is the ancient Bastille fort overlooking the city, which can be reached by cable car affording stunning Alpine views on a clear day. History lovers are in for a real treat too, as museums abound, displaying fine art, Stone Age relics and recently unearthed Roman antiquities.

Captivating history and spectacular scenery

As a proud host of the Winter Olympics of 1968, Grenoble has a rich variety of outdoor activities to be had throughout the year. It is the perfect base for a skiing holiday, with easy access to the nearby snowboarder’s haven of L'Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes. In the summer, visitors can enjoy paragliding, rock climbing and bungee-jumping, as well as relaxing walking in the foothills, the serene Lac de Paladru or the ancient Grottes de Choranche caves.

A vibrant French party town

Grenoble is one of France’s major university cities and has a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with plenty going on day and night. Place St Andre and Place Notre Dame offer a wide selection of trendy cafes that transform into bohemian drinking holes after dark, and the city plays host to many vibrant summertime arts and culture festivals.