The city of Grenoble in France bears the unofficial title of “Capital of the French Alps” and is considered the flattest in all of Europe. It is located at the confluence of the Iser and Drak rivers, surrounded by mountain peaks and, despite this, its landscape does not even remotely resemble hilly. Ancient and modern architecture harmoniously coexist here. Scientists and students come here from all over the country, because this cosmopolitan city rightfully bears the title of the university center of France. In winter and summer, tourists coming to Grenoble try to combine exploring it with active recreation, conquering ski slopes on the slopes surrounding the city or exploring the numerous mountain hiking routes.
Business card
Grenoble is a famous city. It was here, in the house at 14 Jean-Jacques Rousseau, that the legendary French writer Stendhal was born, of which local residents are incredibly proud. In 1968, Grenoble became famous throughout the world by becoming the capital of the Winter Olympic Games. And even part of the action of Patrick Suskind’s novel “Perfume” takes place in Grenoble!
History and modernity
In the 1st century BC, the first fortified settlement called Kularo appeared in these places. It was founded by the Celtic tribe of the Allobroges. Only in the 3rd century AD did this place acquire the status of a city, which was renamed Gratianopolis in honor of the Western Roman Emperor Flavius Gratian in 381. Subsequently, the name, under the influence of linguistic changes, was transformed into Grenoble. Over the long centuries of its existence, the city managed to be part of the Kingdom of Provence and the feudal formation of Dauphiné. The Great French Revolution owes its beginning to this very place - in 1788, local residents defeated government troops, influencing the entire subsequent history of the country. So Grenoble in France can rightfully be called an iconic city.
What to see, where to visit
One of the main attractions of Grenoble is its famous Bastille fortress, located on one of the hills of the Chartreuse mountain range. The fortress acquired the appearance it has now in the 19th century, but back in the 16th century, during the period of religious wars, a defensive structure rose in its place. Today the Bastille is of exclusively excursion interest: with its observation deck there is an amazing view of the city, and a center for contemporary art, a restaurant and a military museum, located within the walls of the fortress, allow you to spend time here with interest and pleasure.
An equally notable attraction of Grenoble is its cable car, which connects historical Center with the Bastille fortress. The funicular was built back in 1934, when its cabins had a dodecahedron shape and could carry up to 15 passengers at a time. The cable car acquired its current appearance only in 1976, instantly becoming one of the main symbols of the city. Her plexiglass “bead booths” resemble local residents large soap bubbles, which is why they call them “bulles”. The funicular literally adorns the cityscape like an outlandish necklace.
Another symbol of Grenoble is three high-rise tower houses built for the 1968 Olympics. These were far from the first Olympic Games in France, so their organizers, using all their accumulated experience, decided to modernize the appearance of the city in this way. Built in the middle of the last century, the towers still look very modern.
Entertainment and active recreation
Fans of leisurely walks should definitely check out the Mistral Field Park. During the hot season, you can escape the summer heat here or have a picnic in the shade of the trees. Those wishing to get to know the city better will enjoy a walk along a special route on the city train Le Petit Train de la Mure, which passes through the most picturesque corners of French Grenoble. Fans of shopping will also find something to do here. The area around Place Grenette is home to numerous shops and boutiques where you can buy whatever you want.
Local cuisine and wines
Local dishes literally beckon with their aroma: a huge number of herbs grow in this region, with which local chefs generously flavor their masterpieces. Potatoes soaked in milk sauce, baked with cream in the oven - the famous “gratan” comes from here. Exquisite blue cheese is made only in this region of France. Grenoble will certainly offer you this in abundance. All this goes perfectly with the magnificent 50-degree drink La Chartreuse.
Where can I try all this? Connoisseurs of chic and fine cuisine will enjoy the Auberge Napoleon restaurant, considered one of the most prestigious in the city. Places Grenet, Saint-André and Notre-Dame offer wide choose cafe-bars. You should definitely visit Bar 1900, Le Glacier, Le Bagatel and Le Perroquet, and be sure to appreciate the small but very nice cocktail bar Styx, located in a 19th-century wine cellar on Kinveson Square.
Family holiday
Children will also be interested in Grenoble. The Mistral Fields Park has a large number of playgrounds, and the Archaeological Museum with a rich collection of exhibits found during excavations on the banks of the Iser River will introduce the younger generation to history.
Grenoble is a city with a population of about 158,000 citizens (550,000 including the suburbs), located in southeastern France, in the Rhone-Alpes region, which includes French Alps.
The climate in winter is quite cool, with snowfalls almost every year. In summer, it is often quite hot, since the mountains surrounding the city do not allow any air movement.
Grenoble is crossed by two rivers - the Drac and the Isère ("lion and snake"), and is also surrounded by three mountain ranges: Vercors, Chartreuse and Beldon.
The city is famous for its universities, the Minatek Center for Innovation Technologies, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, and its industrial center in the western suburbs. Moreover, it hosts a large number of foreign scientists and students.
How to get there
By plane
There are three airports near Grenoble:
- The airport, located 157 km from Grenoble, is the most popular place arrival air transport many airlines, and possibly cheaper than Lyon airport. Grenoble can be reached by car in less than 2 hours. By train (runs several times a day) the journey will take 3 - 4 hours. Price without discounts - 23.60 euros. If the train goes through , the trip will cost more and also take longer. There are also direct bus services to Grenoble that cost 56 euros.
Remember that this is a Swiss city, so it is important not to forget that it has its own currency (Swiss franc). Almost all businesses and retailers in Geneva accept euros, but exchange is made in Swiss francs.
Also in Grenoble there is a small landing strip(900 m) in the commune-settlement of Le Versu (15 km from the city).
By train
Some high speed trains(TGV) SNCF travels directly from Paris to Grenoble every day. The journey of 640 km takes 3 - 4 hours. The price without discounts for a one-way ticket is 70 euros. Young people and students are entitled to a one-time Découverte discount, which reduces the price by 25%. Those staying for more than a couple of months or planning to travel frequently by train may be advised to purchase the 12-25 card (worth 50 euros), which provides discounts of 25 to 50 percent.
Trains run hourly from Lyon (Part-Dieu station) to Grenoble, starting from 5.30 a.m. until midnight, and also, starting from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., from Grenoble to. A trip on TER (regional trains) takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes (75 - 90 minutes). The price without discounts is 20.20 euros. Train schedules sometimes include TER buses. The cost is the same, the duration is the same, they depart from the same station and arrive at the same destination.
TER trains also connect the city with Geneva in Switzerland (2 hours journey), the Southern Alps (Gap, Sisteron) and Valencia (1 hour journey), where you can change to TGV to southern France.
By car
Follow the highway from/to:
- A41, (via Chambery);
- A48, and ;
- A49, Valencia and ;
- A51, .
Grenoble may be difficult to navigate by car, but once you get acquainted with the "Park and Ride" parking system managed by Semitag-parking, you will understand that it is good way get to know the surrounding area.
Clue:
Grenoble - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Grenoble - weather by month
Clue:
Grenoble - weather by month
Main attractions. What to see
Bastille
An ancient series of fortifications overlooking Grenoble. You can get there by cable car (round trip - 7.15 euros as of April 2013), or you can go on a 40-minute hike.
Cemetery Saint Roch
This is the first city cemetery of Grenoble. Blessed by Bishop Claude Simon of Grenoble on August 19, 1810. It is the largest cemetery in the city with an area of 13 hectares (32.11 acres). Located in the building du Souvenir, next to Isère in the Ile-Vert district, it is the city's only active cemetery, currently housing 25,000 graves on an area of 13 hectares. Political leaders, military men and artists are buried in this cemetery. But the most luxurious graves are those of glove manufacturers. The sculptors Victor Seppi, Henri Dean, Eustathia Bernard, Aimé-Charles Hervoy, and Urbain Basset are buried in this cemetery. Also - many mayors of the city, dating back to the French Revolution. From Joseph-Marie de Barral, mayor in 1790, to Albert Michalon, mayor from 1959 to 1965. The painters Jules Flandrin and Jean Achard are also buried in Saint-Roch. The most notable monument in the Saint-Roch cemetery is the Chapel of Saint-Roch, built in 1826 and replacing an old chapel of the same name, built in the fifteenth century next to the leper hospital.
Palace of the Dauphiné Provincial Parliament
Until 2002 - a courthouse. Located on Place Saint-André. The building dates back to the 15th century. It is currently under reconstruction.
Cathedral (Place Notre-Dame, tram B)
Has changed significantly in recent years. Free travel guide gives a short history the building and some of the works of art contained within it (in French and English).
Little train La Mure
Travel through 18 tunnels and enjoy stunning views of the Drak River and the Monteynard Dam. Located in Saint-Georges-de-Comiers, 17 km from Grenoble. Unfortunately, a massive landslide in late 2010 forced the line to close and it had yet to resume service until April 2013. Part of the line is scheduled to open in 2015. Find out more before your trip.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Church of Saint-Louis (Place Victor Hugo, tram A, B, buses no. 3, 13, 33, 34).
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
Museum of the French Revolution. Located in the Vizille castle on Liberation Square, tel. (+33) 4 76 68 07 35, fax: (+33) 4 76 68 08 53. small town approximately 14 km south of Grenoble.
Art Museum (Musée de Grenoble), 5 Lavalette (near the cathedral, Notre-Dame tram B stop), tel. (+33) 4 76 63 44 10. Open 6 days a week from 10.00 to 18.30 (closed on Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, May 1). The museum deserves attention due to its modern, well-thought-out structure. It houses a wonderful collection of modern art. Among other things, the museum contains four works by Picasso, several good works by Matisse, one by Miro, one by Kandinsky and one by Andy Warhol.
Natural History Museum (Muséum d'histoire naturelle), 1 Rue Dolomieu, tel. (+33) 4 76 44 05 35, fax: (+33) 4 76 44 65 99, [email protected]. Open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.30; on Saturday and Sunday - from 14.00 to 18.00. Closed December 25, January 1, May 1. Provides services for people with disabilities. The museum has several good collections in the fields of mineralogy and alpine wildlife, and also has an aquarium.
Hydroelectricity Museum. Located in the Vasans massif, about 45 km south of Grenoble. Hydroelectric power station next to a large dam (Grand "Maison).
Dauphin Museum (Musée Dauphinois), 30 Maurice-Gignoux, tel. (+33) 4 76 85 19 01. Open from Wednesday to Monday, except January 1, May 1 and December 25. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00 from October to May, from 10.00 to 19.00 during the rest of the year. Free admission. This museum is located in the former monastery of Ste-Marie-d "en-Haut on the slope of Bastille hill. It hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the inhabitants and way of life of the historical province of Dauphine. The building is surrounded by pleasant gardens with beautiful views of the city. Exhibitions are held as in English and in French.
Museum of the Old Bishopric (L "Ancien Évêché), 2 Très Cloître, tel. (+33) 4 76 03 15 25, fax: (+33) 4 76 03 34 95. Open every day from 9.00 to 18.00, except Tuesday (13.30 - 18.00) and Sundays (10.00 - 19.00). Admission is free. The museum is located in the palace of a former bishop on Place Notre-Dame. It displays objects and works of art telling the history of the Isère region and its inhabitants from prehistoric times to the present day. Under The museum houses an archaeological crypt: the ruins of Rome's city walls and a remarkable 4th-century baptistery, discovered while working on tram line B. You can ask free audio guide(in French or English language) at the front desk.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation, 14 Hebert, tel. (+ 33) 4 76 42 38 53, fax: (+33) 4 76 42 55 89. You will learn a lot of interesting things from the history of the French Resistance in the Alps during the Second World War (information in English, French and German languages). Free admission.
Archaeological Museum of Grenoble (Musée Archéologique de Grenoble), Place Saint Laurent. It was first opened in 1846. Considered unique archaeological site. More than 3,000 exhibits and objects were restored here. Tel. (+33) 4 76 44 78 68. The opening day of the museum is May 6, 2011.
Parks
Mistral Field Park is a large park in the city center. It includes a roller rink, so people often play street hockey. The park attracts attention with its vast lawns and quiet shady alleys. In the center is the Perret Tower, built in 1925 to international exhibition, dedicated to hydropower. And when illuminated by blue lights at night, it looks a lot like both Dr. Who's sonic screwdriver and the Tower of Mordor. For at least 40 years it was impossible to climb due to safety problems.
Food. What to try
If you'd like to have an extensive guide to eateries with you while traveling, The Guide du Dahu is probably your go-to best guide for restaurants in Grenoble. The work of 20 students from the Grenoble Business School, it runs to 300 pages covering restaurants, bars, culture, sports and nightlife. You can buy it for 2.50 euros in tobacco shops and bookstores in the city. The Petit Futé series also offers a guide to Grenoble, which provides a huge list of restaurants and other establishments.
Bakeries (Boulangeries) and patisseries (Patisseries) not only bake wonderful pies and cakes, but also sell small quiches, paninis (Italian grilled sandwiches) and cold sandwiches. Grenoble is the “nut” capital of France, so look for small cakes (gateaux) with nut cream, especially in winter.
Only here you can buy first-hand the herbal liqueur Chartreuse, traditionally produced by the monks of Grande Chartreuse, a monastery located high in the mountains an hour's drive from Grenoble.
You can find many good restaurants in the city center, roughly between the train station, Place Saint-André and Place Notre-Dame. ST-Laurent city (on the north side of the Isère river) has a number of Italian restaurants and pizzerias. There are also several restaurants on Rue Brocherie and in the Place Aux Herbes area. IN winter time Be sure to try traditional Alpine dishes such as fondue, raclette and the legendary tartiflette.
Safety. What to watch out for
- The Drac is a small river and may appear safe, but water levels can change quickly, especially when water is released from the dam upstream.
- Avoid the Villeneuve area at night (tram stops La Bruyère, Harlequin and Grand Place), as well as the village of Olympique.
- Beware of pickpockets on tram and bus lines. Although petty theft is not common in Grenoble, it does exist.
- Bicycle theft is very common in Grenoble.
Things to do
For more information, visit the Isère Tourist Board website.
Education
Grenoble has been a center of academic science since the 14th century. Many universities are located in a purpose-built huge modern campus in St Martin d'Heres (accessible by tram, lines B,C and D). Here are the universities of science and technology (Joseph Fourier), humanities and social sciences (Pierre Mendès-France), languages, literature (Stendhal) and political sciences(Sciences PO).
Grenoble also has several Grandes Ecoles - engineering schools in the fields of physics, chemistry, electricity, as well as a famous business school. Browse Grenoble INP and Grenoble Ecole de Management, offering education specializations in innovation and technology management.
French courses are available through the Alliance Francaise.
Cinemas
You will find several cinemas in the city center, for example among the pedestrian streets or at the Nef Chavant multiplex. If you want to watch an English or American film with French subtitles, head to La Nef on Boulevard Edouard Rey, near Place Victor Hugo.
Hammam
If you want a spa/hammam, you'll have to leave the city and go to a suburb like Echirolles or Meylan.
French city of Grenoble (Rhône-Alpes region)
The French city of Grenoble is locality and a commune located in the south-eastern part of France. It is the center of the Isère department and historical region Dauphine.
Beautifully located on the banks of the Drak and Isère rivers and surrounded by the mountains, Grenoble, the unofficial “capital of the Alps”, is a vibrant modern city with four universities, in which over 50 thousand students study.
Grenoble's initial prosperity was based on the glove industry, but the city's economy diversified in the 19th century. Mining, cement, paper and metallurgical industries arose here and a hydroelectric power station was built.
After 1968, when the Winter Olympic Games were held in Grenoble, its international importance began to grow. Today, Grenoble is considered a center of the chemical and electronics industries, as well as nuclear research, with new laboratories of the Atomic Energy Commission on the banks of the Drac.
Arrival, city information and accommodation in Grenoble
The train station and bus station stand side by side at the western end of Avenue Felix Viallet, just a 10-minute walk from the most interesting parts of the city, located mainly on the left bank of the Isère.
The tourist office is located near the central Place Grenet (14 rue de la Republique). There you can purchase “Guide Dahu” (1.53 euros) - a guide to restaurants and nightclubs, compiled by local students (there is also an English version), here you will also find an information desk railways and urban transport.
Hikers and mountain climbers can register at the Cimes office, also called the Mountain Office information desk(Bureau Info Montagne), located in the Mountain House (Maison de la Montagne; 3 rue Raoul-Blanchard), or at the French Alpine Club (Club Alpin Francais; 32 avenue Felix Viallet), where you can get suggestions on climbs and detailed information about mountain places to live.
The center of the city's transport system, which includes trams and buses, is the dreary Place de Verdun, located near the tourist office in the direction of the southeast. A single ticket, common for tram and bus, costs 1.30 euros, and a book of 10 tickets costs 10.50 euros; There are also daily tickets for 3.50 euros. Concerning hotels, then there are plenty of them in Grenoble.
Grenoble Hotels
1). Hotel Acacia– Cozy modern hotel halfway between Place Victor Hugo and the river. Hotel address: 13 rue de Belgrade;
2). Hotel Alize– Modest but clean hotel near the train station. Hotel address: 1 place de la Gare;
3). Hotel Des Alpes – Family hotel good level close railway station, maintaining a beautiful appearance despite the aging decor. Hotel address: 45 avenue Felix-Viallet;
4). Hotel D'Angleterre– Comfortable and well-equipped hotel, conveniently located in relation to sights and train stations. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the square. Hotel address: 5 place Victor-Hugo;
5). Hotel Citotel de Patinoire– An excellent mid-range hotel with a generous breakfast for €6.50, located south-east of the city centre. Hotel address: 12 rue Marie-Chamoux;
6). Hotel De l'Europe– A well-maintained and welcoming hotel in the most picturesque square in Grenoble. Hotel address: 22 place Grenette;
7). Grand Hotel– An elegant 19th-century hotel in the city center close to the tourist office. Hotel address: 5 rue de la Republique;
8). Hotel Lakanal– Inexpensive and unpretentious, but comfortable hotel, where you can often find free rooms when other hotels are full. It is a little off the beaten path and 10 minutes southwest of Place Victor Hugo near the Gambetta tram stop. Hotel address: 26 rue des Bergers;
9). Hotel Du Moucherotte– A small, old-fashioned hotel near Place Saint-Clair and a few steps from the city tourist office. Hotel address: 1 rue Auguste-Gache;
10). Hotel Park Hotel – Luxurious 4-star hotel with a majestic facade overlooking one of the most picturesque squares of the Old Town. Hotel address: 10 place Paul-Mistral;
11). Hotel de la Poste– A small, friendly and rather old-fashioned hotel on a pedestrian street near Place Vaucançon. The hotel owner speaks English. Hotel address: 25 rue de la Poste;
12). Hotel Terminus– Welcoming and well appointed old hotel with spacious rooms, quiet, despite the proximity to train stations. Hotel address: 10 place de la Gare.
Camping Grenoble
1). Camping Ler Trois Pucelles– Camping location: 58 rue des Allobroges, in Sessene on the left bank of the Drac, 4 kilometers west of the city. Take tram number 5 to the Louis Maisonnat stop, where you change to bus number 51 or 57 and go to the Mas deslles stop ( night bus No. 2 connects this stop with the central Place Victor Hugo).
Sights of Grenoble
The best way to start your stay in Grenoble is to take the cable car from Quai Stephane-Jay to Fort de la Bastille on a steep slope above the northern bank of the Isère. The ascent is breathtaking as you soar through the air in a transparent egg-shaped cabin. If you don't like the sound of the cable car, you can walk up the steep but scenic path from the Saint-Laurent church.
The fort itself is not of great tourist interest, but the views from it are fantastic. At your feet, under the old bridges that connect the Saint-Laurent quarter, settled in the 19th century by immigrants from Italy, with the medieval core of the city, whose red roofs cluster around the Church of Saint-André, flows the Isère.
In the east, in the valleys of the Belledon massif (2978 meters), snow sparkles, in the southeast Tellefer is visible, and in the extreme southeast there is a depression through which Napoleon's Way runs, leading to Sisteron and further to the Mediterranean Sea.
The beautiful city of Grenoble is located at the foot of the Alps at the confluence of the Drac and Isère rivers. Grenoble is real paradise for travelers, because here you can all year round engage in various activities active rest: Skiing in winter, hiking, biking or swimming in summer.
Grenoble is home to major universities and important landmarks such as the Grenoble Parliament of the Dauphine, the Saint-Laurent Museum of Archeology and the Parc. Fields of the Mistral. This city is not only beautiful, it is also full of history and rich in cultural and scientific life.
Visit the stunning Bastille, reached by one of the first cable cars in the world. Cable car Grenoble was built in 1934. Its iconic bubble-shaped booths offer stunning views of the city and the Alps. If you want an unforgettable experience, don't forget to take a ride on this cable car.
First city wall was built from limestone blocks during Roman Gaul. Take Le Petit Train de la Mure on an enchanting journey through the breathtaking natural beauty of Grenoble, passing through stunning bridges and tunnels along the way.
Grenoble-Isère Airport is 4 km from Grenoble and 3 km from Saint-Etienne-de-Saint-Jouard. The drive to the airport from Lyon, Chambery and Valence takes approximately 1 hour. The site will help you find the right hotel, apartment or condominium hotel in Grenoble and the surrounding area.
At the foot of the majestic mountain ranges Vercors, Beldon and Chartreuse are beautiful. His calling cardis the famous fortress La Forteresse De La Bastille (Bastille), located onmountain plateau in the city center. If you decide to stay in Grenoble, take a look best deals hotels at this link.
Historical places
Is oldest city France. It preserves ancient buildingssacred architecture. The temple complex attracts a huge number of tourists(Le complexe du temple). It includes: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Grenoble (CathedralOur Lady of Grenoble), the palace-museum of Bishop L'Ancien Eveche with the ruins of a building forcarrying out the sacrament of baptism (baptistery), Church of Eglise Saint Hugues (St. Hugo)and Eglise Saint André (St. Andrew). The complex is located on Superficie De Notre-Dame, in the center of which is the delightful fountain Fontaine des trois ordres.
Of no less interest are:
1. Archaeological Museum, located at Eglise saint-Laurent, Place Saint-Laurent. You can visit it from Wednesday to Friday. It is open for visitors from 10-00 to 17-00.
2. Museum at Place Lavalette. It exhibits works by Picasso, Matisse, Gauguin, Canalleto and Rubens, ancient Egyptian exhibits and much more. Entrancefree. Opening hours from 10-00.
3. Stendhal Museum I'm at Place Saint André. Opening hours from 10-00, admission is free.
4. Dauphin Museum in the monastery of Ste-Marie-d'en-Haut.
Bastille
Not complete without a visit The main attraction is Fort de la Bastille. Get toYou can enjoy it in the transparent cabin of the funicular, made in the shape of an egg. FunicularOpen daily from 10:00 to 00:00 from April to September. Opening hours inautumn-winter period - from 11:00 to 18:30. The cost of a one-way ticket is about 5Euro. A round-trip ticket costs 7.15 euros. The lift departs from the station, whichlocated at the intersection of rue Hector Berlioz and the embankment bord de mer Stéphane Jay.The entrance is free.
Scientific centers
Grenoble is considered the second most important scientific and educational center in France after Paris. Here are located:
CENG (Europe's largest nuclear center);
Minatec (innovative technology development center):
Hewlett-Packard (European Research Center).
Festivals
Various festivals are held annually.
2. In July - the Open Air Short Film Festival (short films) at outdoors;
3. Music Festival Cabaret Frappe.
