Goes with a bang in the bars of Grenoble. Open left menu Grenoble. Temple complex of Grenoble

In the very heart French Alps , lies the city of Grenoble, known primarily as the birthplace of Stendhal. The first settlements here, dating back to the 1st century BC, belonged to the Celtic tribe of the Allobroges and were called Cularo. Then, when the city was captured by the Roman Empire, it was renamed Gratianopolis in honor of the Roman Emperor Gratian. Gradually the name transformed into modern Grenoble.

In the 11th century the city became the capital historical region Dauphiné has long been an important border point and site of hostilities between France and the Duchy of Savoy.

Today, Grenoble is an important tourist, educational and scientific center of France, as it is home to such important companies as the Hewlett-Packard European Research Center, the Minatec Center for Innovation Technologies and the CENG Nuclear Research Center, as well as hundreds of other high-tech enterprises.

Climate and weather

Grenoble lies in a temperate continental climate, influenced by the mountains surrounding the city on all sides, as well as the relative proximity Mediterranean Sea. In winter, the city often experiences low sub-zero temperatures (-2...-4 °C), which are tolerated quite easily due to the almost complete absence of winds. In summer it is hot in Grenoble (up to +30...+34 °C) and also windless, so for sightseeing tours of the city it is better to choose warm, but not hot days in late spring or early autumn, although during this period there are many strong but short days. rains.

Nature

The nature of the Isère department, unlike most other regions of France, has remained wild to this day. The varied landscape, consisting of plains, hills and mountains, delights the eye with emerald forests, crystal clean lakes, mysterious grottoes and snow-capped peaks.

Three regional natural parks have been created on the territory of Isère: Vercors, Chartreuse and Ecrins, distinguished by the highest mountains. Parks are created to protect the plant and animal diversity of the region. All of them are open to the public, but in some places you can only travel on foot.

Grenoble itself, surrounded by mountains, is located in a valley Iser and Drak rivers and is one of the flattest cities in Europe.

Attractions

Walking along the ancient streets of the city, you can admire many beautiful architectural works, among which it is necessary to highlight the Palace of the Dauphiné Parliament ( Palais du Parlement du Dauphiné), construction of which began in 1500 and continued until 1562. Mansion of the Duke de Lediguières ( Hotel de Lesdiguières), built in 1602, served as a residence for French monarchs and their retinue when visiting Grenoble. In the 19th century it housed city ​​hall. From 1970 to 2006, the Stendhal Literary Museum operated in the mansion. One of the few medieval secular buildings in Grenoble that has survived to this day is the mansion of Pierre Buchet ( Hotel Pierre Bucher), built in 1560.

As in other ancient cities of Catholic France, in Grenoble you can admire numerous monuments of sacred architecture. A most interesting place is a temple complex consisting of the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Grenoble ( Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Grenoble), Church of St. Hugh ( Eglise Saint Hugues), bishop's palace and the ruins of the baptistery, created in the 3rd century (the building where the baptism ceremony took place). Here, on the Square of Our Lady, there is a magnificent Fountain of the Three Estates ( Fontaine des trois ordres).

You can learn more about the history of the city and region by visiting local museums - Grenoble Museum and Dauphinois Museum(located in the building of the former monastery of visitantes).

To admire the panorama of the city from a bird's eye view, all tourists go to the one standing in the middle of Grenoble Mount Bastille(Bastille), on which it is located ancient fortress. To climb the mountain without any extra effort, you should take the funicular, which departs from the station located between the Stéphane Jay embankment and Rue Hector Berlioz. The fare is 4.95 € one way and 7.15 € round trip.

Nutrition

Tradition is very important in the traditional cuisine of Grenoble. Many ingredients that make up the local dishes are produced only in this particular region. Speaking of local products, special attention should be paid to cheeses such as Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage, created by local cheesemakers since the 14th century, and Saint Marcellin, characterized by a light fruity aroma.

Grenoble walnuts, which are grown exclusively in this region, enjoy well-deserved fame for their excellent unique taste. This product is present in many dishes local cuisine, ranging from sauces and meat delicacies to amazing sweets.

In the vicinity of the city you will not find vineyards, therefore there are no local wine varieties here, but there is a unique herbal liqueur “Chartreuse” ( La Chartreuse), produced in a monastery of the Carthusian order in the suburbs of Grenoble since 1605.

The most popular among tourists are: local dishes like potato casserole gratin, ravioli with cheese and parsley ravioles du Royans, pork legs stewed with vegetables, pieces of beef, tongue and sausages potee dauphinoise and also meat pie caillette. Among desserts, you should pay attention to cakes with walnuts gateau aux noix de Grenoble.

If you want to eat deliciously and inexpensively, feel free to go to establishments that have the word brasserie in their name. Original gourmet dishes from chefs the highest level can be ordered from establishments such as Louis 10, Auberge Napoleon, L'Escalier, Le fantin latour. In addition to restaurants specializing in local and general French cuisine, the city has a number of establishments serving international, Italian and Asian cuisine.

The most famous establishment in Grenoble is the Round Table cafe ( Cafe La Table Ronde), founded in 1739. In the 19th century, artists, writers and actors gathered here, and during the Second World War, the cafe became a secret meeting place for members of the anti-fascist resistance movement. It was here that journalist Zhan Peng was captured. Today, the Round Table is visited by many celebrities, and they leave their autographs in the Book of Honorary Visitors. Concerts of original songs are held here every week.

There are restaurants on Mount Bastille Le Téléférique and Chez le Pèr’ Gras, whose terraces offer beautiful views of the city, as well as a fast food restaurant where you can buy the famous French sandwich Croque-Monsieur, sugar wafers and soft drinks.

Accommodation

Relatively small Grenoble has more than five dozen hotels of all categories except 5-star ones. And this is not counting the hotels and boarding houses located in the nearest ski resorts. The minimum cost of living in hotels in the city is about 55 € per Double Room. The average price of a room in a three-star hotel is approximately 70-95 €, in a 4-star hotel - 140 €. A place in a youth hostel will cost 22.5-25 € per person per night.

Entertainment and relaxation

Since Grenoble is the capital French Alps, lovers of active recreation will always find something to their liking here: light walking or cycling along hiking trails, climbing the most high mountains, excursions to picturesque natural parks region riding a donkey, riding

skiing or dog sledding. Just a short drive from the center of Grenoble, you can enjoy horseback riding in the Alpine foothills, with amazing views of the city.

In the vicinity of Grenoble you will have a unique opportunity to play golf on high-quality emerald courses in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. In all golf clubs you can get playing lessons from real professionals.

If you are traveling with children, then useful experience and a visit to the Gaming House in Grenoble will give you fun ( Maison des Jeux), where you will find a wide variety of board games collected from all over the world. The cost depends on the type and number of games selected.

You can admire the amazing nature of the Isere, just 20 kilometers from Grenoble, from the carriage of a pleasure train Le Petit Train de la Mure, the route of which passes through the mountainous terrain past the Monteynard dam. The way out of town Saint George de Commiers to the town Mure runs through 18 mountain tunnels. The unforgettable trip lasts about an hour and a half and costs 20 €.

Tourists who still have energy left after a day of sightseeing and mountain walking will go in the evening to one of the many local nightclubs, where the latest world hits are played in a dance version.

Purchases

In the center of Grenoble you will find many interesting shops selling antiques and art objects ( Hoffman Antiquités, Jacques Chenal - Jean-Claude Brun, L"Arbre à pain and etc.). Unique vintage toys are sold in a shop Berlin Antiquities. Antique books that came to Grenoble from all over the world can be found in the La Bouquinerie store. The market also specializes in this kind of goods Brocante Comboire, open every Sunday from 7:00 to 14:00.

A wide selection of clothing, shoes and accessories is presented in large shopping centers cities Galerie Robert Giroud, Galeries Lafayette etc.

You can buy the best varieties of cheese produced both in the vicinity of Grenoble and throughout France in excellent specialized stores Le Point and Bayard, located in the city center. And for the most delicate Alpine chocolate, you should go to the store Chocolats Zugmeyer.

A small souvenir shop is located on Mount Bastille.

Transport

To get to Grenoble, it is best to use by rail: by high-speed TGV lines from Paris (travel time - three hours, cost - about 70 €) or regional TER lines from Lyon (travel time - one and a half hours, cost - 15 €) and Geneva. Grenoble-Isère Airport, located 40 km from the city center, serves only charter flights. There are regular bus services between Lyon Airport (Aéroport Lyon-Saint Exupéry) and Grenoble. The fare is 22 € one way or 33 € round trip.

The most convenient way to get around the city center is by tram (lines A, B, C and D). The cost of a ticket for one trip is 1.5 €, for 10 trips - 12.9 €, for 30 trips - 34.3 €, the cost of a one-day pass is 4.4 €, a three-day pass is 10.4 €. The same tickets are valid on municipal buses operating around the city. Tickets can be purchased at automated kiosks at stops or from conductors. If you are going to purchase a ticket for travel from the conductor on the tram, then make sure that you have banknotes in denominations below 20 €.

Those who prefer a bicycle to all types of transport can rent it at one of the Métrovélo rental offices, paying 3 € for one day of rental. Here you can rent child seats, helmets, etc.

Connection

You can call from Grenoble using a public telephone or using mobile services. In the mountains mobile connection may be interrupted. Free Internet is available in all hotels in the city, as well as in libraries and youth centers Pôle Initiative Emploi Sud, Le Plateau, etc.

Safety

Grenoble is relatively calm and safe city. However, you should always be careful about the safety of your personal belongings. Do not walk in remote areas in dark time days and always inform about your route when going to the mountains.

Business climate

The ARAIN business incubator operates in Grenoble, where significant assistance is provided (from legal assistance in the process of registering an enterprise and the provision of the necessary premises and equipment to marketing promotion) to opening companies.

Due to the fact that a large number of high-tech enterprises are concentrated in Grenoble, especially in industries such as bio- and nanotechnology, international forums, conferences and meetings are constantly held in the city's largest conference halls.

Real estate

By purchasing real estate in Grenoble, you will become the owner of an apartment or house in a magnificent ancient city, located just a few minutes' drive from scenic Alpine mountains And ski resorts. In addition - sea Mediterranean resorts several hours away. The average cost of 1 m2 of housing in Grenoble is about 2,800-3,500 €.

To call an ambulance in Grenoble, you need to dial 15, the police - 17, the rescue service from a mobile phone - 112.

IN Tourist office Grenoble, located at st. Republic, 14 (1 4, rue de la République), available detailed information for all questions regarding accommodation, food, sightseeing, etc.

At the foot of the majestic Vercors mountain range, Beldon and Chartreuse are beautiful. His business card is the famous fortress La Forteresse De La Bastille (Bastille), located onmountain plateau in the city center. If you decide to stay in Grenoble, check out the best hotel deals at this link.

Historical places

Is oldest city France. It preserves ancient buildingssacred architecture. Attracts a huge number of tourists Temple complex (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 Frappé.

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 the historical region of Dauphine.

Beautifully located on the banks of the Drac 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 winter sports were held in Grenoble Olympic Games, 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 a version on English language), 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 climbing suggestions and detailed information about mountainous places for accommodation.

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. Single ticket, the same 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 next to railway station. Hotel address: 1 place de la Gare;

3). Hotel Des Alpes – Family hotel good standard near the train station, retaining a wonderful view 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). Hotel 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 climb the cable car from quai Stephane-Jay to Fort de la Bastille on a steep slope above northern shore Ysera. 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.

Grenoble is a city with a population of approximately 158,000 citizens (550,000 including the suburbs), located in southeastern France, in the Rhône-Alpes region, which includes the 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, he accepts big number 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.

civil Aviation

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

Several SNCF high-speed trains (TGV) travel 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 am until midnight, and also, starting from 5 am until 10 pm, 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 become familiar with the "Park and Ride" parking system operated by Semitag-parking, you will realize that it is a good way to get to know the 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 last years. Free tourist guide gives a short history of 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 was 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 work Matisse, one by Miro, one by Kandinsky and one by Andy Warhol.

Museum natural history(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, approximately 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 view to the city. Exhibitions are held in both English and 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). The museum is located in the palace of the former bishop on the Place Notre-Dame. It displays objects and works of art that tell the history of the Isère region and its inhabitants from prehistoric times to the present day. 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 for a free audio guide (in French or English) at reception.

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. It is considered a 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 - big park downtown. 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 for an international exhibition on 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 a lot good restaurants in the city center, approximately between the train station, Saint-André and Notre-Dame squares. 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, you must 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 seem 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 getting additional 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). It houses 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.

Courses French available from 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.

In the south-east of France, on the coast of two picturesque rivers - Isère and Drak, lies charming Grenoble. The capital of the historical district of Dauphiné and one of its departments, Isère. It is nestled in the middle of the mighty French Alps. The city is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges– Chartreuse, Vector and Beldon. Tourists are attracted by its wild, untamed nature and variety of magnificent landscapes. Endless plains give way to high mountain ranges, green hills with virgin forests, crystal lakes with mysterious grottoes. In the vicinity of the city there are several picturesque natural parks. Comes to Grenoble every year great amount tourists. Some are looking thrills, conquering the inaccessible Alps, others come for peace and quiet, to wander around mountain paths, forests, go fishing, admire the architectural masterpieces of Grenoble. Grenoble – real paradise for ecotourism.

A little history

The first settlements on the territory of modern Grenoble were founded by the Celts in the 1st century BC. One of these settlements eventually grew into the small town of Cularo. After some time, the Roman conquerors came here and renamed it Gratianopolis. Over time, the name was simplified and the city became Grenoble. In the 11th century it was given the status of the main city of the Dauphine region. At this time, France was at war with the Duchy of Savoy, and Grenoble became the main point of concentration of hostilities. According to historical reference books, this is where the seed of the French Revolution was born. It is known that in the 14th century the court of the Dauphiné dynasty was located in the city. The 19th century is the era of Grenoble prosperity. The city specialized in the production of gloves, paper and cement. The metallurgical and mining industries developed rapidly, and the first hydroelectric power station appeared. The economy was moving up by leaps and bounds. In 1968, the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Currently, Grenoble is a large industrial, tourist, historical, educational and Cultural Center France. The chemical and electronics industries are actively developing, and nuclear research is being conducted.

Sights of Grenoble

Palace of the Dauphine

The Dauphiné Palace is a majestic parliament building built in the 15th century. It rises in the center of Saint-André, next to Cathedral. There are two styles in the architecture of the palace. The right wing is decorated in cream tones and made in the medieval Gothic style. The left one has a gray-blue tint, it was created in the Renaissance style. The building is decorated with original carved ornaments and luxurious stucco moldings. Until the 18th century, the city parliament was housed within the walls of Dauphiné; later it was converted into the Palace of Justice.

Temple complex of Grenoble

The huge temple complex of Grenoble is incredibly popular - a unique architectural monument. On its territory is located the Cathedral of Our Lady - a rectangular structure devoid of all decorations, with a high square chapel adjacent to it. Nearby stands the building of the Episcopal Palace Museum, built at the beginning of the 19th century. A five-story building, within the walls of which a large exhibition is located. It includes unique artifacts belonging to the Bronze Age and the Neolithic period, several models of ancient cities, and a collection of religious art. In 2014, a wonderful natural Park. Part of the temple complex also includes two charming churches - St. Andrew and St. Hugo. In the 19th century, the famous French military leader Pierre de Bayard, whom local residents behind his back he was called “a knight without fear and reproach.” The decoration of the complex is its delightful fountain - “The Fountain of the Three Estates”.

Church of Saint Laurent

The Church of Saint Laurent is a beautiful 12th century building nestled on the Isère coast. An ancient temple made in the Romanesque style. There is a beautiful chapel adjacent to the main building. It is decorated with elegant columns and original carvings. In the Middle Ages, noble citizens were buried within its walls. Today is here Archaeological Museum. Its exhibition includes ancient artifacts found as a result of archaeological excavations. The pride of the museum is the old underground crypt, which is about ten centuries old.

Grenoble Museum

In the 18th century, a city museum was erected on La Valette Square. Its exhibition halls house a huge collection of works of art belonging to different eras, from antiquity to modern times. The museum was rebuilt and expanded several times, gradually turning into a small complex. Overcoming the fragile glass bridge, tourists find themselves at the doors of the Island Tower. Currently, a lot of exhibitions dedicated to graphics are held within its walls. The museum is surrounded by a wonderful sculpture park by Albert Michalon.

Fortress Bastille

The symbol of Grenoble, its permanent calling card, is the formidable Bastille. This is a powerful defensive outpost built by Duke France de Lediguières. Today there is a large modern center. On its territory there are several cozy restaurants, a military museum and excellent Observation deck. The observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the Alpine landscapes and the city panorama.

Recreation and entertainment

Grenoble is the “picturesque capital of the Alps.” Lovers of active recreation will find a variety of activities to suit their tastes. Tourists are given the opportunity to take a walking or cycling tour along local surroundings, try your hand at rock climbing or horse riding, enjoy the stunning scenery of numerous natural parks, and play golf. In winter you can ride alpine skiing or dog sledding. A cheerful Playhouse opens its “hospitable” doors for children. Its wall contains countless board games and mini-attractions. In the evenings, discos and nightclubs open in Grenoble.

Reminder for tourists

Within minimal proximity to Grenoble there are three international airport. Grenoble-Isère is located 40 kilometers away - big airport, serving dozens of European flights. Lyon airport is located one hundred kilometers from the city, and Geneva airport is 160 kilometers away. Both receive a huge number of flights from all over the world, including from Russia. From Paris to Grenoble you can travel by high speed train. The journey duration is about three hours, the ticket price is from 70 euros. Price train ticket from Lyon – 15 euros. Numerous buses, taxis and trams operate within the city.

 

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