Located in south-eastern France, Grenoble is the capital of the Isère department. This old industrial city has many compelling features, especially its architecture.
Grenoble is a city rich in heritage: it has no fewer than 33 buildings classed by the French government as historic monuments, including a number of religious buildings such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saint-André collegiate church.
The historical city centre is one of Grenoble's main attractions. Relatively packed together, as Grenoble was a fortified town for a long time, it offers fascinating insights into the city's former architecture. Stroll around the district's narrow streets and step into some of its many restaurants and bars, such as La Table Ronde, established in 1793, which is France's second-oldest café after Café Procope in Paris. You can also admire the splendidly ornate white façade of the Palais du Parlement du Dauphiné, which used to house the regional government.
Grenoble is also a very green city: it has a number of parks, the most iconic being the vast Paul Mistral Park, which spreads over 66acres in the city centre. There you will come across the Charles-Berty Stadium, as well as numerous memorials.
If you have a head for heights, take a ride on the Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car. Launched in1934, it was one of the first urban cable cars in France. On board the cabins, nicknamed "bubbles" due to their shape, you will be taken to the Bastille fortress, another of the key symbols of Grenoble. First built in the Renaissance period, later reinforced by Vauban, and then reinforced again in the 19th century by General Haxo, its architecture is varied and it also offers several restaurants as well as spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountain ranges.
Grenoble is a hidden gem in the heart of the mountains with plenty to keep curious minds enthralled. Have an excellent stay in this magnificent city!
