Grenoble in France, which, thanks to the surrounding Alpine peaks, attracts thousands of winter sports enthusiasts and snow enthusiasts. The mountainous terrain and snow-covered peaks year-round are the hallmark and major attraction of Grenoble, but not the only one.
If you’ve ever stumbled upon Our Trails, you’ve probably noticed that we are closer to the humid jungles and sun-drenched beaches of the south than to the snow and ice of the north. Despite clear preferences, we had a great time in French Grenoble, and the city’s attractions and ancient history filled our time tightly, which I’ll tell you about today.
Grenoble in France the extraordinary history of the city in a nutshell
Grenoble was founded by the ancient Allobroges, a Celtic tribe that settled this part of Europe thousands of years ago. After centuries of Celtic rule, the Romans came and introduced their governance, full of violence and bloodshed, but also extraordinary order and new, more or less just rulership for those times.
The fate of the city was sealed in the 5th century by the church, establishing a bishopric in Grenoble, which elevated its status and propelled it towards prosperity in the Middle Ages.
In 1339, the first university in the city was established in Grenoble, and although the world-famous university had already been operating in Montpellier, 300 kilometres away, for 150 years, Grenoble quickly became a city of learning and enlightenment.
The period of greatest prosperity for Grenoble occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, when numerous mines started operating in the city and metallurgical and timber industries were launched. The combination of industry and the scientific centre led to the emergence of numerous technologies that changed the world of that time.
What to do and see in Grenoble and how much it costs
- Electric Mountain Bike rental; Rent a brand-new electric mountain bike for a day trip all around the French Alps!
- Discover cannoning in the Vercors; Explore the canyons around Grenoble and experience an exceptional adventure for half a day.
- First flight in paragliding; Live an unforgettable and sensational experience.
- Book a hotel at a good price and enjoy the beauty of Grenoble.
- Rent a car and explore the city efficiently and comfortably.
Grenoble attractions in the city and places worth seeing
The city of Grenoble in France, due to its location, is an incredibly charming place, and simply strolling through its streets can be a wonderful adventure. However, for enthusiasts of tourist attractions, there are plenty of recommendable places to explore.
During our two-day stay in Grenoble, we managed to visit the most important attractions, but there is still quite a lot of left to see. Below, I will list the places that particularly appealed to us and that I would like to recommend to you with pleasure.
Fort Bastille in Grenoble and its history
The ruins of the massive Bastille (Fort de la Bastille), towering over the city, are perhaps the most famous landmark in Grenoble and quite literally impossible to miss. The fortress is located atop a mountain belonging to the Chartreuse massif, rising to a height of 264 meters. This location was chosen for its strategic position, providing control and protection of the city from several valleys leading to Grenoble. Situated on a steep slope, the fort was an incredibly difficult place for foreign armies to conquer due to the surrounding cliffs.
The first and oldest fortifications on the hills around Grenoble date back to Roman times. Walls and numerous defensive forts were also built in the Middle Ages, but they did not prevent numerous invasions and attacks that occurred over the centuries.
During the religious wars, the old defensive walls and fortifications were destroyed. In 1591, a new governor of Grenoble decided to build a powerful Citadel to provide protection for the city. When the initial work was completed, it was decided to further expand the fortifications and garrison for a larger number of soldiers.
Ultimately, the Bastille of Grenoble was surrounded by walls over a meter thick, nearly 70 meters long, and 50 meters wide. During the construction, the old Roman defensive walls around the city were destroyed because they were not suitable for installing modern artillery.
They were replaced by new fortifications consisting of several bastions and numerous observation towers capable of withstanding bombardment and defending the city. Over the following years, many kilometres of defensive walls were built extending far beyond the Bastille and fortified forts.
Unfortunately, time passes quickly, and nothing ages as military installations do. In the early 17th century, King Louis XIV was warned that the fortifications around Grenoble were outdated and would not withstand an attack by hostile forces on the Alpine territory of France.
Unfortunately, not much was done to strengthen Grenoble’s defence until the Napoleonic defeat. It was only in 1815 that it was decided to improve the French fortifications in the Alps. In the place of the old fort, a gigantic Bastille was built, surrounded by numerous forts and bunkers. Numerous fortifications, casemates, drawbridges, and a garrison for nearly 1000 soldiers trained for high mountain combat were established.
In the early 20th century, Grenoble’s fortifications were still part of the Alpine fortifications, but due to the development of military technology, they lost their significance.
Visiting the Bastille in Grenoble
Currently, the Bastille of Grenoble, once a powerful and extremely formidable military structure, has transformed into one of the city’s most popular attractions, visited by over 600,000 tourists each year.
The Bastille fortress towers over the city and is visible from almost every corner. There are several ways to reach the monument. One of the simplest and easiest ways is to take the cable car, which will take you from the city centre to the top of the hill where the Bastille is located. The cable car journey is comfortable, and the views from inside the spherical cabins are breathtaking. The only issue (especially during peak seasons) might be the long queues for the ride up.
Another option is to hike up the hill on foot. The trail is comfortable and very pleasant, but it requires some time (about 50 minutes), and trekking uphill under the scorching summer sun may not be suitable for everyone.
The last option to reach the Bastille in Grenoble is by driving up the hill. This method seems the easiest and most enjoyable until you drive your car onto the narrow streets leading uphill. They are so winding that our Jeep barely fit, and remember, it’s not a one-way road. Halfway through, we gave up and returned to the city to patiently join the queue of tourists waiting for their turn on the cable car. If you’re driving a small car, unlike our American tank, feel free to push it uphill.
The Fort de la Bastille essentially consists of high walls atop the mountain with several small museums, two restaurants, and numerous attractions for children such as rope parks, target ball throwing, or obstacle courses. However, the main attraction of the Bastille of Grenoble is the panoramic views of the city, which you’ll see in our photographs.
After finishing your exploration of the Bastille fortress, you’ll have to make your way back to the city, where other attractions await. You can return the same way you came or opt for a different mode of transport just for fun.
For us, visiting the Fort de la Bastille was a great adventure, and we had a fantastic time, which I also wish for you!
Cable car to the Bastille in Grenoble
In the chapter above, I talked about visiting the Bastille Fortress in Grenoble. Now, you’ll hear about the cable car that you can take to get to the top, where the Bastille stands. The cable car in Grenoble is a major attraction of the city and its landmark. The spherical glass cabins are often depicted on postcards, banners, or fridge magnets. The cable car was built in 1934 and connected the city centre with the Bastille.
The Grenoble cable car is 300 meters long, and I must admit that riding in the swaying glass bubbles above the city leaves a lasting impression, and I’ll remember it for a long time. The ride lasts only a few minutes, but it’s worth spending a few euros to experience it.
The cable car operates throughout the day from early morning until midnight, allowing you to ascend to the Bastille both during the day and after dark when Grenoble below is lit up by thousands of lights. However, regardless of what time you find yourself at the top, the city looks magnificent, especially when combined with the snow-covered peaks surrounding the valley where the city lies, creating a breathtaking sight.
In the 1970s, the original cable car was replaced with a modern one featuring glass cabins shaped like spheres. During summer, there are five glass cabins in two sets, while in winter, there are only four. Every year, over 300,000 people use the cable car, and according to city authorities, over 12 million people have boarded it since its inception.
Museums I recommend in Grenoble
The Musee de Grenoble is an art museum located on the Place Lavalette within the walls of the former Franciscan monastery in Grenoble. The museum was established in 1798 by Louis Joseph Jay, who lent his collection as the first exhibits. In the museum, you’ll see a rich collection ranging from artefacts from Ancient Egypt to paintings from all epochs, up to 20th-century artworks. It houses valuable works by European painting masters from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The Museum of Art in Grenoble is considered the oldest art museum in France, even older than the one in the Louvre Palace in Paris.
The Musee de l’Ancien Eveche is a museum full of archaeological treasures unearthed during excavations in Grenoble, particularly around the Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll receive an audio guide in the museum, allowing you to learn many interesting things about the city’s history.
The Musee de Dauphinois is housed in an old monastery and contains memorabilia from the city’s former residents as well as alpine villages and towns. You’ll also learn about the history of the Alps and people associated with the mountains. The exhibits telling the story of the beginnings of skiing and other sports related to high mountains are particularly interesting.
The museums in Grenoble are free, except for exceptional circumstances when special exhibitions are held. They all open in the morning and close around 6:00 PM. I encourage you to visit the official website of each museum for additional information about exhibitions and events.
The old town of Grenoble is an ideal place for walking
The Old Town in Grenoble is gorgeous and was renovated some time ago, adding to its charm. The main points of interest in the old town of Grenoble are two city squares: Place Saint-André and Place Grenette.
Around these squares, you’ll find the most captivating architecture and landmarks of Grenoble’s old town, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral dating back to the 12th century. The Church of Saint-Laurent is several hundred years older than the aforementioned cathedral and was founded by the first Christians who appeared in this part of the Alps.
Another interesting place is the Palace of Justice and the former parliament of the historical region, which was a fiefdom of the Kingdom of Burgundy and later the French crown.
Our visit to Grenoble was very intriguing, although when it comes to tourist attractions, there are many other cities in the Alps that may seem more appealing. It’s definitely worth visiting this place and spending even a few days here.
After two days, we moved on, fondly remembering the incredible views from the observation platforms scattered around the mountains surrounding Grenoble.
Furthermore, remember that Grenoble in France entirely changes its face in winter, when snow enthusiasts and winter sports enthusiasts descend upon the Alps.
Grenoble and attractions near the city
Near Grenoble in France, there’s no shortage of attractions. Most of them are associated with hiking on well-maintained trails. However, within easy reach of Grenoble, there are beautiful landmarks and interesting places worth visiting if you have enough time.
Be sure to consider a visit to the Chateau de Vizille. It’s a spectacular castle surrounded by fantastic gardens, inhabited by deer and roe deer. Right next to the castle, you’ll find a charming lake where waterfowl swim, and on its shores, there are dozens of benches and pleasant groves. It’s truly a heavenly garden.
Inside the castle, there’s a museum of the French Revolution, and visiting it is free, except for special events held on important occasions. You can reach the castle by city bus number 65.
The giant attraction of the areas around Grenoble is the hiking trails designed to offer the most beautiful views of the surrounding Alps. Interestingly, most ski resorts also operate in the summer and offer various attractions. These include obstacle courses, rope parks, or grassy downhill slopes. You can also rent regular and electric bicycles, scooters, or other equipment useful in the mountains.
Around Grenoble, there are also many caves, ice caves, and mountain passes that offer an incredible atmosphere of mystery and a thrill of the unknown danger. Each cave has its legends and history, which guides and people working on mountain trails will tell you about.
Of course, you can’t forget about the local cuisine, for which Grenoble is famous. Specialities include the local version of Les ravioles du Royans recipe and Gratin Dauphinois. These dishes reportedly taste best at the oldest café in the city, Café de la Table Ronde, where Frédéric Chopin used to spend time.
Grenoble in France practical information
Exploring Grenoble by bike or scooter is possible, but caution is advised. The streets in the oldest part of the city are very narrow, and the ancient cobblestones don’t make manoeuvring on a two-wheeled vehicle any easier.
Most of the landmarks, museums, and other urban attractions in Grenoble are usually free to visit.
Grenoble is an ideal base for skiing trips to the famous Three Valleys, where dozens of ski slopes await enthusiasts.
For official information about what’s happening in the city, it’s worth checking out the official Grenoble tourism website.
Grenoble in France facts, information, and curiosities
- Grenoble is located in France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and is known as the Capital of the French Alps.
- The city is traversed by the Isere River.
- Grenoble is home to over 160,000 people, while the entire Grenoble region is inhabited by nearly 700,000 people, making it the most populous region in the Alps.
- Grenoble is considered the capital of the Alps and a centre of European science.
- The university educates over 60,000 students simultaneously.
- Currently, there are three universities in the city:
- Joseph Fourier University, specializing in technical and medical disciplines.
- Pierre Mendes University, focusing on social sciences and humanities.
- Stendhal University, where foreign languages, literature, and various forms of communication are taught.
- Since 2016, all universities in Grenoble have been operating under the name University Grenoble Alps. If you’re planning to pursue higher education, Grenoble is an excellent place to consider.
- Grenoble is one of the hubs of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Knowledge Triangle. This scientific project involves universities and higher education institutions from many European countries, including Poland.
- The city hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1968.
- The cable car in Grenoble is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It was launched in 1934.
- Grenoble boasts over 300 kilometres of bike paths and more than 20 parks.
- Every week, on one of the squares in Grenoble, famous antique markets take place, where private individuals and antique dealers exhibit their goods.
You must be logged in to post a comment.